Composer

The power of music to suggest our deepest feelings of spiritual awe has been understood since ancient times. In this program, three composers write pieces capture the human yearning for another level of experience. The late great African American composer Olly Wilson drew on his roots in jazz and the music of his African ancestors to suggest the terrifying power of Shango, the ancient Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. In the slow movement of his Fourth Piano Concerto, Beethoven calls to mind the Greek divinity Orpheus who tamed wild beasts with the beauty of his music. Sibelius’ First Symphony plunges deep into the imaginary mystical mythology of prehistoric Finland.

Invocations to the Spirits: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4

Jacobs Music Center

Joyce Yang returns to ignite the stage with Grieg’s only piano concerto—a playful and passionate masterpiece packed with fiery moments, gorgeous melodies, and a Norwegian folk-inspired finale that never fails to thrill. Under the baton of Anja Bihlmaier, making her Utah Symphony debut, the evening begins with Olly Wilson’s Shango Memory, a powerful tribute to the Nigerian god of thunder that weaves together African and American musical traditions.

EPSG:4326

Grieg's Piano Concerto with Joyce Yang

Salt Palace Convention Center

Oberlin Sinfonietta focuses on a wide range of compositions by composers from the last 100 years. This concert will be conducted by Timothy Weiss and features third-year Jesse R. Parham, clarinet and guest artist  Joshua Blue '16, tenor.

Concert: Oberlin Sinfonietta

Oberlin College

Inspired by our city’s past and present, we celebrate, we reflect, we relate. Music invites us to engage with the spirit of our city echoed through the sonic worlds of St. Louis-born Olly Wilson and current resident Christopher Stark. Allison Loggins-Hull prompts us to reflect on our homeland, while Laurence Crane and Cassie Wieland create gentle spaces for continued contemplation.

Live at the Pulitzer: Material and Memory

Pulitzer Arts Foundation

Superstar maestro, composer, and Kennedy Center Honoree Michael Tilson Thomas makes a grand return conducting Olly Wilson’s Shango Memory, inspired by the Nigerian god of thunder, and Brahms’ beautiful Piano Quartet. Orion Weiss, regarded as a “brilliant pianist” by The New York Times, makes his anticipated NSO debut performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12.

Michael Tilson Thomas returns Orion Weiss plays Mozart & Brahms

Kennedy Center

Beethoven unfurls a grand paean to brotherhood, and we can’t help but be moved.

MTT Conducts Beethoven 9

Davies Symphony Hall

This concert can also be added to any Compose Your Own (CYO) subscription series. Pick three or more performances you’d like to attend and receive all the perks and savings of being a New World Symphony subscriber.

Chamber Music: Mozart's Grand Partita

New World Center

NWS Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas returns to kick off a season-long series of performances alongside renowned pianists and dear friends. Known for his fresh interpretations of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano works, Leif Ove Andsnes shines in the composer’s final, majestic concerto, “The Emperor.” With roaring percussion and brass, Olly Wilson pays homage to the Nigerian god of thunder. For a whirlwind finale, Brahms’ Piano Quartet was given a symphonic makeover in the hands of Arnold Schoenberg, who dubbed it “Brahms’ Fifth Symphony.”

MTT + Leif Ove Andsnes

For an evening of clarinet virtuosity, LCCE brings together three amazing clarinetists: Left Coast’s Jerome Simas and guests Jeff Anderle, a founding member of the ensembles Sqwonk and Splinter Reeds, and Carey Bell, principal clarinetist of the San Francisco Symphony. The trio will perform Mozart’s Divertimento for 3 Basset Horns and an arrangement by Anderle of the song Zoetrope.  David Garner’s new clarinet work receives its world premiere and music of Olly Wilson, Jesse Montgomery and Sebastián Tozzola is also featured.

Clarinet Party

Hillside Club

SF CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Kirill Gerstein has become such a favorite of Minnesota Orchestra audiences that we’ve asked him to play two concertos rather than one. The Adès was composed for Gerstein in 2018. Ravel’s is for left hand alone, and you must see it to believe it!

Composer

Olly Wilson

Events

Upcoming events

13 - 14 Mar, 2026

Søndergård, Gerstein and Bernstein · Minnesota Orchestra

Past events

Nov 21, 2025

Invocations to the Spirits: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 · San Diego Symphony

12 - 13 Sep, 2025

Grieg's Piano Concerto with Joyce Yang · Utah Symphony

About

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