Composer

The acclaimed Verona Quartet, among the most distinguished ensembles on the chamber music scene today, makes its return appearance in our series with a program inspired by songs. The Schubert and Mendelssohn string quartets take their inspiration from their own songs “Death and the Maiden” and “Ist es wahr?”. George Walker wrote his “Lyric” for string quartet after his graduation from Oberlin Conservatory (where the Verona Quartet are in residence) based on the lyrical sound of the human voice and spirit. Canadian singer and songwriter Tanya Tagaq uses an ingenious imagination of imparting traditional Inuk throat singing onto the sound of western string instruments.

EPSG:4326

Cecilian Chamber Series - Verona Quartet

Darke Hall

 Pianist and composer George Walker wrote the “Lyric for Strings” while a graduate student at the Curtis Institute of Music. Originally written as        the second movement of a string quartet, it was later broadcast on radio in a string orchestra version titled “Lament.” Walker dedicated the work        as an elegy “To my grandmother.” Walker creates an endless line of melody, sincerity, and beauty in a short work that conveys his deep        understanding of music in a manner that comes directly from the heart.

        Little is known of the performance history of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s tone poem, “Touissaint L’Ouverture” beyond the premier on October         26th, at London’s Queen's Hall. Lost to history, the handwritten and fragmented score was transcribed by our own principal timpanist, Marty        Jenkins for this performance. The work was only recently revived and this MVSO performance is among the very first to be heard worldwide.        Written as an homage to the Haitian general of the same name who fought for independence and the end of slavery in Haiti, the work        demonstrates the richly romantic and soaring melodies that Coleridge-Taylor is known for.

The Ordering Of Moses

University of Dayton

Voices Of America: American Icons

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Composer, pianist, and organist George Walker, the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for Music, has a robust catalogue of brilliant and technically challenging pieces that are rarely performed. After falling in love with Walker’s music at first listen, Steinway Artist Alexandre Dossin began a passion project to record the composer’s complete collection of piano works. Hear these heartfelt interpretations of Walker’s music as Dossin plays selections from his critically acclaimed albums.

Piano Legends: Alexandre Dossin plays the Music of George Walker

Colburn School

The Symphony season opens with the unbridled optimism of John Adams’ exuberant fanfare and the poignant lyricism of George Walker’s lament for a beloved grandmother. Haydn’s dazzling 2nd cello concerto will feature our own Alexander Russakovsky. Brahms’ final symphony is a masterpiece of technique meeting expression and is one of the finest works of the Romantic era.

Field of Blue

Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium

Experience the ‘electric atmosphere’ of a performance by the Chineke! Orchestra – Europe’s first minority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra. Conducted for the first time by Sir Simon Rattle, together they perform Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony: over 50 minutes of brutality, violence, despair and terror, followed by two minutes of triumph. A portrait of life – and death – in Stalin’s Russia, it’s a fierce act of musical testimony. Bearing witness is also central to Pulitzer-winner George Walker’s Sinfonia No. 5, a work ‘suffused with anger’, raging against the 2015 Charleston church massacre. The Prom opens with the steady thrum of Coleridge-Taylor’s orchestral dance The Bamboula.

BBC Proms - Rattle Conducts Chineke!

Royal Albert Hall

TSM presents Rosamunde Quartet

The Royal Conservatory of Music

Coleman’s Sandbox Premiere with William Eddins

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

### Event Description: James Ehnes Plays Dvořák with the Minnesota Orchestra

**Event Title:** James Ehnes Plays Dvořák

**Dates:** Thursday, May 15, 2025, and Friday, May 16, 2025

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

**Duration:** 2 hours, including intermission

**Program Overview:**
Experience the profound Czech influence in this captivating program featuring works by Janáček, Smetana, and Dvořák. The evening will commence with Janáček's powerful "Sinfonietta," followed by Smetana's "Tabor" from his celebrated collection, "Má vlast." The highlight of the evening will be the return of the renowned Canadian violinist James Ehnes, who will perform Dvořák's Violin Concerto. Ehnes, who first performed with the Minnesota Orchestra as a teenager, brings his stunning virtuosity and serene lyricism to the stage once again.

**Program:**
- **WALKER:** Folksongs
- **DVOŘÁK:** Violin Concerto
- **SMETANA:** Tabor, from Má vlast
- **JANÁČEK:** Sinfonietta

**Artists:**
- **Conductor:** Edward Gardner
- **Violinist:** James Ehnes

**About the Artists:**
- **James Ehnes:** A Canadian violinist acclaimed for his stunning virtuosity and unfaltering musicality, James Ehnes has performed with top orchestras worldwide, including the Boston, Chicago, London, NHK, and Vienna symphonies, as well as the Los Angeles and New York philharmonics. This season, he serves as the National Arts Centre of Canada’s artist in residence and tours the U.S. with the Ehnes Quartet.
- **Edward Gardner:** Principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and chief conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic, Edward Gardner will soon take on the music directorship of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet.

**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.

**Additional Information:**
- **Pre-concert activities:** Enhance your concert experience with pre-concert activities.
- **Valet Parking:** Available for your convenience.
- **Pre-order Beverages:** Skip the lines by pre-ordering your intermission drinks.
- **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:** The 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.

**Plan Your Visit:**
- **Directions & Parking:** Parking is available just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
- **Download the MinnOrch App:** Pre-order intermission drinks, scan your ticket for entry, and get exclusive deals just for app users.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of classical music with the Minnesota Orchestra and James Ehnes. Secure your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary event!

James Ehnes Plays Dvořák

Minnesota Orchestra

MSM Artists in Residence: Windscape Winds of Change

Pre-College String Orchestra

The Juilliard School

Music uplifts and brings people together.  “Strings of Hope” is a string quartet from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and plays inspirational music in different settings with support from our host sites.  Come experience the power of music for a community building, spirit-raising experience.

Strings of Hope

Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple

The final concert of our 64th season demonstrates where we really shine like no other orchestra with an all-classical performance. Conducted by Maestro Stilian Kirov, this concert features compositions inspired by America and American composers: the Barber Violin Concerto with special guest soloist William Hagen, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9: From the New World and a contemporary piece by George Walker, Lyric for Strings.

American Beauty 

Florida SouthWestern State College

Pianist Christopher Guzman enjoys an international performing career that showcases a broad range of styles from the Baroque era to the avant-garde. Since winning top prizes in international competitions such as the Walter M. Naumburg Competition, the Seoul International Music Competition, and the Isang Yun Competition, Guzman has performed across Europe, North and South America, and Asia. As a result of winning the top prize at the Concours International de Piano d’Orléans in France, he has toured that country extensively, giving performances and teaching master classes. His CD of music of Paul Reale on the Naxos label, Chopin’s Ghosts, was included in Fanfare magazine’s top five releases of 2018. As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with the classical music world’s most exciting soloists, including Ilya Gringolts, Antoine Tamestit, David Fray, and Jeremy Denk.

Christopher Guzman, piano

Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

Manhattan School of Music

Experience the evocative power of "Transmigration," a captivating performance by the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus under the masterful direction of conductor Arian Khaefi. This concert promises to be a profound musical journey, exploring themes of transformation and renewal through a carefully curated selection of compositions. The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, known for their innovative programming and exceptional artistry, will bring these themes to life with their signature blend of passion and precision. The ensemble's commitment to musical excellence and their ability to convey deep emotional narratives through sound will ensure an unforgettable experience. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of human experience, expressed through the universal language of music.

Transmigration

University of California San Diego

Wagner, Walker, and Sibelius

New England Conservatory of Music

The IVSO proudly presents the winners of the 2025 Young Performers Competition, along with Aureate Skylines by award-winning composer Elliot Leung and Lyric for Strings, a moving piece by African American composer George Walker. Prominently featured is Ferde Grofé’s picturesque Grand Canyon Suite.

Stunning Soundscapes

Ottawa Township High School

Join the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano for an unforgettable evening at Carnegie Hall, New York, on Wednesday, 5th March 2025 at 8pm. This much-anticipated concert marks the Orchestra's long-awaited return to the iconic venue, featuring two consecutive nights of exceptional music-making.

The highlight of the first night includes the remarkable Janine Jansen as the soloist in Leonard Bernstein's "Serenade after Plato’s Symposium" for string orchestra, harp, and percussion. Inspired by Plato's dialogue on love, this lyrical masterpiece, premiered by Isaac Stern, showcases Bernstein's expressive range and depth. The program also features George Walker's "Sinfonia No 5, Visions’", a profound piece that represents the American composer's final sinfonia, composed in 2016. The evening concludes with Gustav Mahler's monumental "Symphony No 1", a work that redefined the symphony for the modern age.

Tickets for this extraordinary event are available from Carnegie Hall. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the London Symphony Orchestra, led by Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the exceptional Janine Jansen, in a performance that promises to be a highlight of the musical year.

On Tour in New York

Carnegie Hall

Faculty pianist Jessica McKee is joined by School of Music string faculty for an evening of chamber works by George Walker, Pinchas (formerly Paul) Schoenfeld and Robert Schumann.

Faculty Artist Series: Chamber Music of Walker, Schoenfeld and Schumann with Jessica McKee, piano

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Experience one of the world’s top orchestras when the London Symphony Orchestra, led by “incandescent” (Sunday Times, London) maestro Sir Antonio Pappano, performs at the Knight Concert Hall for the first time. Founded in 1904, the LSO has a reputation for uncompromising quality and inspirational beauty. This year marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the venerable orchestra when it welcomes new chief conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, a frequent LSO guest conductor since 1996, long acclaimed for his charismatic leadership and inspirational performances of symphonic and operatic repertory. Following a recent LSO performance, inews.uk predicted there are great things in store for the orchestra’s audiences all over the world: “A lavish glory of strings, a grand battery of percussion, the woodwind and brass glaring and blaring, provides an inspiring preview of the London Symphony Orchestra under its new principal.”

London Symphony Orchestra

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Join the London Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music and passion at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, on Sunday, 2nd March 2025 at 7pm. Under the baton of Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the radiant violinist Janine Jansen, the LSO will make its debut performance at the Knight Concert Hall. This concert promises an extraordinary lineup of works, including George Walker's final masterpiece, "Sinfonia No 5, Visions," a powerful response to racial violence; Leonard Bernstein's "Serenade after Plato’s Symposium," a vibrant dialogue on love; and Edward Elgar's "Variations on an Original Theme, Enigma," a rich tapestry of musical themes and variations.

Tickets for this landmark event will be available from 20th September at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the synergy of the LSO and Sir Antonio Pappano, alongside the exceptional Janine Jansen, in a program that promises to be as dramatic as it is enchanting.

On Tour in Miami

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Join the London Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable performance on tour in West Palm Beach, Florida. Under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the virtuosic Janine Jansen on violin, this concert promises an afternoon of stirring music and passionate expressions.

**Event Details:**
- **Date:** Saturday, 1 March 2025
- **Time:** 2pm
- **Location:** Kravis Center, West Palm Beach, Florida
- **Program:**
  - George Walker: Sinfonia No 5, "Visions"
  - Leonard Bernstein: Serenade after Plato’s Symposium
  - William Walton: Symphony No 1

**Conductor:** Sir Antonio Pappano  
**Violin Soloist:** Janine Jansen  
**Performing Group:** London Symphony Orchestra

**About the Concert:**  
This concert features a compelling mix of works that speak to the themes of love, outrage, and personal struggle. George Walker's "Sinfonia No 5, Visions," composed in response to a shocking act of racial violence, is a powerful statement with its steely outbursts and urgent harmonies. Leonard Bernstein's "Serenade," inspired by Plato's Symposium, explores the concept of love through a lively dialogue with ancient Greek writers. The program concludes with William Walton's turbulent "Symphony No 1," a journey from personal turmoil to a triumphant, celebratory ending.

Sir Antonio Pappano, known for his dynamic conducting, leads the London Symphony Orchestra through these intensely dramatic works. Janine Jansen's radiant violin playing will illuminate Bernstein's passionate music, making this concert a must-see event.

**Tickets:** Available from the Kravis Center. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the London Symphony Orchestra's powerful performance in West Palm Beach.

Stay connected and sign up for email updates to keep up with the latest news and events from the London Symphony Orchestra.

On Tour in West Palm Beach

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the London Symphony Orchestra makes its highly anticipated debut at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. This landmark event will take place on March 1, 2025, at the prestigious Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall. Under the baton of the world-renowned Sir Antonio Pappano, Chief Conductor, the orchestra will showcase the extraordinary talents of Dutch violinist Janine Jansen. The program promises an enthralling experience with Leonard Bernstein’s only violin concerto and Sir William Walton’s dark and sensual First Symphony among the featured pieces.

The evening's repertoire will include:
- Walker, Sinfonia No. 5, Visions
- Bernstein, Serenade, after Plato’s Symposium
- Walton, Symphony No. 1 in B-flat Minor

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 information on the music, musicians, and composers featured in the performance. Special guests from the ensembles will join for interviews, offering an in-depth look at the evening's program.

This classical concert series is proudly sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis, with additional support for the "Beyond The Stage" talk provided by Nancy and Jay Parker.

Please note, to ensure the best experience and value for our patrons, tickets should be purchased directly through the Kravis Center's official website, kravis.org. We caution against buying tickets from unauthorized distributors, as these may lead to overpricing and lack of customer service support.

Mark your calendars for March 1, 2025, and secure your subscription for the Classical Concert Series now during our renewal period for current subscribers. Don't miss this exceptional performance by the London Symphony Orchestra, a highlight of the 2024-2025 classical music season at the Kravis Center.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

February Chamber Concert

Praxis Fiber Workshop

All Visiting Orchestras tickets include same-day admission to the The Baker Museum. Special museum hours on day of London Symphony Orchestra performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 90 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.

Artis–Naples

Join us for an unforgettable performance by the London Symphony Orchestra, presented by Stanford Live at the prestigious Bing Concert Hall. This exceptional event will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2:30 PM, featuring the world-renowned talents of Janine Jansen on violin and Antonio Pappano as conductor.

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), based at London’s Barbican Centre, is celebrated globally for its exceptional work ethic, versatility, and is frequently ranked among the world's top orchestras. With a rich history dating back to 1904, the LSO stands out as one of the first orchestras to be owned by its musicians, boasting a unique ethos and an unmistakable signature sound. Generations of remarkable talents have contributed to the LSO’s reputation for uncompromising quality and inspirational repertoires.

The program for this special performance includes:
- George Walker's Sinfonia no. 5, "Visions"
- Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64
- Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D Major, "Titan"

Tickets start at $60, with presale access available. Due to the high demand for this performance, there is a limit of 2 tickets per household.

The lobby will open at 1:30 PM, allowing guests to enjoy beverages, light bites, and snacks available for sale before the performance begins at 2:30 PM.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the London Symphony Orchestra's unparalleled sound and artistry in the intimate setting of Bing Concert Hall. Secure your tickets now for a musical journey with the LSO and special guests Janine Jansen and Antonio Pappano.

Stanford University

Join the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for an unforgettable evening of music at the Mondavi Center in Davis, California, on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at 7:30 pm. Under the baton of Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, the LSO embarks on a captivating US tour, showcasing a dynamic programme that promises to be a highlight of the musical season.

The concert will feature George Walker's profound "Sinfonia No. 5, Visions," a piece that stands as a striking testament to Walker's compositional genius. Leonard Bernstein's "Serenade after Plato’s Symposium" will also grace the programme, offering a series of musical statements in praise of love, as described by Bernstein himself. The evening will culminate with Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 1," a work that captures the full range of human emotion, from the serene to the tumultuous.

Adding to the excitement, violinist Janine Jansen will join the LSO and Pappano for this special performance. Celebrated by The New York Times as one of the world’s star soloists, Jansen's virtuosity and expressive depth are sure to enchant the audience.

Tickets for this not-to-be-missed concert are available from the Mondavi Center. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the London Symphony Orchestra, led by Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring Janine Jansen, in a performance that promises to be both thrilling and deeply moving.

On Tour in Davis

University of California, Davis

Joining the iconic orchestra is Dutch violinist Janine Jansen, whom The New York Times declared “among the world’s star soloists.” Their dynamic program consists of Walker’s striking final composition, Mahler’s symphonic poem and Bernstein’s Serenade, after Plato’s ‘Symposium,’ which Bernstein himself called “a series of related statements in praise of love.”

Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

Experience the majestic sounds of the London Symphony Orchestra in an unforgettable evening at Coachella Valley, CA. This special performance is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 7:30 pm, under the baton of the esteemed Sir Antonio Pappano, Chief Conductor. The concert will showcase the extraordinary talents of violinist Janine Jansen, making her debut with the PS Phil alongside Sir Antonio Pappano.

The evening's program is set to captivate audiences with a lineup of classical masterpieces, starting with George Walker's "Sinfonia No. 5, Visions," a poignant piece composed in 2016 as a reflection on the tragic 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. The concert will also feature Felix Mendelssohn's beloved "Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64," brought to life by Janine Jansen's virtuosic performance. The night will culminate with Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 1 in D major, Titan," a work of epic proportions and emotional depth, promising to leave the audience in awe.

This concert is not only a showcase of musical brilliance but also a testament to the power of music to convey deep emotions and unite people from all walks of life. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the London Symphony Orchestra, led by Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring Janine Jansen, in a performance that promises to be both thrilling and moving.

London Symphony Orchestra 2025

College of the Desert

Join the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) for an unforgettable evening of music in Palm Springs. Under the baton of Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, the LSO embarks on a captivating tour in the United States, featuring a special performance at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, at 7:30 pm.

This concert promises an exhilarating program that showcases the talents of violinist Janine Jansen, celebrated by The New York Times as one of the world’s star soloists. Audiences will be treated to George Walker's profound "Sinfonia No 5, Visions," a piece that marks his striking final composition. The evening will also include Felix Mendelssohn's beloved "Violin Concerto in E minor, Op 64," a masterpiece of the violin repertoire, and Gustav Mahler's monumental "Symphony No 1," offering a journey through a vast emotional landscape.

Tickets for this must-see event are available from Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the London Symphony Orchestra, led by Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the exceptional Janine Jansen, in a performance that promises to be a highlight of the musical season.

On Tour in Palm Springs

McCallum Theatre

Making his debut with the PS Phil, Sir Antonio Pappano leads the London Symphony through this thrilling concert featuring Mahler’s expansive Titan Symphony. In another PS Phil debut, Janine Jansen brings Mendelssohn’s cherished violin concerto to life. This program also features the rarely heard Sinfonia No. 5, Visions by George Walker, composed in 2016 in response to the 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC.

Tchaikovsky 6

Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

Experience the profound intensity and emotional depth of classical music with the London Symphony Orchestra's upcoming concert, "Walker, Bernstein and Walton 1." This exceptional performance, under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the virtuosic Janine Jansen on violin, promises an unforgettable evening at the prestigious Barbican on Thursday, 6th February 2025, starting at 7pm.

The concert will showcase a trio of compelling works, beginning with George Walker's "Sinfonia No 5, Visions," a piece that reflects on a harrowing act of racial violence through its powerful outbursts and restless energy. Following this, Leonard Bernstein's "Serenade" delves into philosophical musings on love, inspired by ancient Greek literature, offering a lively and learned dialogue for violin and orchestra. The evening will culminate with William Walton's "Symphony No 1," a work that navigates through personal strife to emerge in a triumphant and celebratory finale.

Sir Antonio Pappano, renowned for his dynamic and insightful interpretations, leads the London Symphony Orchestra through these intensely dramatic works. Janine Jansen's radiant violin playing will illuminate Bernstein's passionate music, making this concert a highlight of the LSO's 2024/25 season.

The performance is scheduled to conclude at approximately 9:05 pm, including a 20-minute interval. Tickets are available in a range of prices to suit all budgets, with additional booking discounts and special rates for groups, students, and young people. For those looking to make the most of their booking, Wildcard tickets offer a unique opportunity for guaranteed entry with seat allocation on the day of the concert.

Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the powerful expressions of love, outrage, and triumph through the music of Walker, Bernstein, and Walton, performed by one of the world's leading orchestras and celebrated soloists. Book your tickets now for an evening of unforgettable musical experiences.

Walker, Bernstein and Walton 1

Barbican Centre

Walker’s Sinfonia No 5, 'Visions' was his final work, composed when he was 96. It was written in response to a shocking act of racial violence. The composer’s outrage can be heard in its steely outbursts, restless energy, and urgent, jagged harmonies.

London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Antonio Pappano

This concert is full of music that feels good. If you like Barber’s Adagio, you’ll love Walker’s Lyric for Strings. Mozart’s Figaro sounds like radiant sunshine, and Weber’s captivating Clarinet Concerto is virtuosic and tuneful. Lastly, you’ll delight in the lightheartedness of early Beethoven.

Mozart & Beethoven

Frauenthal Center

Led by internationally renowned conductors and featuring sparkling repertoire, the Curtis Symphony Orchestra is an immersive experience with unique resonance. The ensemble will be joined by GRAMMY© Award winning conductor Teddy Abrams, and internationally acclaimed violinist, Ray Chen the winner of the Yehudi Menuhin and Queen Elizabeth Competitions.

Curtis Symphony Orchestra

### Event Description: Ray Chen Plays Barber - Curtis Institute of Music

**Date and Time:** December 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

**Location:** Marian Anderson Hall (formerly Verizon Hall), Kimmel Center

**Event Overview:**
Join the Curtis Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable afternoon as renowned violinist Ray Chen performs Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto. This electrifying event will be conducted by the acclaimed artist and Curtis alumnus, Teddy Abrams. The performance is a tribute to Barber’s early years post-graduation from Curtis, showcasing his Violin Concerto, a masterpiece of the 20th century known for its romanticism and lyrical beauty.

**Program:**
- **TJ Cole ’17:** *Death of the Poet*
- **George Walker ’45:** *Lilacs for voice and orchestra*
- **Samuel Barber ’34:** *Violin Concerto, Op. 14*
- **Aaron Copland:** *Symphony No. 3*

**Artists:**
- **Teddy Abrams, Conductor:** Music director of the Louisville Orchestra and the Britt Festival Orchestra, Abrams is a tireless advocate for the power of music and has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations with various prestigious organizations. He is also an accomplished pianist, clarinetist, and award-winning composer.
- **Ray Chen, Violin:** A celebrated violinist known for his gorgeous tone and full-bodied lyricism, Ray Chen redefines what it means to be a classical musician in the 21st century.

**Ticket Information:**
Subscribe now to the 2024-25 season to get the best seats at the best prices. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a thrilling fusion of virtuosity and passion in a monumental musical journey.

**Additional Information:**
This performance is part of Curtis Institute of Music's centennial celebration, a season brimming with passion, energy, and greatness. The Curtis Symphony Orchestra, acclaimed for its ensemble and professional sophistication, will be showcasing the exceptional young talent of tomorrow.

**Support and Acknowledgments:**
Curtis’ Centennial Season is made possible through the support of various benefactors, including Derek and Sissela Bok, the Mary Louise Curtis Bok Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, among others. Guest conductor appearances are supported by the Rita E. and Gustave M. Hauser Chair in Conducting Studies.

For more details and to subscribe, visit the Curtis Institute of Music's website.

Ray Chen Plays Barber

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

The Miró Quartet is one of America’s most celebrated and dedicated string quartets, having been labeled by The New Yorker as “furiously committed” and noted by the Cleveland Plain Dealer for its “exceptional tonal focus and interpretive intensity.” For over twenty-five years the Quartet has performed throughout the world on the most prestigious concert stages, earning accolades from critics and audiences alike. Based in Austin, TX, and thriving on the area’s storied music scene, the Miró takes pride in finding new ways to communicate with audiences of all backgrounds while cultivating the longstanding tradition of chamber music.

Miró Quartet

Renaissance Square Event Center

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

This program’s Concert Preview lectures will be presented by Rabbi Roger Klein, The Temple Tifereth Israel

Harding Conducts Schumann

Severance Music Center

The outstanding pianist Artina McCain joins Orchestra Nova NW in an inaugural concert highlighting the long-overlooked contributions of Black composers and artists to classical music. Music Director, Steven Byess has curated an exquisite program featuring work by Pulitzer Prize winner George Walker, Florence Price — the first black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra – and Ghanaian-American composer Fred Onovwerosuoke. Passionate and dynamic, this concert brings into focus an essential thread in the fabric of American music.

Essence American

Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

Reynolds High School

Week three of the Tippet Rise concert season features seven extraordinary artists, each celebrated for their virtuosity, and sought after for their performances around the world. Returning musicians include pianist Sterling Elliott, recipient of the Sphinx Organization’s 2024 Medal of Excellence and a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient; American violinist Jennifer Frautschi, a two-time Grammy nominee and Avery Fisher career grant recipient; and cellist Nina Lee, a longtime member of the Brentano String Quartet. Debuting artists include Hungarian-Nicaraguan-American violinist Abigél Králik; American violist Natalie Loughran, the First Prize winner at the 2021 Primrose International Viola Competition; Armenian-American violist Cara Pogossian, a current Masters student at the New England Conservatory; and American pianist Evren Ozel, the recipient of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Jennifer Frautschi, violin, Abigél Králik, violin, Natalie Loughran, viola, Cara Pogossian, viola, Sterling Elliott, cello, Nina Lee, cello, Evren Ozel, piano

Tippet Rise Art Center

Join us for an enchanting evening with the Ivalas Quartet at the Skaneateles Festival for their "Quartet By Candlelight" performance. This special event takes place on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 97 East Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY.

The Ivalas Quartet, celebrated for their dynamic and passionate performances, is currently the graduate quartet-in-residence at The Juilliard School and has been chosen as the Festival’s 2024 Young Artist in Residence. The evening promises a unique experience with the first half of the program presented by candlelight, embracing the Tenebrae tradition. This segment will feature meditative and spiritual music by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Osvaldo Golijov, and Carlos Simon. The second half will captivate audiences with Mendelssohn’s youthful and passionate String Quartet, Op. 13.

The program includes:
- OSVALDO GOLIJOV: Tenebrae
- BEETHOVEN: Cavatina from String Quartet, Op. 130
- Carlos SIMON: Warmth from Other Suns
- George WALKER: Lyric for Strings
- MENDELSSOHN: String Quartet, Op. 13

This event is generously sponsored by Doug and Peg Whitehouse. Individual tickets will be available for purchase starting May 1. 

Prepare for an unforgettable night of music that promises to be both reflective and exhilarating. Doors open at 7:30 pm, and seating is first come, first served. The venue offers air-conditioned comfort and cushioned church pews for an enjoyable listening experience. Light refreshments may be available for purchase during intermission.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Skaneateles Festival website or contact the festival office. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Ivalas Quartet under the glow of candlelight in the beautiful setting of Skaneateles.

Ivalas Quartet: Quartet By Candlelight

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles

Imagine a summer afternoon filled with the vibrant sounds of jazz and the powerful echoes of history. The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival and the National Park Service invite you to a free concert unlike any other, celebrating the legacy of the Niagara Movement.


This concert celebrates the groundbreaking organization that paved the way for the NAACP. The Niagara Movement held its meetings at the historic Storer College in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where this performance takes place.

Voices of the Niagara Movement

Stephen T. Mather Training Center

Masterworks Series: George Walker, Bach, Bartok / Miranda Cuckson

Bargemusic

Join us for a remarkable evening of music and conversation at the "GIVEN A CHANCE: Concert and Discussion" event, part of the Manchester Music Festival's 50th Anniversary Season. This special program is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the SVAC Arkell Pavilion, located at 860 Southern Vermont Arts Center Drive, Manchester, VT, 05254.

The evening will feature the Artistic Director Philip Setzer alongside MMF Young Artists, performing an exquisite selection of Romantic works by underrepresented composers. These composers have historically struggled to have their voices heard, making this event not only a concert but a powerful statement on the importance of diversity and representation in classical music.

The concert will include pieces such as Clara Wieck Schumann's "3 Romances, Op. 22," Rebecca Clarke's "Lullaby," from 2 Pieces for Viola or Violin and Cello, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "4 African Dances, Op. 58," Florence Price's "Piano Quintet No. 2 in A minor," and George Walker's "Lyric for Strings."

Following the performance, there will be a discussion led by music scholar Judith Lochhead and composer Menon Dwarka, offering insights into the works performed and the stories of the composers. This dialogue aims to deepen the audience's understanding and appreciation of the music and its historical context.

The event is presented in partnership with Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning, ensuring an enriching experience for all attendees. A reception will follow the discussion, providing an opportunity for attendees to mingle and reflect on the evening's offerings.

Artists performing include Philip Setzer on violin, Brian Anderson on viola, Andrew Cannestra on piano, among other talented musicians and MMF Young Artists, making this a showcase of both established and emerging talents in the classical music scene.

Don't miss this unique blend of performance and discussion, set against the backdrop of the scenic Southern Vermont Arts Center. Buy your tickets now for an evening of meaningful music and conversation.

GIVEN A CHANCE: Concert and Discussion

Southern Vermont Arts Center

This always-evolving ensemble features a handpicked group of musicians from the historic Met Orchestra in concerts of remarkable ambition and variety. Adapting to fit the instrumental needs of any piece of music, this unique group offers endless programming possibilities—and audiences are treated to all-time chamber-music classic, hard-to-find hidden gems, and standout works by several of today’s significant composers

Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Met Orchestra Chamber Ensemble

Brooklyn Public Library

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra presents a captivating performance featuring the exceptional Canadian violist, Sarah McElravy, under the baton of Music Director Anne Manson. This special concert marks the grand finale of the MCO 2024/25 season, taking place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Crescent Arts Centre, 525 Wardlaw Avenue.

Sarah McElravy, celebrated for her consummate musicianship and divine sound, will lead the evening with a performance of Dmitri Shostakovich's Viola Sonata in C Major, Op. 147, arranged for solo viola and full strings by Vladimir Mendelssohn. This poignant piece, Shostakovich's last work, is known for its themes of struggle, redemption, and catharsis, making it a fitting and powerful end to the season. The program also features George Walker's Lyric for Strings and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 28 in C Major, K 200, showcasing the orchestra's versatility and depth.

The concert will be held twice on the same day, with performances at 1:00 pm and 7:30 pm, allowing audiences to choose the time that best suits their schedule. Each performance promises an hour of exquisite music, with no intermission, in a casual and inviting atmosphere. This event is perfect for both seasoned concertgoers and those new to classical music, with a program designed to captivate and inspire.

Tickets are priced at CA$37.00 and are available for adults, seniors, and under-30s. They can be purchased online starting July 7, 2023, or through the MCO's Ticketline at 204-783-7377. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Sarah McElravy's mastery of the viola, accompanied by the talented musicians of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, in a performance that promises to be a highlight of the musical season.

Sarah Mcelravy

Crescent Arts Centre

In the intimate Weill Recital Hall, witness Carnegie Hall’s first-ever complete performance of George Walker’s sumptuous First String Quartet. It is an impassioned early piece by the Pulitzer-winning composer, and in its beautiful second movement you will hear the basis of Walker’s most popular work, Lyric for Strings. Also included is Schubert’s octet, the largest of all his chamber works. Comprising six movements, it is a grand yet infrequently performed work, modeled closely—by request—after Beethoven’s crowd-pleasing septet

The Met Orchestra Chamber Ensemble

In-Person Masterworks Concert #6

Williamsburg Community Chapel

The Danish master conductor Thomas Dausgaard is at the head of the Copenhagen Phil on an evening where we celebrate American music history with, among other things, Leonard Bernstein's impressive Songfest – composed on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

Dausgaard and Bernstein

Konservatoriets Koncertsal

Copenhagen Phil conducted by Thomas Dausgaard

Copenhagen Phil – Dausgaard and Bernstein

Join us for an enchanting evening with the Monterey Symphony during the "Current Season - SANTA LUCIA" concerts, taking place on March 16, 2024, at 7:30 PM and March 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM. These performances will be held at the prestigious Sunset Center, located at San Carlos Ave & 9th Ave, Carmel. 

This season, we are thrilled to feature the talented pianist Soyeon Kate Lee, who will grace us with her presence for the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20. Unfortunately, due to illness, our originally scheduled soloist Orli Shaham will not be able to perform. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back in the future. In addition to the change in soloist, the program will also see a change in repertoire; the West Coast Premiere of "Light Forming" will be replaced with Wagner's "Siegfried Idyll," a decision made with respect to the piece's specific composition for Shaham.

The concert will illuminate the theme of chiaroscuro—light and shadow—through a carefully curated selection of works. The program includes Mozart's Overture to Don Giovanni, Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, George Walker's Lyric for Strings, and culminates with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, featuring Soyeon Kate Lee. This selection promises to take the audience on a journey through the contrasts of light and darkness, hope and despair, beautifully encapsulated through music.

Soyeon Kate Lee, acclaimed for her "huge, richly varied sound, a lively imagination and a firm sense of style" (The New York Times), brings her exceptional talent to the Monterey Symphony. Her performances have captivated audiences worldwide, making her appearance a highlight of the season.

We extend our gratitude to our concert sponsors—Beverly Hamilton, Martin R. Wolf Family Fund, Bill and Kathy Sharpe, The William H. and Patricia M. Smith Family Foundation, and soloist sponsor Carol Lee Holland—for their generous support.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Monterey Symphony's "SANTA LUCIA" concerts. It's an event that promises to be a memorable part of our 2023-2024 season. For tickets and more information, please visit our website. We look forward to sharing this beautiful music with you.

Santa Lucia

Sunset Center

Oakland Winterfest: Seth Parker Woods, cello & Friends

Oakland University

Celebration of Black History Month

St. John's Episcopal Church Barrington

Join us for an evening of profound musical exploration with the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra at the Praxis Fiber Workshop. The event, titled "Landscape of Memory," promises to be a journey through the evocative realms of memory and reflection, brought to life through the medium of string quartets.

This event is a must-attend for lovers of classical music and those interested in the ways music can evoke and explore memories. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power of string quartets in an intimate setting, performed by a talented ensemble of musicians.

Landscape of Memory

Join us for a special Black History Month broadcast performance featuring chamber music of Black composers. Subscribe to Curtis on YouTube to be notified when the broadcast begins—and enjoy a catalog of incredible Curtis performances.

Broadcast: Chamber Music of Black Composers

Fernandez, Coleridge-Taylor, Walker, Stravinsky, and Still

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church

DesertView Performing Arts Center

2024 Winter Festival Concert 2

Benaroya Hall

PCE’s seasonal favorite returns with a stirring program for chorale and orchestra that celebrates the universal expression of the human spirit through music. Amazing Grace, perhaps the most universal of folk hymns, has inspired people all around the world for centuries. This new year, we feature works by George Walker, Gustav Mahler, Margaret Bonds, Luciano Berio, and the DC premiere of Jeffrey Mumford’s extraordinary cello concerto with soloist Annie Jacobs-Perkins, winner of the 2023 Pierre Fournier Award. ‍

As a special tribute, PCE will present Mr. Mumford with PCE’s American Roots Artist Award for his outstanding contributions to the American music. Bring the family, and join us in singing Amazing Grace with the whole ensemble at the end of the evening.

Amazing Grace: in Paradisum

Kennedy Center

Buddy is the biggest Elf the North Pole has ever seen. When his enormous size and poor toy-making skills cause him to face the truth, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father and share the true meaning of Christmas.

Elf The Musical

Marian Theatre

Award-winning duo 48 St. Stephen will perform works by Bach, Walker, Messiaen, and a world premiere of a work by WashU composer Christopher Stark. Free admission. No reservations, tickets, or registration is required. Free parking is available in the garage behind the building.

48 St. Stephen featuring a World Premiere by Christopher Stark

560 Music Center

Join us for an enchanting evening of classical music with the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra's presentation of "Symphonie Concertante" on Sunday, September 24, 2023. This captivating concert will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the serene St. Noel Catholic Church, located at 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States.

The program for the evening features a selection of masterpieces that showcase the depth and diversity of classical music. The lineup includes George Walker's poignant "Lyric for Strings," Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's exhilarating "Concerto in C major for 2 Violins, K. 190," Toru Takemitsu's mesmerizing "Waltz," and Joseph Bologne's dynamic "Symphonie Concertante in B-flat major, Op. 6, No. 1."

Highlighting the event will be performances by the exceptionally talented soloists Jung-Min Amy Lee and Kyung Sun Lee on violins, bringing their virtuosity and passion to the stage.

This event promises to be a memorable experience for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike, set against the backdrop of the beautiful St. Noel Catholic Church. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of classical music with the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra.

Symphonie Concertante

St Noel Church

William Shakespeare is dead. Bad Hamlet knock-offs and children’s acting troupes litter the stages of Elizabethan London. And the King’s Men are running out of time. Rooted in real events, The Book of Will is the witty and wonderful battle of how the Bard’s legacy came to be. Sure to be loved by Shakespeare fans and skeptics alike.

The Book of Will

Solvang Festival Theater

Before the summer season wanes, join maestro Roderick Cox – who has been praised as a conductor “paving the way” (NBC News) – as he leads Orchestra of St. Luke’s in a program that features cellist, MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner, and Evnin Rising Star alumna Alisa Weilerstein, who will entrance with her fearless rendition of Shostakovich’s profoundly complex and strikingly haunting first cello concerto.

Alisa Weilerstein and Beethoven

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Spring Song And Strings

Royal Porcelain Works

Violinist Leonidas Kavakos joins the Orchestra and conductor Gianandrea Noseda in Shostakovich’s contemplative and fiery Violin Concerto No. 1. Drama and mystery pervade Walker’s pithy Sinfonia No. 1. Respighi’s tone poem Roman Festivals depicts ancient and modern celebrations in Rome, from gladiatorial combat to the tolls of church bells and a harvest festival.

Kavakos Plays Shostakovich

Lincoln Center

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of chamber music at Caramoor with the Ivalas Quartet, the 2022-23 Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence. This remarkable ensemble will grace the Music Room on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 3:00 PM, showcasing their dedication to celebrating diverse voices within classical music.

The Ivalas Quartet, composed of violinists Reuben Kebede and Tiani Butts, violist Aimée McAnulty, and cellist Pedro Sánchez, has been making waves in the classical music scene since its formation at the University of Michigan in 2017. Known for their commitment to BIPOC composers and works, the quartet has curated a program that promises to be both enlightening and enchanting. The afternoon will feature George Walker's String Quartet No. 1, Anton Webern's String Quartet, and Johannes Brahms' String Quartet in C Minor, Op. 51, No. 1.

Having performed at prestigious venues and collaborated with notable musicians and organizations, the Ivalas Quartet brings a fresh perspective to classical music. Their performance at Caramoor is not just a concert but a celebration of the rich, diverse voices that have shaped and continue to influence this genre.

Tickets start at $30, with free admission for attendees aged 18 and under, making this an ideal event for music lovers of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music through the talents of the Ivalas Quartet at Caramoor, a venue renowned for its beautiful gardens and historic estate, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of exquisite music.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Caramoor website. Join us in supporting the arts and celebrating diversity in classical music with the Ivalas Quartet.

Ivalas Quartet

The Rosen House at Caramoor

Known for their “expert musicianship, razor-sharp ensemble, and deep musical feeling” (Chicago Tribune), the Dover Quartet returns to the PCMS stage with Philadelphia Orchestra double-bassist Joseph Conyers, “a lyrical musician who plays with authenticity that transcends mere technique” (Grand Rapids Press). Following string quartets by Joseph Haydn and George Walker, Conyers and the Dover unite for Antonín Dvořák’s lush, richly-textured Quintet in G Major, Op. 77.

Dover Quartet & Joseph Conyers, double bass

The brilliant Dover Quartet performs quartets by Haydn and George Walker, and teams up with fellow Curtis Institute alumnus Joseph Conyers for Dvořák’s String Quintet in G major.

Dover Quartet with Joseph Conyers, bass

Detroit Country Day School - Upper School

A lecture-demonstration discussing how the programming of works by underrepresented composers can educate all of us and empower our next generation.

Piano Master Class and Lecture: Michelle Cann

Walker’s Lyric for Strings was written as a lament for his grandmother born into slavery. Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Concerto, one of his last completed works, will feature Milwaukee Symphony Principal Clarinet, Todd Levy. And to end, Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony is rich in melody and Czech dance rhythms.

A Lyrical Evening

Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts

Students of Monique Phinney, Michael Hanley, and Patty Thom’s classical voice studios perform a selection of songs.

Studio Recital: Monique Phinney, Michael Hanley, and Patty Thom Classical Voice Studios

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Dvořák “turned the musical establishment upside down,” notes Brentano violist Serena Canin, when he proclaimed that “in the Negro melodies of America I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music… There is nothing in the whole range of composition that cannot be supplied with themes from this source.” The magnificent Brentano Quartet brings this credo to life in a program that explores Dvořák and his American legacy.

Brentano Quartet

American Philosophical Society

A program of extremes begins with Walker’s superb lament for strings and ends with an epic celebration of Mayan culture, utilizing 13 different percussion instruments! Michelle Cann’s (below) meteoric rise to stardom happened while we were talking to her – her Price’s Concerto with Philadelphia became a sensation. Our assent with Cann adds another jewel here: Strauss’s Burleske.

Composer

George Walker

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 18, 2026

Faculty Recital: Fiato Quartet and Micah Yui, Piano · Colburn School

Jan 25, 2026

Sunday Piano Series: Amiri Harewood · Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

6 - 8 Feb, 2026

Brahms' Third · Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Feb 14, 2026

Everything is Romantic · Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

Feb 22, 2026

Miró Quartet Karen Slack, soprano · Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

Past events

Nov 2, 2025

Cecilian Chamber Series - Verona Quartet · Darke Hall

Oct 12, 2025

The Ordering Of Moses · Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra

About

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