Von Otter’s ‘Home’ is a most welcoming place

“Home for Christmas” is Anne Sofie von Otter’s holiday entertainment, now touring the United States. It stopped in Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on Tuesday night to the obvious pleasure of a happy crowd of music lovers.

The veteran Swedish mezzo-soprano, a charming host for the evening, is at home in several genres and is assisted stylishly by nine crack instrumentalists she calls “my merry Swedish gentlemen.” Together, they spread joy and good humor and an ample musical smorgasbord. For all the eclecticism, there are no untoward juxtapositions of material, and the entirety flows naturally.

Besides irresistible playing from the band, Tuesday’s concert featured beautiful singing from the 49-year-old Von Otter, who is clearly comfortable both with and without a microphone. She offered catchy Swedish folk songs, rhythmic pop items, a Bach aria, a solo group of songs for St. Lucia’s Day (Dec. 13) -- including a touching account of Brahms’ Lullaby -- and, finally, a quiet, reverent “Silent Night.”

The personable members of her little band all contributed showy solos, especially violinist Torbjorn Nasborn, who played a solo on the multistringed nyckelharpa; cellist Svante Henryson; and Von Otter’s longtime recital partner, pianist Bengt Forsberg, who played Myra Hess’ transcription of Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

Such a happy, free-flowing entertainment deserves a repeat visit.