In the GSO season finale, we delve into various perspectives on American life. The beloved ballet music from Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” beautifully captures a wedding ceremony between a husband and a pioneer woman in rural Pennsylvania, evoking the simplicity and serenity of their life. In stark contrast, the world premiere of “Requiem Americano” uses the music of America to address pressing societal issues such as anti-immigration sentiment, hypercommercialism, gun violence, social isolation, and disproportionate incarceration. Enhancing this powerful performance, the GSO will be joined by tenor Timothy Miller, the Atlanta Boy Choir, and the GSO Chorus.

EPSG:4326

We the People

Kennesaw State University

The grand opening of the season presents breathtaking works by some of the great American composers of the last century. Following our rousing National Anthem, we continue with John William’s electrifying Olympic Fanfare and Theme, composed for the opening of 1984 Olympic games held in Los Angeles Olympics. It has all the brilliance of his well-known film scores and immediately establishes the uniquely American flavor of our program. Composer Joseph Wood had a major career, teaching at Oberlin from 1950 to 1985, following musical training at Juilliard, service in the U.S. Army, and a Master’s degree from Columbia. He wrote many solo works, numerous chamber music pieces, and four symphonies, and his music has been performed around the world. It is a profound pleasure to share his much-lauded Poem for Orchestra from 1950. Of particular note for us is that his daughter is long-time LSO concertmaster, Lorna Wood, who retired at the end of last season! The two other major composers on the program were direct contemporaries of Joseph Wood, and we are delighted to present Samuel Barber’s beautiful Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with guest artist, tenor Jonathan Pilkington, and Howard Hanson’s stunning Symphony No. 2, the “Romantic”.

American Fanfare

Callaway Auditorium

Chamber music, show tunes, opera, and more! “Nate’s World: Songs of Love” sets famous arias side by side with classic popular songs and virtuosic instrumental interludes, all touching on aspects of love. From La bohème to Leonard Bernstein, Carmen to a country ballad, these are all filled with timeless, universal sentiments, and chamber music’s exquisite intimacy is the perfect setting. Conceived, curated, and performed by Nate Farrington, principal bassist of the Los Angeles Opera, joined by special guest soprano Kathleen O'Mara and PCMF Resident Artists Susie Park and Henry Kramer.

Nate's World: Songs of Love

University of Southern Maine

Celebrate the great outdoors and VSO’s 90th birthday with the 2024 Summer Festival Tour: Symphony of Stars! Join the orchestra for spectacular evenings of music by Sufjan Stevens, Margaret Bonds, Vermont’s own Erik Nielsen, John Philip Sousa marches, John Williams’ E.T. score, and more, plus spectacular solos from VSO’s musicians! Music Director Andrew Crust leads the ensemble featuring principal cello John Dunlop, principal clarinet Kelli O’Connor, and principal percussion D. Thomas Toner. Bring your picnic and relax under balmy summer skies with your Vermont Symphony Orchestra!

Vso Summer Tour: Grafton

Burke Mountain Hotel

Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center

Shelburne Museum

Join us for a mesmerizing journey through Europe with the Cascade Symphony on December 10th and 11th, 2023, at the Edmonds Center of the Arts. This unique concert series, titled "Europe: A Symphonic Journey," promises an evening filled with the rich musical heritage of Europe, starting at 7:30 pm each night.

Under the baton of our esteemed Music Director, the orchestra will perform a selection of works that epitomize the essence of European music. The program includes:

- "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key, representing the USA
- Johann Strauss's "Emperor Waltz" from Austria
- The overture to Wagner's opera "Tannhauser" from Germany
- "The Moldau" by Smetana, showcasing the Czech Republic
- Verdi's overture to the opera "Nabucco" from Italy
- "Pomp and Circumstance March No.1" by Elgar, bringing the spirit of Britain
- Grieg's "Morning from Peer Gynt Suite No.1" from Norway
- "Farandole from L’Arlesienne Suite No.2" by Bizet, featuring France
- And the unifying "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, celebrating all of Europe

Adding to the evening's allure, Rick Steves, renowned public television host and travel guide author, will serve as the Musical Tour Guide. Rick brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for Europe, offering pre-concert lectures at 6:30 pm each night, providing deeper insights into the music and its cultural context.

The concert will take place at the Edmonds Center of the Arts, located at 410 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020. For inquiries, please contact the venue at 425 275 9595. Tickets are available for purchase, promising an unforgettable exploration of Europe's musical landscape.

Please note, all repertoire is subject to change, ensuring the most dynamic and engaging experience for our audience. Join us for a night of exquisite music and cultural journey with the Cascade Symphony.

Europe: A Symphonic Journey

Edmonds Center For the Arts

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look as Sir Donald Runnicles and the orchestra rehearse for the weekend Festival Orchestra concerts with pianist Tanner Jorden.

Open Rehearsal: Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky’s Fifth

Jackson Hole High School

Opening night of the Festival Orchestra Series highlights not one but two popular monuments of the orchestral canon, featuring pianist and 2021 Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition winner Tanner Jorden.

Francis Scott Key

Events

Upcoming events

Jul 10, 2026

Open Rehearsal: Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky’s Fifth · Grand Teton Music Festival

10 - 11 Jul, 2026

Festival Orchestra: Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky’s Fifth · Grand Teton Music Festival

Past events

May 17, 2025

We the People · Georgia Symphony Orchestra

Sep 17, 2024

American Fanfare · LaGrange Symphony Orchestra

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