Join us for an evening of inspiration and musical excellence as the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorus presents "Visions of Hope" at the Greenfield High School Auditorium. This special concert, marking the close of our 85th season, will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

"Visions of Hope" features an uplifting program celebrating a hopeful and just future through the works of three renowned 20th-century African American composers. The evening will showcase William Grant Still's Symphony No. 2 "Song of a New Race," Margaret Bonds' "Credo" with the PVS Chorus, and selections from Mary D. Watkins' "Dark River: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story," also performed by the PVS Chorus. These pieces collectively explore themes of justice, racial equality, and the African American experience, blending elements of classical Western orchestration with blues, jazz, and gospel.

The concert will feature the talents of soprano Brianna J. Robinson, baritone Nicholas Lagesse, and will be conducted by Tianhui Ng and Dr. Allegra Martin. The evening will also include a pre-concert talk at 6:00 PM by PVS' resident musicologist, Dr. David Schneider, offering deeper insights into the program's historical and cultural context.

In our commitment to making the joy of music accessible to all, tickets for "Visions of Hope" are offered on a sliding scale from $15 to $35, with a suggested price of $25. Special pricing is available for youth, college students, and holders of WIC and EBT cards through the Mass Cultural Council's Card for Culture program.

Don't miss this powerful celebration of hope, justice, and the transformative power of music. Reserve your seats today and be part of a memorable night that promises not only to entertain but to inspire.

Visions of Hope

Greenfield High School

Join us for the grand YSO Finale Concert, a showcase of the Youth Symphony Orchestra's (YSO) remarkable talent and hard work throughout the season. This event is scheduled for May 12 at 3:00 pm CDT, taking place at the prestigious Bartlett Performing Arts Center, located at 3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL 61265, United States.

Under the baton of conductor Benjamin Firer, the YSO, comprising nearly 90 talented young musicians, will present an ambitious program. The concert will feature Charles T. Griffes' "Poem for Flute and Orchestra," with a special performance by Concerto Competition Grand Prize Winner Runner Up, Morgan Smith. The program will also include "Hold fast to dreams" by Dana Wilson, followed by an intermission and senior announcements. The second half of the concert will be dedicated to "The Montgomery Variations" by Margaret Bonds, a powerful suite in seven movements that promises to be an emotional and inspiring highlight of the evening.

This event is not just a concert; it's a celebration of youth, music, and community. It's an opportunity to witness the premier youth orchestra in the region perform advanced orchestral repertoire, including their collaboration in the Side-by-Side Concert with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Mark Russell Smith.

Don't miss this opportunity to support and enjoy the incredible talent of our young musicians. Purchase your tickets now and be part of a memorable evening filled with inspiring music and performances. For more information and to secure your seats, please visit our website or contact the box office at 563-322-7276.

YSO Finale Concert

Moline High School

Music and the struggle for freedom go hand in hand. Here, Carlos Kalmar pairs overtures written for Beethoven's French Revolution-era drama Fidelio with two works championing freedom and social justice in our own country: Jessie Montgomery's Five Freedom Songs, based on the historical anthology Slave Songs of the United States, and Chicago-composer Margaret Bonds's Montgomery Variations, dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Songs of Freedom

Millennium Park

Experience the unparalleled artistry of Yuja Wang as she makes a triumphant return to the stage with The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the baton of the esteemed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This not-to-be-missed series of performances is scheduled for January 2025, with shows on Thursday the 16th at 7:30 PM, Friday the 17th at 8:00 PM, and Saturday the 18th at 8:00 PM, all taking place in the prestigious Verizon Hall.

The program promises an evening of emotional depth and breathtaking virtuosity, opening with Margaret Bonds's "The Montgomery Variations," a poignant tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired by Bonds's visit to Montgomery, Alabama. This piece, rooted in the spiritual "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me," reflects Bonds's commitment to social and racial justice.

The highlight of the evening will be Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring Yuja Wang's extraordinary technique and interpretive depth. Wang's previous sold-out performances have been met with critical acclaim, her artistry described with superlatives such as "breathtaking," "charismatic," and "flawless."

Completing the program is William Grant Still's Symphony No. 2 "Song of a New Race," a lyrical masterpiece that showcases the legendary strings of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Premiered by the orchestra in 1937, this work continues to resonate as a testament to Still's vision and the orchestra's rich history.

These performances are available as part of the 2024-25 Subscription Package, offering magnificent programming and exclusive subscriber benefits. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the synergy of Yuja Wang's piano brilliance with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra in an unforgettable musical journey.

Margaret Bonds

Events

May 11, 2024

Visions of Hope · Pioneer Valley Symphony

May 12, 2024

YSO Finale Concert · Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Jun 19, 2024

Songs of Freedom · Grant Park Music Festival

16 - 18 Jan, 2025

Yuja Wang Returns · Philadelphia Orchestra

About

Margaret Bonds hasn't added a bio