Composer

Flutist

Composers Now presents members of The Harlem Chamber Players in a concert featuring music by living women composers, including a world premiere by Milena Casado.

EPSG:4326

Composers Now | Cheswatyr Commissions Concert

Columbia University

### Event Description: Ray Chen Plays Barber - The Louisville Orchestra

**Date and Time:** Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM  
**Venue:** Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Performing Arts Center, 501 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

Join us on November 15th for a morning of coffee and symphonic brilliance at Whitney Hall. Experience the timeless beauty of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto performed by the world-renowned violinist Ray Chen. This event also features debut works from the 2024-2025 Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps and the groundbreaking premiere of Valerie Coleman’s Concerto for Orchestra.

**Event Highlights:**
- **Ray Chen, Violin:** Witness Ray Chen bring to life Samuel Barber’s exquisite Violin Concerto, Op. 14, a masterpiece known for its soul-stirring melodies and passionate virtuosity.
- **Valerie Coleman’s Concerto for Orchestra:** Be part of the world premiere of this contemporary piece, with Valerie Coleman herself in residency, adding a unique dimension to the performance.
- **Creators Corps Debut Works:** Enjoy the introductory works of the 2024-2025 Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps featuring Brittany Green, Oswald Huynh, and Baldwin Giang. Their evocative compositions are designed to intrigue and inspire.

**Pre-Concert Activities:**
- **Complimentary Coffee:** Arrive early to enjoy a complimentary Heine Brothers Coffee.
- **Pre-Concert Talk:** Engage in a pre-concert talk hosted by 90.5 WUOL, providing insights into the performances and the artists.

**Conductor:** Teddy Abrams  
**Additional Appearances:** Valerie Coleman, Baldwin Giang, Brittany Green, Oswald Huynh

Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the rich diversity of our program, designed to appeal to music lovers of all tastes and backgrounds. This event is part of the Coffee Series, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, where the Louisville Orchestra continues to redefine the symphonic experience.

**Support:** This event is made possible with significant support from 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville and Theresa Bondurant.

For more information and to subscribe, visit the Louisville Orchestra's official website.

Ray Chen Plays Barber

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

Witness the Carnegie Hall debut of Louis Langrée—a conductor especially beloved in New York for his 21-year tenure as music director of Mostly Mozart—as he leads one of the city’s great ensembles: Orchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL). The concert opens with a pair of exciting firsts, including the Carnegie Hall premiere of Valerie Coleman’s Fanfare for Uncommon Times, commissioned and originally premiered by the ensemble in 2021. Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major follows, shining a welcome spotlight on Sterling Elliott. Previously an OSL member, Elliott is now a prominent, award-winning cellist, and this performance marks his debut as a soloist with the ensemble. The concert concludes on a timeless high note with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.

Orchestra of St. Luke’s

Carnegie Hall

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Louis Langrée makes his Carnegie Hall debut, conducting the esteemed Orchestra of St. Luke's on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8:00pm. This special performance will take place in the iconic Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, a venue renowned for its rich history and acoustic excellence.

The night will commence with the stirring "Fanfare for Uncommon Times" by Valerie Coleman, a piece that was both commissioned and premiered by the Orchestra of St. Luke's in 2021, setting the stage for an evening of exceptional music. Following this, the spotlight will shine on Sterling Elliott, performing Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major. Elliott, a former member of the Orchestra of St. Luke's and now a celebrated soloist, will be making his debut performance with the ensemble, promising a rendition filled with passion and precision. The concert will reach its climax with Beethoven’s vibrant Seventh Symphony, a masterpiece that promises to leave the audience enthralled.

Louis Langrée, beloved for his 21-year tenure as music director of Mostly Mozart, brings his expertise and charisma to lead one of New York City's great ensembles. The program for the evening includes:
- Valerie Coleman's "Fanfare for Uncommon Times," an OSL Commission from 2021
- Joseph Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D, featuring Sterling Elliott
- Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7

Tickets for this must-see event will go on sale on August 12, 2024. For ticketing information, please contact the Carnegie Box Office at 212.247.7800. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a night of musical brilliance, led by the distinguished Louis Langrée and featuring the talented Sterling Elliott with the Orchestra of St. Luke's.

Louis Langrée Conducts Beethoven

Immerse yourself in the profound beauty and emotional depth of classical music with the Santa Rosa Symphony's captivating concert series featuring the works of Tchaikovsky & Prokofiev. Under the baton of Music Director Francesco Lecce-Chong, this series promises an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of these legendary composers, set against the backdrop of the acoustically pristine Weill Hall at the Green Music Center.

**Event Dates and Times:**
- Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 7:30 pm
- Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 3:00 pm
- Monday, November 11, 2024, at 7:30 pm

**Special Discovery Rehearsal:**
- Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 2:00 pm

**Concert Conversations with Francesco Lecce-Chong:**
Join us for insightful pre-concert talks 30 minutes before each performance, free to Classical Series concert ticket holders.

**Featured Program:**
- Valerie Coleman: Seven O’Clock Shout for Orchestra
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 23
- Sergei Prokofiev: Suite from Romeo and Juliet

**Featured Artists:**
- Francesco Lecce-Chong, Music Director and Conductor
- Jon Kimura Parker, Piano

This series not only celebrates the human spirit but also pays homage to our frontline workers through the powerful "Seven O’Clock Shout" by Valerie Coleman. Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No. 1" will enchant with its gorgeous harmonies and classic melodies, while Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet Suite" will captivate with its virtuosity and enduring romance.

**Ticket Information:**
- Season subscriptions are currently on sale.
- Single tickets will be available starting July 29, 2024.
- Special offers for youths and students are available.

Plan your visit to the Green Music Center for an evening of exquisite music that promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar. For more information and to secure your tickets, please contact the Santa Rosa Symphony's Patron Services.

Tchaikovsky & Prokofiev

Green Music Center

Valerie Coleman is regarded by many as an iconic artist who continues to pave her own unique path as a composer, GRAMMY®-nominated flutist, and entrepreneur. Highlighted as one of the “Top 35 Women Composers” by The Washington Post, she was named Performance Today’s 2020 Classical Woman of the Year, an honor bestowed to an individual who has made a significant contribution to classical music as a performer, composer or educator. Read more...

Guest Masterclass: Valerie Coleman, flutist and composer

Eastman School of Music

Experience the enchanting melodies of Grieg and the timeless elegance of Beethoven with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This captivating concert is set to take place on Thursday, 7th November 2024, at 2:15 pm in the prestigious Symphony Hall, Birmingham. 

The concert will showcase the beauty of melody and the powerful force of unity through Valerie Coleman's "Umoja: Anthem for Unity," which has evolved from a simple song for women's voices into a full orchestral version, embodying glorious unity. The talented Steven Osborne will bring his magic to Grieg's famous Piano Concerto, a piece renowned for its expressive beauty and technical challenge. Beethoven's Fourth Symphony will also grace the program, offering a journey through its breezy elegance and captivating charm.

Under the baton of conductor Kerem Hasan, this performance promises to be a memorable afternoon of music. The concert is part of a multi-buy discount scheme, with ticket prices ranging from £26 to £62. A per-ticket commission is included for tickets priced over £15, ensuring your experience is as seamless as possible. Special ticket prices are available for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients, making this event accessible to all.

The concert will last approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of classical music. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as they bring the works of Grieg and Beethoven to life in an afternoon filled with musical brilliance.

Grieg & Beethoven

The International Convention Centre

Join the Toot! Ensemble for a fun family concert that’s perfect 7 to 11-year-olds and their families.

Travel around the world with music from all over the globe in a performance filled with warmth, excitement, and magic.

In this thrilling 40-minute family concert, five playful musicians set off on an unforgettable journey through music and make-believe, with a little help from a magical dressing-up box!

Toot! A Concert for Families

The Stoller Hall

Get ready for an epic night as the WCO dives into year two of our five-year project Musical Landscapes in Color with Convergence. Performed live and recorded for a spring album release, it celebrates the converging of contemporary voices of color by generation, gender, and style of composition. We begin with Fanfare and Fantasie by four-time Grammy nominee Patrice Rushen, followed by Umoja by renowned composer and flutist Valerie Coleman. The next piece Changes, by contemporary composer Andre Myers, reflects the ever-shifting landscape of the world we live in, and for the finale, movements from the Nope film suite by the prolific Michael Abels, a Grammy and Emmy nominee, and the recipient of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Music.

Convergence

Capitol Theatre

The Chineke! Orchestra honours women composers whose powerful music resonates through the ages, ending with a UK premiere of a rediscovered Florence Price work.

Chineke! Orchestra: Phenomenal Women

Southbank Centre

The centrepiece is Valerie Coleman's Concerto for Wind Quintet and Orchestra, Phenomenal Women. The piece is a profound tribute to women who have stepped into treacherous spaces, inspired the world, and moved the course of history; shining a bright light and opening doors, especially for women of colour.

Southbank Centre: Phenomenal Women

If you are a fan of the clarinet, this evening is absolutely unavoidable. Weber's early romantic, expressive clarinet quintet in B-flat major is distinguished by its beautiful and emotional clarinet melody, which soars high above the accompanying strings and creates a direct connection to the innermost core of the heart. The work demonstrates Weber's skill in utilizing the tonal versatility of the clarinet, from the warmly lyrical to the virtuosic and dancing. The lively dialogue between clarinet and strings provides a lively and classical chamber musical interaction. The quartet was written for Weber's friend, the clarinet virtuoso Heinrich Baermann, who as a touring musician needed chamber music 'showpieces' to play in the cities where an orchestra could not be assembled to accompany clarinet concerts. And as such, the string quartet here is a mini-solo concerto – fully as dramatic and full of tension and pathos as any orchestral work, and with all the 'showmanship' and melodic sweetness that Weber as an opera composer had no trouble inventing .

Pro Musica - Muczynski & Weber

Odense Concert Hall

Bottesini Grand Duo Concertante for Violin, String Bass and Piano.

Season Opener

Episcopal Church of St. Martin

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Greenwich Symphony on September 21 & 22, 2024, at the Performing Arts Center at Greenwich High School, located at 10 Hillside Road, Greenwich, CT. Experience the magic of live classical music under the baton of esteemed conductor Stuart Malina, featuring the extraordinary talents of pianist Orion Weiss.

The concert will commence on Saturday at 7:30 pm and on Sunday at 3:00 pm, offering two opportunities to witness this spectacular event. The program includes Valerie Coleman's "Umoja, Anthem of Unity," a powerful piece that celebrates unity and harmony. The evening will also feature Igor Stravinsky's "Petrushka," a vivid and colorful ballet score that brings to life the story of a puppet endowed with emotions. Highlighting the event is Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No. 1," a masterpiece of the romantic repertoire, showcasing the virtuosic skills of Orion Weiss.

Orion Weiss, one of the most sought-after soloists of his generation, is celebrated for his "brilliant pianism" and "exceptional insight" (The Washington Post). Having performed with major orchestras across North America, including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, and New York Philharmonic, Weiss brings his passionate and lush sound to Greenwich. His extensive repertoire and affinity for chamber music make his performances truly memorable.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the profound beauty and power of classical music performed by world-class musicians. Tickets are available now for this must-see event in the heart of Greenwich.

GSO September Concert 2024

Greenwich High School

### Event Description: Reunion - The Madison Symphony Orchestra

#### Event Overview
Join the Madison Symphony Orchestra as they kick off their 99th season with a spectacular concert titled "Reunion." This event will take place over three days at the Overture Hall, located in the Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI. The concert promises to be a memorable experience, featuring a diverse and captivating program that celebrates unity and musical excellence.

#### Dates and Times
- **Friday, September 20, 2024** at 7:30 p.m.
- **Saturday, September 21, 2024** at 7:30 p.m.
- **Sunday, September 22, 2024** at 2:30 p.m.

#### Venue
**Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts**
201 State Street, Madison, WI 53703, United States

#### Ticket Information
Tickets range from $15 to $104. For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit the Madison Symphony Orchestra's website.

#### Program Highlights
- **Valerie Coleman** - *Umoja: Anthem of Unity*
- **Joseph Jongen** - *Symphonie Concertante, Op. 81*
- **Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky** - *Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33*
- **Manuel de Falla** - *Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat*

#### Featured Artists
- **John DeMain**, Conductor
- **Tommy Mesa**, Cello
- **Greg Zelek**, Organ

#### About the Artists
- **Tommy Mesa**: A Cuban-American cellist known for his charismatic and innovative performances. Mesa has performed with major orchestras and at prestigious venues, including the Supreme Court of the United States and Carnegie Hall.
- **Valerie Coleman**: An iconic composer and flutist, recognized as one of the Top 35 Women Composers by The Washington Post. Her work "Umoja" is celebrated as a powerful anthem for unity.

#### Sponsors
- **Presenting Sponsor**
- **Major Sponsors**: Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske, Elaine and Nicholas Mischler, John and Twila Sheskey Charitable Fund (in memory of Jennie Biel Sheskey), Diane Ballweg
- **Additional Sponsors**: Reynold V. Peterson, Fredrick and Karen Schrank, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts

#### Additional Information
For more details about the event, artist biographies, and to subscribe for future concerts, please visit the Madison Symphony Orchestra's official website.

#### Add to Calendar
- **Google Calendar**
- **iCalendar**
- **Outlook 365**
- **Outlook Live**

Celebrate the beginning of the Madison Symphony Orchestra's 99th season with a concert that promises to unite and inspire through the power of music. Don't miss this extraordinary event!Umoja, the Swahili word for “unity” and the first principle of the African holiday Kwanzaa, is a beautiful way to bring us together again. We begin our 99th season journey with a work of the same name by African-American composer Valerie Coleman. Our Principal Organist, Greg Zelek, plays one of the great works for organ and orchestra, Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante. Tommy Mesa thrilled audiences with Greg on our organ series program and again as a soloist with the Symphony. He returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Our first concert of the season wraps up with a suite from Manuel de Falla’s colorful, Spanish-flavored ballet, The Three-Cornered Hat.

Reunion

Overture Center for the Arts

Ravel and Tchaikovsky

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) for an unforgettable Opening Weekend: Pictures at an Exhibition, marking a stunning start to the season. This musical journey through an art gallery, originally composed by Modest Mussorgsky and lushly orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, showcases the virtuosity of the orchestra in a way that's not to be missed. The event is set to take place on September 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm, under the baton of Eric Jacobsen, the VSO's twelfth Music Director.

The evening's program not only features Mussorgsky's evocative masterpiece but also includes Mason Bates’ Philharmonia Fantastique, a dazzling multimedia concerto for orchestra and animated film, and Valerie Coleman’s rousing concert opener, Fanfare for Uncommon Times. These pieces celebrate the talented VSO musicians and promise an evening of auditory splendor.

The concert will be held at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, offering a perfect setting for an evening of classical music. Whether you're a long-time classical music enthusiast or looking for an enriching cultural experience, this event promises to be a memorable highlight of the VSO’s 100th year of history.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power and beauty of live symphonic music. Secure your tickets now and be part of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's centennial celebration.

Opening Weekend: Pictures at an Exhibition

Christopher Newport University

Town Center of Virginia Beach

The THSO is thrilled to present Symphony Sundays, a free chamber music concert series, at Westminster Village in the J.W. Davis Community Center. Performances are 45-60 minutes in length and are open to the public. Join us each month for an afternoon of wonderful music performed by our THSO musicians!

Westminster Symphony Sundays: Clarinet/Flute Duo

Westminster Village Terre Haute

Our ninth season concludes with an explosion collision of Baroque and modern music. Baroque-inspired works by Guillaume Connesson, and Valerie Coleman build upon the stately introduction provided by Vivaldi’s concerto for oboe, flute, violin, bassoon, and continuo. The program concludes with Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos,” a not-so-subtle nod to Vivaldi’s famous collection, but with a strong tango flavor.

Vivaldi Goes To Buenos Aires

St. Martin's Lutheran Church

Winners of the 71st Royal Over-Seas League Mixed Ensemble Prize in 2023, Lumas are committed ambassadors for wind chamber music and the rich variety of repertoire that it offers. They are Making Music’s Phillip and Dorothy Green Young Artists and took up an Aldeburgh residency in March 2024 as Britten Pears Arts Young Artists.

Lumas Winds

St John's Church Buxton

This concert will bring Mozart's timeless elegance, Dvořák's Bohemian lyricism, Ligeti's avant-garde complexity, and Janáček's folk-inspired passion to life. Join us for a chance to hear the hugely talented wind musicians of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) featuring:

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble

The Hawth Crawley

Experience the enchanting melodies of the New Jersey Symphony at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. This free outdoor concert offers a delightful evening under the stars, featuring a diverse program that includes timeless classics, Broadway themes, and patriotic favorites. The performance celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State with pieces like John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare and John Philip Sousa’s Atlantic City Pageant March. 

The symphony will perform a variety of beloved compositions, including the stirring Star Spangled Banner by John Stafford Smith and Damrosch, the elegant Polonaise from Eugene Onegin by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and the dramatic Overture to Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi. Audiences will also be treated to the beautiful Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana by Peter Mascagni and selections from Georges Bizet’s Carmen.

Adding to the evening’s charm, the program includes Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, Aaron Copland’s Saturday Night Waltz and Hoe Down from Rodeo, and selections from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess arranged by Bennett. The concert will also feature a tribute to Frank Sinatra with Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, an Armed Forces Salute arranged by Lowden, and the rousing Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, this concert promises a memorable musical experience. The event is supported by Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Municipal Council, and the Office of Cultural Affairs, with funding from the Arts and Culture Trust Fund and the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation.

New Jersey Symphony at Liberty State Park in Jersey City

Liberty State Park

Experience an enchanting evening with the New Jersey Symphony at Marine Park in Red Bank. Under the baton of conductor Joshua Gersen, this free outdoor concert offers a delightful medley of timeless classics, Broadway themes, and patriotic favorites. The program celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State with pieces like John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare and John Philip Sousa’s Atlantic City Pageant March. 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Navesink River, the concert features a diverse repertoire, including John Stafford Smith and Damrosch’s The Star-Spangled Banner, Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco, and Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana. Audiences will also enjoy selections from Bizet’s Carmen, Copland’s Saturday Night Waltz and Hoe Down from Rodeo, and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, arranged by Bennett. 

The evening continues with a tribute to Frank Sinatra in Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, arranged by Moss, and a patriotic Armed Forces Salute, arranged by Lowden. The concert concludes with Sousa’s iconic Stars and Stripes Forever, ensuring a memorable night of music under the stars. This event is presented by Red Bank RiverCenter, with a rain location at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Programs and artists are subject to change.

New Jersey Symphony at Marine Park in Red Bank

Marine Park

Experience the enchanting melodies of the New Jersey Symphony as they perform an outdoor concert amidst the picturesque landscape of Branch Brook Park in Newark. Under the baton of conductor Joshua Gersen, this free program offers a delightful medley of timeless classics, Broadway themes, and patriotic favorites. The evening's repertoire includes John Williams' Liberty Fanfare, John Philip Sousa's Atlantic City Pageant March, and other celebrated pieces that pay homage to the Garden State. 

The concert opens with the stirring notes of The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by the elegant Polonaise from Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin and the dramatic Overture to Verdi's Nabucco. Audiences will be captivated by the serene Intermezzo from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and the vibrant selections from Bizet's Carmen. The program also features Valerie Coleman's Seven O’Clock Shout, Copland's Saturday Night Waltz and Hoe Down from Rodeo, and Gershwin's selections from Porgy and Bess, arranged by Bennett. 

In addition, the Symphony will perform a tribute to Frank Sinatra with Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, arranged by Moss, and honor the armed forces with Armed Forces Salute, arranged by Lowden. The concert concludes with Sousa's iconic Stars and Stripes Forever, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. This event is presented in collaboration with the Prudential presents North2Shore Festival and is sponsored by the County of Essex with additional support from Citizens Bank.

New Jersey Symphony at Branch Brook Park in Newark

Branch Brook Park Hall

Join us for an enchanting evening of chamber music at the Music Academy of the West's Salon Series I. This intimate concert series, set in the beautiful Lehmann Hall, offers a unique opportunity to experience music in a salon setting, reminiscent of living room concerts of the past. The event kicks off with a pre-concert reception at 6:30 pm, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy a glass of wine before the performance begins at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, June 26.

The program for Salon Series I features an array of captivating works, promising approximately one hour of uninterrupted musical bliss with no intermission. The evening will showcase the talents of the Music Academy's fellows, performing pieces such as Christopher Cerrone's "New Addresses," Ned Rorem's "Ariel: Five Poems of Sylvia Plath," and Valerie Coleman's "Afro-Cuban Concerto."

Tickets for this event are available now, with community access tickets priced at $10 and regular tickets starting at $45. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in intimate soundscapes and support tomorrow's musicians in the serene ambiance of Lehmann Hall. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Music Academy of the West's website or contact the Carsey Ticket Office at 805-969-8787.

Salon Series I

Music Academy of the West

It’s “bonjour” and “buenas noches” for the Symphony, who will preview their program before departing on a performance tour of Southern France and Spain.

Bon Voyage Concert

Menlo-Atherton High School

Groove along to this rhythmic and spirited program that explores how the Orchestra’s wind players pay homage to theatre, jazz, and living in the South.

Summer Winds

The Knobloch Family Farmhouse

Experience an extraordinary musical union as the talented young musicians of our own Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and our guests from the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra join forces for an electrifying and inspiring performance.

TSYO & Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra

David Pecaut Square

The Philadelphia Orchestra performs seminal works by Ravel and Debussy, and continues its celebrated partnership with Valerie Coleman with the New York premiere of her Concerto for Orchestra. Debussy’s La Mer is a perennial favorite, an impressionistic landmark of shimmering colors and suggestive harmonies. Ravel’s jazz-influenced Piano Concerto in G major is a joyful and varied masterpiece, and this ensemble gave its New York premiere in 1932 on this very stage. With this concert, the brilliant Mitsuko Uchida joins a great lineage of pianists to perform it here with this orchestra.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Mitsuko Uchida at Carnegie Hall

The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra are coming together for a unique exchange experience. Please join us in welcoming the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra to Blossom Music Center for a performance that will include a side-by-side orchestra of nearly 200 young musicians performing Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.

The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra

Blossom Music Center

Join us for an enchanting evening of flute music featuring the talented Jungah Yoon, a Doctor of Musical Arts student under the guidance of John Thorne. This recital is set to take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 6:00pm CDT in the Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall, located within the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts at Northwestern University.

The program promises a diverse and captivating selection of works, including Maurice Ravel's "Habanera," Henri Dutilleux's "Sonatine for Flute and Piano," Valerie Coleman's "Danza de la Mariposa," Theobald Böhm's "Grand Polonaise in D Major, Op. 16," and Sergei Prokofiev's "Sonata for Flute and Piano, Op. 94." Accompanying Jungah Yoon on the piano will be Kay Kim, adding depth and harmony to the evening's performance.

Admission to this event is free, and tickets are not required, making it an accessible opportunity for all music lovers. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the recital will be available, ensuring no one misses out on this musical treat.

The Galvin Recital Hall, with its stunning 40-foot glass wall offering views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, provides the perfect backdrop for this event. The hall's acoustics, enhanced by undulating walls covered with African moabi wood, promise an auditory experience as breathtaking as the visual surroundings.

Don't miss this opportunity to support emerging musical talent and experience the beauty of flute music in one of the most picturesque venues in Evanston.

Jungah Yoon, flute

Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

Join us for Colorado Springs Philharmonic Pre-Concert talks. Go behind the curtain and inside the score with these 30-minute pre-concert conversations.

New World Symphony

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts

Our 86th Season Finale begins with Suppe’s driving and exciting Pique Dame, or “Queen of Spades,” Overture. Simple, beautiful melodies tackle the complex subject of human endeavor in Valerie Coleman’s UMOJI, Anthem of Unity. Finally, re-discover the elation of Beethoven’s immortal Ninth Symphony. Be captivated as 150 voices become one with the Symphony in a triumphant “Ode to Joy.”

Dm Symphony - Season Finale: (Re)discover The Ode To Joy

Des Moines Civic Center

Join the Des Moines Symphony for an unforgettable evening as we conclude our 86th season with the "Season Finale: ReDiscover the Ode to Joy" at the Des Moines Civic Center. This grand finale, taking place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 2:30 PM, promises to be a spectacular celebration of music and unity.

Under the baton of the esteemed Maestro Joseph Giunta, experience the power and beauty of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, famously concluding with the "Ode to Joy" – a timeless anthem of brotherhood and joy. The concert begins with Suppe’s exhilarating "Pique Dame (Queen of Spades) Overture" and continues with Valerie Coleman’s "UMOJI, Anthem of Unity," a piece that beautifully weaves simple melodies into a complex narrative of human endeavor.

This season finale is not just a concert but a monumental event featuring over 150 voices joining the Symphony in a triumphant rendition of Beethoven’s immortal Ninth Symphony. It’s a moment of elation, unity, and musical excellence you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are priced between $15 and $70, with a special half-price offer for students. Be aware that ticket prices will increase by $5 on the day of the concert, so secure your seats in advance. For our student audience, rush tickets are available on the day of the concert at $5 for junior high and high school students and $10 for all other students, with a valid Student ID.

Enhance your concert experience by joining us 45 minutes before the performance for a free Concert Prelude Talk in the Prairie Meadows East Lobby. Led by Dr. Eric McIntyre of Grinnell College, these discussions offer engaging insights into the evening’s program.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic musical journey with the Des Moines Symphony. Reserve your tickets now and be part of the joyous celebration that is "ReDiscover the Ode to Joy."

Season Finale: ReDiscover the Ode to Joy

This performance is free. Tickets are required.

Finale

Severance Music Center

Join us for an Express Concert inspired by music rooted in and born from African rhythm and dance. No matter the continent or time period, the works on this program speak to the idea of interconnection, with music stemming from the same sounds and traditions. Afro-Cuban Concerto, a work by the SPCO’s newest Sandbox Composer-in-Residence Valerie Coleman, opens the concert and sets the stage for a program featuring four works that span across centuries and continents.

Express Concert: Coleman’s Afro-Cuban Concerto

Capri Theater

Ted Mann Concert Hall

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

The ASO's year of Stravinsky comes to an epic conclusion with the most influential musical work of the 20th century. Like Beethoven a century before, the influence of Stravinsky's masterpiece is undeniable, as is its percussive and relentless drive. Dominic Cheli returns to Adrian to play Rachmaninoff's most performed concerto which will amaze your ears and eyes and capture your heart.

Rite Of Spring

Adrian College

COYO Spring Concert

UWSO: The Mozart Requiem

University of Wyoming

This performance is free, but tickets are required. Free parking is available in the Karamu House parking lot.

Legacy: Past, Present & Future

Karamu House

Please note that this concert was originally intended to take place outdoors. However, because of the weather forecast for Saturday, we will move this concert indoors. There is limited seating. Seating will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Doors open at 2:30 PM.

American Dreams Pop-up Concert #1

Morris-Jumel Mansion

Valerie Coleman’s now-famous Umoja for woodwind quintet and her Red Clay and Mississippi Delta open an evening of music that all seems to have been written for Tougaloo College’s Woodworth Chapel. Works by Mississippi-born William Grant Still reflect roots and Harlem blues, while the jazz piano ebullience of James P. Johnson’s Yamekraw is unleashed by piano soloist Stephen Sachs. The Native-American and African American infused melodies of Dvorak’s American String Quartet are an enchanting close to our concert season. 

Chamber 4: Vibrant Echoes

Tougaloo College

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra as we present "Concert IV: Anthem" on April 20, 2024, at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. This concert is a celebration of diversity and unity through the power of music, featuring works by composers who explore and celebrate diverse heritages.

The highlight of the evening will be performances of Valerie Coleman's "Umoja: Anthem of Unity" and Leonard Bernstein's iconic "Symphonic Dances" from West Side Story. Coleman, a renowned composer and flutist, crafted "Umoja" as a deep exploration into the themes of freedom and unity, initially inspired by the diverse heritages of the Imani Winds. This piece has evolved into a powerful anthem for today's world, emphasizing the beauty that arises from dissonance and the harmony found in contrast.

Bernstein's "Symphonic Dances" from West Side Story brings to life the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet in a modern setting, highlighting the prejudices and rivalries that divide communities. Through this work, Bernstein challenges us to confront these issues and find a path to understanding and unity.

The concert will also feature a performance by the winner of the 2024 Young Musician Competition, showcasing the incredible talent of our youth and the future of music.

Don't miss this powerful evening of music that celebrates how diversity and unity can create beauty and harmony. Tickets are available now for "Concert IV: Anthem" – a night that promises to be both moving and inspirational.

Anthem

Numerica Performing Arts Center

Join us for an enchanting evening with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Principal Winds as they present "Quintets DSO Principal Winds" on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 7:00 pm. This special performance will be held at the Ferndale First United Methodist Church, located at 22331 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220.

Experience an adventurous night of music featuring works by American composers, highlighted by the challenging "Quintet for Winds" by Pulitzer Prize winner John Harbison. This piece, described by Harbison as born from a collaboration with resourceful, inquisitive, and fearless wind players, promises to be a highlight of the evening.

The program also includes Valerie Coleman's "Umoja" and Marc Mellits' "Apollo," showcasing the exceptional talent and versatility of the DSO Wind Quintet. The ensemble features Hannah Hammel Maser on flute, Alexander Kinmonth on oboe, Ralph Skiano on clarinet, Scott Strong on horn, and Ryan Reynolds on bassoon.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the artistry of these accomplished musicians in an intimate setting. Tickets start at a special price, offering everyone the chance to enjoy this unique performance. Join us for an evening that celebrates the beauty and complexity of wind music.

DSO Wind Quintet

First United Methodist Church of Ferndale

Play On Words

Piedmont Center for the Arts

Images that Inspire

Julie Rogers Theatre

No other quintet has forged such a unique and revolutionary path through the chamber music landscape as the Imani Winds. The ensemble embraces traditional chamber music repertoire while remaining devoutly committed to promoting diversity in the arts. Celebrating over two decades of music making, Imani Winds is recognized for its dynamic playing, adventurous programming, outreach endeavors, and efforts to commission works from new voices that reflect historical events and today’s world. The program features the diversity of American composers and includes a Kennedy Center co-commission by Shawn Okpebholo.

Imani Winds

Kennedy Center

Curated by SPCO Principal Bassoonist Andrew Brady and flutist Alicia McQuerrey, this special Express Concert includes evocative works by Maurice Ravel, Astor Piazzolla and Osvaldo Golijov which explore the passion-filled dance between life and death. The program features Adolphus Hailstork’s hauntingly beautiful romance for viola, performed by SPCO violist Hyobi Sim, a flute solo by Valerie Coleman and Lili Boulanger’s impressionist masterpiece D’un matin de printemps.

Express Concert: Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin

Temple Israel

Saint Paul's United Church of Christ

Wayzata Community Church

Sandeep Das, a virtuoso on the Indian tabla drums, leads a prolific international musical career characterized by tradition, innovation, and a passion for spreading love and joy. He joins leading conductor James Ross for an evening of propulsive rhythm.

Masterworks 7: Along the Silk Road

Martin Woldson Theater

Sandeep Das, a virtuoso on the Indian tabla drums, leads a prolific international musical career characterized by tradition, innovation, and a passion for spreading love and joy. He joins leading conductor James Ross for an evening of propulsive rhythm

Abby Katje, flute and piccolo

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

Journey through the life of Josephine Baker with Valerie Coleman’s Portraits of Josephine, a wind quartet dedicated to the iconic entertainer and her legacy. Playwright and actor Kirya Traber joins OSL for the performances, weaving her original narrative together with Coleman’s musical memoir.

Valerie Coleman's Portraits of Josephine

Berkeley Public Library

Flushing Town Hall

Hostos Community College

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

George Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue celebrates its 100th birthday in 2024. The SBSO is excited to premiere the new Gershwin Critical Edition with acclaimed pianist, David Kaplan. Our powerful All-American season opener pays tribute to legendary artists like Tina Turner, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel and features works by William Grant Still, Valerie Coleman, and guest artist Abraham Alexander.

Rhapsody in Blue at 100

San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium

Margaret Goree, flute and piccolo

Northwestern Bienen School of Music

The rich and diverse Music of the African Diaspora emerges from the musical traditions of displaced Africans around the world, particularly in the Caribbean, South America, and the United States.  From these vibrant communities, genres like blues, jazz, spirituals, calypso, and habanera were born.  In this concert, we pay homage to these influential styles while presenting them through a contemporary lens for 21st Century audiences.

Music of the African Diaspora

DuPont Country Club

Taco Classical: Rachmaninoff With Garrick Ohlsson

Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS)

Amica Rush Hour: Rachmaninoff With Garrick Ohlsson

Students of the Shepherd School present a concert a repertoire written by black composers to celebrate Black History Month.

Timbral Xperience

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Esteemed faculty of Boston Conservatory at Berklee collaborate to perform works showcasing their artistic talents. Performers include Lynn Chang, Craig Juricka, Kyoka Minami, Rictor Noren, David Russell, Robert Sheena, Emily Siar, Christopher Sierra, Linda Toote, Carlos Vargas, and Marimolin members Sharan Leventhal and Nancy Zeltsman. Repertoire includes Bach’s complete Coffee Cantata (BWV 211) and works by Valerie Coleman, Claude Debussy, and Gunther Schuller.

Artistry in Action: Chamber Series

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

A call for unity. Florence Price was a pioneer, a key figure in the Black Chicago Renaissance, championed by America’s finest performers. Price’s Third Symphony, written during the height of the Great Depression, combines deep passion with an ear for great tunes and danceable rhythms. Valerie Coleman’s Umoja seeks a union for family, community, nation, and race. Violinist Augustin Hadelich, an international sensation and a St. Louis favorite, plays Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto.  

Barber and Price

Touhill Performing Arts Center

Manhattan School of Music’s public programs are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

POSTPONED: MSM Faculty Recital: Shmuel Katz, viola and Thomas Lausmann, piano

Manhattan School of Music

Mozart & Now reimagines the traditional concert weekend experience with three unique programs contrasting the music of Mozart alongside contemporary works by some of today’s brightest composers, all led by Principal Conductor Peter Oundjian. On Friday and Saturday, hear four of Mozart’s most revered compositions including the indelible Symphony No. 40 and his overture from The Magic Flute, alongside modern works by Carlos Simon and Valerie Coleman.

Mozart & Now with Peter Oundjian 2024

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Jamie Kim, Flute

The Juilliard School

Experience Classical music as it was meant to be heard as the Lima Symphony invokes tradition and warmth in its annual presentation of “Music by Candlelight.” Taking place in beautiful and historic local venues, the lush and graceful sounds of Brahms and Dvořák invite listeners to connect with music in intimate and transformative ways.

Music by Candlelight

Trinity United Methodist Church Lima

Grand Opera House

Canadian-born violinist Lara St. John has been described as "something of a phenomenon" by The Strad and a “high-powered soloist” by The New York Times.

She performs solo violin pieces composed by 12 leading composers, including Laurie Anderson, Valerie Coleman, Gabriela Lena Frank, and more.

Lara St. John: ♀she/her/hers

The Royal Conservatory of Music

Join us for an afternoon of delightful music featuring woodwinds and strings in Rockford’s historic First Lutheran Church. Featuring music by Beethoven, exquisitely haunting melodies by Villa-Lobos and more, this afternoon is sure to bring a spot of beauty and magic to a winter afternoon.

First Lutheran Church

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra unites with local churches to celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join the Symphony’s Woodwind Quintet, hosted by Symphony Board President Dr. Marvin Curtis, alongside a community choir directed by Turrell O’Neal for a series of three events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Celebration for a King

Covenant Community Church

Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church

St. Augustine Catholic Parish

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra at their enchanting "Christmas Time Around the World" concert. This heartwarming event is set to take place on December 16, 2023, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, promising an evening filled with festive music and international holiday traditions. Held at the Overland High School Auditorium located at 12400 E Jewell Ave, Aurora, CO, this concert is a perfect outing for the whole family.

Under the baton of Artistic Director Jeremy Cuebas, the orchestra will perform a diverse program that includes beloved classics and contemporary pieces, such as "Carol of the Bells," "Around the World at Christmas Time," and John Williams' "Harry’s Wondrous World" from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The repertoire also features unique compositions like "Umoja, Anthem of Unity" by Valerie Coleman and "Fiesta de Navidad" by Dan Goeller, showcasing the rich tapestry of holiday celebrations around the globe.

Before the concert, attendees will have the opportunity to join Maestro Cuebas for a free 20-minute pre-concert lecture, providing insights into the evening's music and the traditions it represents. This engaging introduction is a fantastic way to enhance your concert experience.

Ticket prices are accommodating for all, with adult general admission at $20, seniors and military at $10, and students 18 & under granted free admission. This event not only offers a chance to revel in the spirit of the holidays but also supports the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, a cherished community institution dedicated to bringing high-quality musical experiences to the region.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the world through music and celebrate the season with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. For tickets and more information, visit the event's website.

Christmas Time Around the World

Overland High School

​The Rhythm of Christylez Bacon is a concert inspired by American composers that have embraced the point of musical intersection between different cultures throughout our country. We are honored to present Migrations in Rhythm: a Concerto for Beatbox and Rhyme with music by Evan Meier and lyrics and beats by Christylez Bacon, a GRAMMY-nominated Progressive Hip-Hop Artist based in Washington DC. The concerto provides a musical setting for Christylez Bacon's storytelling and virtuosic rhythmic explorations in the styles of  Hip-hop, Agbadza, ring shout, rumba, New Orleans jazz, funk, and Go-go. This program includes other works by two female composers. Valerie Coleman’s Umoja, Anthem of Unity is the Swahili word for "unity" and is the first day in the African American celebration of Kwanzaa and was first meant to be a simple family sing-along song. The concert concludes with Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1, her first full-scale composition and first symphony by a Black woman to be performed by a major American orchestra in 1933.  This work is inspired by both the Western classical tradition and Black musical idioms such as the Juba dance and spirituals. 

Valerie Coleman

Composer, Flutist

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 22, 2024

Pre-College Orchestra · The Juilliard School

Dec 5, 2024

Ensemble Connect · The Juilliard School

Dec 11, 2024

Sounds of Now: Bridge Ensemble · Portsmouth Guildhall

Jan 12, 2025

Unity: A Musical Journey · The Vista Center for the Arts

Jan 13, 2025

Myth and Legend · Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Past events

Nov 18, 2024

Composers Now | Cheswatyr Commissions Concert · Harlem Chamber Players

15 - 16 Nov, 2024

Ray Chen Plays Barber · Louisville Orchestra

About

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