Composer

Music Director

It is not every day you get to hear a saxophone virtuoso reimagine seminal works composed for bassoon, cello, and voice on his deeply expressive instrument of choice. In his Cal Performances debut, Steven Banks, “the saxophone’s best friend, fiercest advocate, and primary virtuoso in the classical realm” (Washington Post) and the first saxophonist to win the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant, offers a whirlwind musical tour on the mighty baritone saxophone.

EPSG:4326

Steven Banks, baritone saxophone Xak Bjerken, piano

University of California, Berkeley

The ASU Symphony Orchestra is joined by the acclaimed Harlem Quartet for a dynamic evening of chamber–symphonic collaboration, featuring Bernstein’s West Side Story concerto. Known for its genre-spanning performances and deep commitment to musical equity, Harlem Quartet brings its distinctive voice to the orchestral stage in a program shaped by dialogue, contrast, and expressive range.

We also welcome musicians from Red Mountain High School’s orchestra program, led by John Haggard, who will join the ASU Symphony in Dvořák’s iconic Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” The program opens with Carlos Simon’s rousing Amen!

ASU Symphony Orchestra with the Harlem Quartet

Red Mountain High School

Journey through the rich tapestry of African American musical traditions with Florence Price's evocative Ethiopia's Shadow in America and Carlos Simon's trombone concerto Troubled Water featuring LPO Principal Trombone Austin Richardson and feel the raw energy of Samuel Barber's unbridled Symphony No. 1 before the exhilarating finale: Aaron Copland's beloved Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo – a joyous celebration of the American West.

Copland's Rodeo

Orpheum Theater

Los Angeles favorite Thomas Wilkins returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall for a holiday inflected program. In 1960, Duke Ellington merged the Tchaikovsky ballet with his own aesthetic, transforming the Sugar Plum Fairy into Sugar Rum Cherry and “The Dance of the Reed-Pipes” into “Toot Toot Tootsie Toot” creating an instant American classic with his spin on the Russian chestnut. But Tchaikovsky gets his full due with his enchanting First Symphony, which the composer lovingly called “a sin of my sweet youth.” From its chilly opening along a winter journey and through misty landscapes, the composer eventually arrives in a spring filled with the blooms of flowers and young love.

Ellington’s Nutcracker & Tchaikovsky’s “Winter Daydreams”

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Unfortunately, we need to change the first half of the programme on December 7 because of scheduling reasons. Instead of the originally planned programme with works for brass ensemble by Takemitsu, Shostakovich, and Tomasi, we will be offering “Four Black American Dances” by Carlos Simon and the trumpet concerto “Nobody Knows the Trouble I See” by Bernd Alois Zimmermann.

Andris Nelsons & Håkan Hardenberger

Gasteig HP8

Alessio Bax makes his TSO debut as the soloist in Beethoven’s monumental Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony and Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers complete this program built on themes of unrest and power.

Beethoven’s Emperor

Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

Munich Residence

This Thanksgiving, explore cultural roots and the concept of “home.” Simon’s Tales draws on African American folklore, traditions, and spirituals, while Bielawa connects to violin solist Tessa Lark's American roots in Appalachia in her work PULSE. Copland’s theme from Appalachian Spring, based on the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts,” evokes simplicity, peace, and community. In contrast, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7, written during a period of personal struggle, reflects his Czech heritage and the political turmoil of his homeland.

Dvořák Symphony No. 7

Cincinnati Music Hall

BNY Classics showcases unforgettable performances by your Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, featuring timeless masterpieces, thrilling premieres, and renowned guest artists.

Himari Plays Bruch

Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts

Curtis New Music Ensemble’s We the Artists celebrates groundbreaking American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Marking America’s 250th year, the program reflects the nation’s diverse musical tapestry. It features Clarice Assad’s Canções da America, inspired by South American rhythms and Indigenous traditions; Carlos Simon’s Giants, honoring five iconic Black Americans; and Valerie Coleman’s Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, exploring Black Indigenous heritage.

We the Artists

Curtis Institute of Music

Three composers. Three bold voices. This afternoon concert explores the idea of resilience — how artists transform adversity into energy, elegance, and invention. The concert begins with Beethoven’s Second Symphony, one of his least performed masterworks, written at a time of personal crisis but bursting with humor, invention, and fire. It’s not the Beethoven of fate and fury—but of wit, drive, and irrepressible spirit. Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers picks up that thread with a jolt. Inspired by a line from Beethoven’s journals, the piece is full of quick turns and titillating energy—tight, fierce, and over almost too soon. The final word belongs to Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 2, a hidden gem that feels as if a mirror was held to Beethoven as it was composed. Elegant and propulsive, Farrenc’s music claims its place in the symphonic tradition—powerfully and unmistakably.

Second to None: The Second Symphonies of Beethoven and Farrenc

Hotel Chalet

Brahms Violin Concerto

Riverview Theatre

Rhapsody in Blue

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

State Theatre New Jersey

Princeton University

Ben Campbell – Master’s Recital

Hamel Music Center

The Midland Symphony Orchestra invites you on a breathtaking musical journey celebrating the violin! The evening begins with Motherboxx Connection by Carlos Simon, a vibrant and powerful work commissioned by our friends and partners at The Sphinx Organization. Violinist Adrian Anantawan will join the Orchestra for a performance of this Tchaikovsky masterwork. The second half features the beautiful and alluring Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov.

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Midland Center for the Arts

Celebrate the capital city’s deep well of creativity, as Jackson soprano DeAnna Tisdale Johnson lends her stunning voice to Margaret Walker’s best-loved poems in three song-settings by Crafton Beck. Honor the Mississippi premiere of Carlos Simon’s powerful 2023 Grammy-nominated, multi-genre Requiem for the Enslaved – an original composition infused with African American spirituals and Catholic liturgical melodies – then stay for conversation and learn more.

Chamber 2: Resonant Song

Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers sets the mood for an evening of bold, brilliant performances. Inspired by Beethoven’s journals, it is a gripping and rhythmically charged response to the great composer’s defiance of destiny. Simon’s work crackles with urgency channeling Beethoven’s spirit in a voice that’s modern, bold, and uncompromising.

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center

Acclaimed cellist Seth Parker Woods, known for his adventurous programming and dynamic artistry, brings his unique voice to this journey. For Woods, Sarabandes feel uniquely human and contemplative, serving as touchpoints throughout the evening.

Seth Parker Woods: Thus Spoke Their Verse

St Giles Cripplegate

Ignite

Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Associate Conductor Alex Amsel leads this program with two pieces inspired by faith. Soprano Liv Redpath joins to sing Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, depicting a child’s vision of heaven. This remarkable program begins with Carlos Simon’s AMEN!, an exuberant piece inspired by Pentecostal Church music, reflecting the composer’s upbringing.

Mozart & Mahler

Phoenix Convention Center

We open the season with a program that showcases the exhilarating power of music. Fate Now Conquers, by Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon, was inspired by Beethoven’s defiant spirit and determination to overcome adversity. This contemporary masterpiece sets the stage for the triumphant celebration that unfolds in Beethoven's immortal Symphony No. 5. Renowned violin virtuoso Eunice Kim joins us to perform the breathtaking Bruch Violin Concerto, a technically stunning display of musical artistry.

Immortal Beethoven

Mayo Civic Center

Gershwin Concerto in F

Hemmens Auditorium

Mozart’s effervescent overture to The Marriage of Figaro provides a delightful introduction to cellist Jaemin Han, who delivers dazzling virtuosity in Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations, a sparkling tribute to 18th-century elegance. Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, inspired by Beethoven’s reflections on destiny, sets the stage for the composer’s Fifth Symphony—featuring the most iconic first four notes in classical music.

Beethoven’s Fifth

Meridian Arts Centre

Symphony on a Sunday

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

“From his first notes, the effect was astonishing. It was the tone he drew from his instrument which caught the ear first, and continued to throughout the performance. Totally clean, liquid, mellifluous—i.e., honeyed—in the best sense of the word, rounded and beautiful, it beckoned you in.”

Demarre McGill

Heritage Theatre

San Mateo High School

Carlos Simon’s The Block, Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, and Mussorgsky’s iconic Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Ravel) come together in a visually inspired program that celebrates the connection between visual and musical arts.

Pictures at an Exhibition

Lancaster Country Day School

Pergolesi’s sacred masterpiece, the Stabat Mater, is filled with gorgeous, spine-tingling music that explores the nature of grief, hope and healing. These emotions also course through Barber’s sublime Adagio for Strings and Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, a high-spirited tribute to Beethoven. CSO Piccolo Jennifer Gunn solos as the mercurial protagonist in Thea Musgrave’s Piccolo Play.

Piccolo Play & Adagio for Strings

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony: Elgar’s Cello Concerto

Shermerhorn Symphony Center

The NSO’s season bursts to life with the sensational Yuja Wang in Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, a powerhouse work for Wang to flaunt her “scintillating pianism” (New York Classical Review). The evening also shines a spotlight on American voices, from Copland’s resounding Fanfare for the Common Man to Carlos Simon’s Warmth of Other Suns and more. A perfect night for newcomers and longtime symphony lovers alike!

Season Opening Gala Concert: Noseda & Yuja Wang

Kennedy Center

Heroic Journeys

Broome County Forum Theatre

Immerse yourself in our country’s most distinctive cultural resource: its music. George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Carlos Simon guide you on an exhilarating, globe-trotting tour of Harlem and points beyond, in a program conducted by James Gaffigan. In works like the Piano Concerto in F and American in Paris, Gershwin captured our national sound by blending all the styles he knew—jazz, blues, classical, sacred Hebrew laments, Eastern European hoedowns, and Broadway balladeering. Sophisticated and streetwise, Ellington’s Harlem celebrates the multi-ethnic capital of Black culture via sweet swing rhythms and salty avant-garde harmonies. Simon grew up in Atlanta, but his 2018 orchestral study The Block is pure Harlem, inspired by the work of African American painter and songwriter Romare Bearden.

Gaffigan Conducts Gershwin & Ellington

Davies Symphony Hall

The Grand Rapids Symphony opens its 96th season with an Ode to Joy! Marcelo Lehninger conducts a must hear performance of Beethoven's Symphony No.9.

Opening Night: Ode to Joy

DeVos Performance Hall

Join us for a night of pure musical celebration, where every moment bursts with energy, color, and joy! We open with Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers — a powerful, rhythmic overture that ignites the stage with urgency and hope. Then, bask in the lush jazz-inspired brilliance of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, where classical finesse meets big-city swing. Finally, surrender to the unstoppable vitality of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, a work so full of life, it famously moved audiences to dance.

Finding Joy

University of Redlands

This afternoon's performance by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus is supported by the Alan J. and Suzanne W. Dworsky Fund for Voice and Chorus.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9, Ode to Joy

Tanglewood Music Center

TMC Orchestra Perform Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, and Simon

Musicianship at its finest! Experience the brilliance of harpist Johanna Wienholts and WCO Principal flute Brandon LePage as they perform works by Debussy and Carlos Simon. Paired with Mozart’s iconic Marriage of Figaro and Symphony No. 40, as well as the “Adagietto” from Mahler’s Symphony No. 5—led by guest conductor Yaniv Dinur—this program promises an evening of exceptional artistry and unforgettable music.

King Street corner of the Capitol Square

Recital Series: Boston Symphony Chamber Players

Join The Louisville Orchestra this July for the second leg of our 2025 In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour! Celebrate summer with a vibrant program that combines iconic classics, exciting new works, and unexpected surprises in central Kentucky.

In Harmony Tour: Glasgow

Glasgow on the Square

The Stephen Foster Story

The Bandstand in Freeman Lake Park

Felix E Martin Jr Hall

The Louisville Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Teddy Abrams, will present a celebratory mix of classical and contemporary pieces. From beloved summer classics like Vivaldi’s “Summer,” and “The Star Spangled Banner” to crowd favorites like John Williams’ “Main Title” from Star Wars and Tchaikovsky’s “Finale” from 1812 Overture, Op. 49, there’s something for the whole family in this summertime celebration.

Play America

River Ridge

Celebrate Independence Day in grand style with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra! Weaving together contemporary and classical gems, audiences can expect all their favorites such as 1812 Overture, Stars and Stripes Forever, and the Armed Forces Salute, paired with performances by the TIED WINNERS of our 2025 Young Artist Concerto Competition, 17-year-old Indre Raghavan showcasing her skill on violin with the first movement of the Violin Concerto in D minor by Jean Sibelius, and 15-year-old André Previn Peck impressively performing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in F minor. 

Celebration of Liberty

The FWSO’s Concert on the Lawn at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art returns for a second year! Enjoy the bold sounds of brass with Sousa marches like The Stars and Stripes Forever, along with classic Broadway tunes, including “Seventy-Six Trombones” from The Music Man and iconic tunes from South Pacific. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your snacks, and join us for a night filled with upbeat music and activities, perfect for the whole family.

Concert on the Lawn @ The Carter

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

The American Sound

Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg

### Event Description: Juneteenth - Minnesota Orchestra

**Event Title:** Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra

**Date & Time:** Thursday, June 19, 2025

**Venue:** Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

**Duration:** 2 hours, including intermission

**Event Overview:**
In celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, the Minnesota Orchestra, alongside guests and members of the Twin Cities community, will perform a program featuring music by African American composers. This special event aims to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth through a rich and diverse musical experience.

**Program:**
- **JOHNSON:** Victory Stride
- **WATKINS:** Soul of Remembrance, from Five Movements in Color
- **ABELS:** Delights and Dances
- **LEE:** Freedom’s Genuine Dawn
- **COLEMAN:** Umoja
- **SIMON:** Ring Shout, from Four Black American Dances

**Artists:**
- **Minnesota Orchestra:** The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles. The orchestra is known for its acclaimed performances, award-winning recordings, broadcasts, educational engagement programs, and a commitment to featuring works by composers of color.
- **Jonathan Taylor Rush, Conductor:** An accomplished and visionary conductor, Jonathan Taylor Rush's musical journey is rooted in his upbringing within the church, incorporating elements of gospel and soul music. He is a passionate advocate for living and underrepresented composers.

**Ticket Information:**
Tickets for this concert are available now when you purchase a package. Save up to 15% and receive subscriber perks when you buy 3 or more concerts. Individual tickets go on sale on July 29.

**Accessibility Services:**
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
- Additional services are available upon request.

**Additional Information:**
Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall and subscribe for more updates and events. 

**Sponsored by:** [Sponsor Information]

Join us for an evening of powerful music and community as we celebrate Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Juneteenth

Minnesota Orchestra

### Event Description: Søndergård Conducts Rachmaninoff - Minnesota Orchestra

**Event Title:** Søndergård Conducts Rachmaninoff

**Dates:** Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Saturday, June 14, 2025

**Venue:** Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

**Duration:** 2 hours, including intermission

**Event Overview:**
Join the Minnesota Orchestra for an unforgettable evening as Thomas Søndergård, the esteemed Music Director, leads the orchestra in a captivating performance featuring the works of Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, and Carlos Simon. This concert marks the grand finale of the season, promising a night of rhythmic and emotional musical exploration.

**Program:**
- **Carlos Simon:** Four Black American Dances
- **Sergei Prokofiev:** Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by Bruce Liu, the first prize winner of the 18th Chopin Piano Competition.
- **Sergei Rachmaninoff:** Symphonic Dances

**Artists:**
- **Conductor:** Thomas Søndergård
- **Piano Soloist:** Bruce Liu

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Available now as part of a package. Save up to 15% and enjoy subscriber perks when you purchase 3 or more concerts. Individual tickets go on sale on July 29.
- **Pre-concert Activities:** Enhance your experience with pre-concert activities, valet parking, and pre-order beverages.
- **Accessibility Services:** Armless & bariatric chairs, assistive listening devices, large-print programs, noise-canceling headphones, service animals, and wheelchair & accessible seating are available upon request.

**Presented by:** Ameriprise Financial

**Plan Your Visit:**
- **Directions & Parking:** Convenient parking is available just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
- **Minnesota Orchestra Mobile App:** Download the app to pre-order intermission drinks, scan your ticket for entry, and access exclusive deals.

Prepare for an evening of exceptional music and profound artistry as the Minnesota Orchestra, under the baton of Thomas Søndergård, brings the season to a spectacular close.

Søndergård Conducts Rachmaninoff

Royal Northern Sinfonia is joined by dynamic conductor Delyana Lazarova and extraordinary cellist Jaemin Han.

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

Middlesbrough Town Hall

Westmorland Hall

The evening opens with Carlos Simon's stirring "Amen! ". The evening concludes with George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess featuring iconic tunes such as Summertime, I Got Plenty o' Nuttin', and more!

"summertime"

The Long Center for the Performing Arts

Ravishing Rachmaninov Ascend

Northern Virginia Community College

Mozart & More

The Hawk

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Parish

First United Methodist Church,Plymouth

Congregation Shaarey Zedek

This recital is given in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music. Evan Llafet is a student of Paul Kantor. 

Evan Llafet, Violin

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Experience the soul-stirring power of Carlos Simon’s Gospel Mass in a world premiere event at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, under the baton of the illustrious Gustavo Dudamel. Scheduled for two unforgettable evenings on April 17 and 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM, this performance promises to be a profound celebration of Black joy, spiritual discovery, and the resilience of faith.

The evening begins with Leonard Bernstein’s Divertimento, a heartfelt tribute to the city of his youth and its symphony orchestra, setting the stage for a night of emotional depth and musical brilliance. Following this, violinist Randall Goosby, known for his lush tone and exceptional technique, will perform Florence Price’s Violin Concerto No. 2, a piece that showcases his unique artistry and connection to the music.

The highlight of the night, Carlos Simon’s Gospel Mass, marks its world premiere as an LA Phil commission. This piece is a celebratory homage, inspired by Bernstein’s MASS and Simon’s personal experiences, creating a narrative that explores themes of loss, gratitude, hope, and resilience. Featuring The Sunday Service Collective with Jason White as choir master and a visual narrative by Melina Matsoukas, known for her award-winning work with Beyoncé and Rihanna, this performance is set to be an immersive experience.

Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Randall Goosby, Zebulon Ellis, The Sunday Service Collective, and Jason White for an evening that celebrates the transformative power of music and community. This event is not just a concert but a journey through the rich tapestry of human emotion and spiritual reflection. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic premiere.

Carlos Simon’s Gospel Mass with Dudamel

Experience the delightful fusion of literature and music with "Slopera: A Bite-Sized Opera," inspired by Mo Willems' beloved book "I Really Like Slop." This unique performance brings the charming characters Elephant and Piggie to life in a setting where they have always belonged: the opera. The libretto, crafted by Mo Willems himself, is beautifully complemented by the music of Carlos Simon, creating an afternoon filled with drama and laughter that is perfect for the entire family. 

The event features the Nashville Symphony under the baton of conductor Nathan Aspinall, promising a captivating musical journey. Adding to the excitement, the concert includes free, family-friendly pre-concert activities starting at 2 PM, such as crafts and an interactive Instrument Petting Zoo. This performance is also designed to be sensory-friendly, offering accommodations for patrons on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. 

"Slopera" is more than just a concert; it is an immersive experience that combines the joy of storytelling with the grandeur of operatic music, making it an unforgettable event for audiences of all ages.

Slopera

Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center

CYS returns to Hertz Hall at UC Berkeley on March 30th with the Senior Orchestra performing a stellar program that features the US premiere orchestral performance of Ukrainian composer Sergei Golovko’s Colombian Marimba Concerto. We are thrilled and honored to present this magnificent work, which will be performed by CYS’s own Apple Gao, winner of the Young Artist Competition for the 2024-25 CYS Season. The Colombian Concerto takes us on a Latin American voyage complete with drum set, electric guitar, jazz piano, as well as the supremely virtuosic solo marimba as they make use of Latin American dances, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies. It is a work that is guaranteed to please everyone!

Spring Concert 2025

Daniel Bolshoy returns to join forces with Symphony Nova Scotia" class="css-u850">Symphony Nova Scotia" class="css-u850" data-mark-multiple="true">Symphony Nova Scotia for two virtuoso guitar showpieces. An Israeli-Canadian guitarist and educator, he has performed as a soloist with more than 60 orchestras internationally, and returns to Symphony Nova Scotia after his triumphant performance in 2016. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 is a delightful departure from his early works, with its cheerful and energetic mood that is sure to lift your spirits. Its four movements offer a diverse range of melodies and rhythms to keep you engaged and entertained while pulling at your heartstrings.

Beethoven & Daniel Bolshoy’s Guitar

Dalhousie University

Join us for an unforgettable evening of classical music at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall on March 23, 2025, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the esteemed Music Director Gianandrea Noseda. This special performance will showcase the incredible talent of three-time GRAMMY winner and Musical America’s 2023 Artist of the Year, Hilary Hahn, on violin.

The evening's program promises a journey through the evocative and glamorous world of Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, blending Viennese romance with the allure of Old Hollywood. The concert will also feature Carlos Simon's "Four Black American Dances" and culminate in a powerful rendition of Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67.

Enhance your concert experience with the "Beyond The Stage" pre-concert talk from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm in Persson Hall. Hosted by the Kravis Center’s Classical Artistic Advisor, Phillip Bergmann, this insightful discussion will provide fascinating background on the music, musicians, and composers featured in the performance, including special guest interviews.

This concert is proudly sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis, with additional support for the "Beyond The Stage" talk provided by Nancy and Jay Parker. Don't miss this extraordinary fusion of musical brilliance and historical depth, all in the heart of West Palm Beach.

For tickets and more information, please visit our official website, kravis.org, to ensure you're purchasing directly from us and avoiding overpriced tickets from unauthorized distributors. Join us for a classical music experience that promises to be both enlightening and exhilarating.

National Symphony Orchestra

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world's top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry. Captivating audiences and critics around the globe, he has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times), “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian), and “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR).

Great Artists Series '25: Lawrence Brownlee, tenor

560 Music Center

Rachmaninoff's beloved 2nd Piano Concerto, Sibelius' Symphony No. 2, and Carlos Simon's Amen

Jon Nakamatsu

The National Symphony Orchestra and its nearly 100 musicians are coming to the Arsht Center for the first time. Led by Milan-born music director Gianandrea Noseda and based at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., “one of the hardest-working orchestras in the biz” (The Washington Post) is known for its “exhilarating performances” (The New York Times). The Economist proclaimed that “the Italian maestro and the NSO make magic.”

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Dominant alpha males or sensitive organisers: conductors are very different – and one might think that the profession has been around forever. Compared to many others, however, it is still relatively young: it only emerged in the 19th century. Before that, only one of the players or the composer himself made a few hand gestures from the piano. But during the Romantic period in particular, the ensembles became larger and larger and the scores became more complex. A person was now needed to coordinate everything in order to avoid chaos. Mendelssohn is regarded as the first conductor in today’s understanding of the term, who set the standard as Gewandhauskapellmeister. He was followed by other big names in Leipzig, including Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bruno Walter, Kurt Masur and Herbert Blomstedt. Since 2018, Andris Nelsons has been holding the strings together there – but he also loves conducting our orchestra, and we are delighted that he is coming back to Bamberg. Because he is a phenomenon: he lives, breathes and loves music – and celebrates this with an unmistakable trademark of virtually painted lines, conveying strong emotions. The programme he has chosen combines dance works from East and West – after all, music is a wonderful means of building bridges across borders: His Latvian compatriot Arturs Maskats wrote an exciting tango in 2002, while Carlos Simon wrote the colourful »Four Black American Dances« in 2022. There is also a beguiling feast for the ears with Rimsky-Korsakov’s caleidoscope about the storyteller Scheherazade – and Andris Nelsons will certainly conduct again in the same way as he once mentioned in an interview: »Ultimately, you have to follow your heart, that’s where the impulse comes from.«

Andris Nelsons

Bamberg Concert Hall

'Irresistible zest, controlled impetuosity, dreamy sensibility and a nostalgic expression' – Berlioz on performing his own music

Rafael Payare is at the helm for what is sure to be a spellbinding RCM Symphony Orchestra concert, featuring Berlioz’ dramatic and passionate Symphonie fantastique as well as Carlos Simon's piece inspired by an entry in Beethoven’s journal, 'Fate Now Conquers', and Beethoven's First Piano Concerto performed by Magdalene Ho.

Berlioz was a Romantic through and through, and the young man at the heart of the Symphonie fantastique’s story might have been the composer himself, his obsessive nature represented by a recurring motif or ‘ideé fixe’. In the opening ‘Reveries, Passions’, Berlioz conjures up what he called ‘volcanic love’, followed by a waltzing ball scene and pastoral interlude. Then come the sinister ‘March to the Scaffold’ and nightmarish ‘Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath’, reflecting what Berlioz described as the key elements of his style: ‘passionate expression, inner warmth, rhythmic impetus and unexpectedness’.

RCM Symphony Orchestra: Symphonie fantastique

Royal College of Music

Toledo Symphony Principal trombonist Garth Simmons makes a return solo appearance in Carlos Simon’s riveting concerto Troubled Water, inspired by stories told by enslaved African Americans and abolitionists about the Underground Railroad. The Montgomery Variations, by Margaret Bonds, is similarly inspired by episodes of our country’s history, in this case, the Civil Rights movement, with the city of Montgomery, AL as a focal point. Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 is a towering symphonic structure that explores themes of fate and destiny through lush orchestration and heart-rending melodies.  

Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony

Toledo Museum of Art

The Community Church of Vero Beach

Karen Slack, the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner and a featured soloist from The Jonah People, is one of today’s most celebrated sopranos. Widely admired for her voice of extreme beauty and dramatic depth, she returns to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with her latest work, African Queens. This performance features new music written specifically for her by both African and American composers, each song reflecting the beauty, humility, passion, and power of a different queen. The program includes works by Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, Shawn Okpebholo, Dave Ragland, Carlos Simon, and Joel Thompson, with texts by Lorene Cary, Alicia Haymer, Tsitsi Ella Jaji, Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton, and Creative Collaborator Jay Saint Flono. Presented without the Nashville Symphony, this concert promises a rich tapestry of musical and narrative elements that celebrate the legacy and influence of African queens through a contemporary lens.

African Queens – Karen Slack

Enjoy Chris Zimmerman’s informal chats about the music with our guest artists 45 minutes before every concert in Beckwith Recital Hall.

Masterworks 4 | BLISS

Reineke Fine Arts Center

### Event Description: Beethoven's Sixth & Sō Percussion with Princeton Symphony Orchestra

**Dates and Times:**
- **Saturday, March 8, 2025** - 8:00 PM
- **Sunday, March 9, 2025** - 4:00 PM

**Location:**
- **Richardson Auditorium**

**Event Overview:**
Join the Princeton Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening featuring Beethoven's pastoral Sixth Symphony, a piece that beautifully evokes the serene beauty of the countryside. This concert will also showcase the dynamic and culturally significant "Four Black American Dances" by Carlos Simon, highlighting dance styles integral to Black American communities.

Adding to the evening's allure, Princeton's own Sō Percussion will perform Viet Cuong's "Renewal," a fascinating work inspired by the power of hydro, wind, and solar energies. Known for their consummate skill and quirky charm, Sō Percussion has ignited a new enthusiasm for percussion music, both old and new.

**Program:**
- **Carlos Simon** - *Four Black American Dances*
- **Viet Cuong** - *Renewal*
- **Ludwig van Beethoven** - *Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral"*

**Performers:**
- **Rossen Milanov** - Conductor
- **Sō Percussion** - Percussion Quartet

**Additional Information:**
- This concert is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
- Tickets are available by subscription.

**Accessibility & Visitor Information:**
- Accessibility options are available.
- For more details on parking, concessions, and health & safety guidelines, please visit the Princeton Symphony Orchestra's website.

Experience an evening of musical brilliance and cultural richness with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Subscribe today to secure your tickets!

Beethoven's Sixth & Sō Percussion

Alexander Hall

Grammy Award winner Jessie Montgomery blends jazz and baroque elements into her unique musical tapestry, while Carlos Simon delves into Beethoven's legacy. Meanwhile, Mozart and Tchaikovsky reflect on their own musical past in this retrospective program.

Sso Presents Retrospection

Weill Center for the Performing Arts

Grammy Award winner Jessie Montgomery blends jazz and baroque elements into her unique musical tapestry, while Carlos Simon delves into Beethoven’s legacy. Meanwhile, Mozart and Tchaikovsky reflect on their own musical past in this retrospective program.

Retrospection

Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts

Experience the musical brilliance of Emanuel Ax as he performs Beethoven’s magnificent Third Piano Concerto with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Described by The Washington Post as thoughtful, lyrical, and lustrous, Ax's artistry promises an evening of exceptional musicality. Under the baton of conductor Peter Oundjian, the concert will also feature Carlos Simon's evocative "Fate Now Conquers" and Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting "Scheherazade." This performance offers a journey through a diverse and captivating program, showcasing the profound talents of one of America's finest pianists. The evening will be enriched by a pre-concert chat with Maestro Oundjian and Julia Figueras, providing deeper insights into the music and the artists.

Emanuel Ax Plays Beethoven

Eastman Theatre

Experience an extraordinary evening of chamber music as two iconic ensembles, Imani Winds and Boston Brass, unite for a performance at the majestic Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. Renowned for their virtuosity and versatility, these powerhouse wind ensembles are celebrated champions of new music. Their collaborative program promises a rich tapestry of sound, featuring compositions by multi-GRAMMY winning musician and composer Arturo Sandoval, alongside works by Khachaturian, J.S. Bach, de Falla, Piazzolla, and contemporary masters D’Rivera and Simon. This unique concert offers a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of two distinct musical forces, creating a super band that brings to life the intricate and dynamic world of chamber music.

Imani Winds & Boston Brass

Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

Experience the profound musical journey of "Beethoven's Ninth: Ode to Joy" at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This concert marks the inaugural Nashville Symphony series under the baton of conductor Nicholas Hersh. The evening opens with Carlos Simon's "Fate Now Conquers," a piece inspired by Beethoven's journal, capturing the capricious nature of fate through dynamic musical expressions. Following this, Maurice Ravel's "Shéhérazade" transports listeners to the enchanting world of Arabian Nights, where the heroine spins captivating tales to save her life. The highlight of the evening is Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, a monumental work celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in the history of music. This choral symphony, featuring the Nashville Symphony Chorus under the direction of Tucker Biddlecombe, along with soloists Gabriella Reyes, Jennifer Johnson Cano, Alek Shrader, and David Leigh, promises an unforgettable auditory experience. The performance is generously supported by the Mary C. Ragland Foundation, ensuring a night of exceptional musical artistry.

Beethoven's Ninth: Ode to Joy

The centrepiece, Prokofiev’s seventh and final symphony – an emotional and reflective work completed in 1952, only a year before his death. There are echoes of another seventh in Simon’s Fate Now Conquers, which takes its inspiration from the second movement of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, as well as fragments from his journal entries.

Vinay Parameswaran conducts Simon, Ibert and Prokofiev

BBC Maida Vale Studios

A calming meditation, a world-famous Spanish guitar concerto, and Mozart’s classical grandeur combine for one captivating concert.

Mozart Serenity

Lesher Center for the Arts

Inspired by the words of theologian and former San Francisco resident Howard Thurman, Simons’ Breathe is a calming appeal to “stay put for a while.”
For music lovers and guitar enthusiasts alike, Rodrigo's iconic Concierto de Aranjuez features evocative melodies and distinctive Spanish guitar solos designed to transport you to another time and place.  

### Beethoven & Tchaikovsky 6 - Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

#### Event Overview:
Join the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening featuring the timeless works of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. This concert is part of the Assante Vancouver Centre Masterworks Diamond Series and will be held at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

#### Dates and Times:
- **Friday, January 31, 2025** at 8:00 PM
- **Saturday, February 1, 2025** at 8:00 PM

#### Venue:
- **Orpheum Theatre**

#### Program:
- **Carlos Simon**: *Fate Now Conquers*
- **Beethoven**: *Violin Concerto*
- **Tchaikovsky**: *Symphony No. 6 Pathétique*

#### Performance Details:
- **Duration**: Approximately 120 minutes
- **Intermission**: 1

#### Featured Artists:
- **Otto Tausk**: VSO Music Director
- **Francesca Dego**: Violin

#### Highlights:
- **Francesca Dego**: Celebrated for her compelling interpretations and flawless technique, Italian-American violinist Francesca Dego makes her eagerly anticipated VSO debut with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.
- **Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6**: Known as the "Pathétique," Tchaikovsky himself regarded this symphony as the best work he ever composed.
- **Carlos Simon’s Fate Now Conquers**: A remarkable piece where melodic lines effortlessly weave together history and belonging.

#### Series Information:
This concert is part of the Assante Vancouver Centre Masterworks Diamond Series, which features performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM.

#### Tickets:
- **Available for purchase now.**

#### Subscription:
- **Subscribe today** to enjoy the full season and additional benefits.

Experience an evening of musical brilliance with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, featuring the masterful compositions of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, brought to life by world-renowned artists. Don’t miss this extraordinary event!

Composer, Music Director

Carlos Simon

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 11, 2026

University Wind Ensemble and Eighth Blackbird Present "Vitality" · University of Minnesota School of Music

17 - 21 Feb, 2026

Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol & Mozart’s Haffner with orchestra premieres by Joachim & Simon · South Florida Symphony Orchestra

26 - 28 Feb, 2026

Dazzling Dvořák · Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

6 - 7 Mar, 2026

Classical Roots · Detroit Symphony Orchestra

12 - 14 Mar, 2026

Hahn & Woods play Carlos Simon Brahms’ Third · National Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Feb 1, 2026

Steven Banks, baritone saxophone Xak Bjerken, piano · Cal Performances

Jan 30, 2026

ASU Symphony Orchestra with the Harlem Quartet · Arizona State University School of Music, Dance and Theatre

About

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