Composer

Prepare for an extraordinary musical experience as two of the world’s most celebrated musicians, Hilary Hahn and Lang Lang, join forces for a one-night-only recital. A captivating journey through a curated program of classical masterworks, this exclusive event showcases the unparalleled virtuosity and artistry of these musical titans.

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Hilary Hahn and Lang Lang

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

A note from the Maestro: Our second concert in the 130th Season Masterworks series focuses on orchestral Americana with compositional styles that are as wide-reaching as the American frontier. Dvořák is well known for the style in which he culls musical material from traditional folk sources, and the Symphony No. 8 is laden with tunes he heard while composing in America. The new violin concerto by Wynton Marsalis blends jazz, blues and other classic folk styles into a canvas of American life and dreams and, in the music of William Grant Still, we hear a composer influenced by melodies and motives from the black American community as he skillfully weaves this material into traditional symphonic forms.

Symphonic Glory

University of Maine

Join the Culver City Symphony Orchestra and the SoCal Chorale in Veterans Auditorium for an uplifting tribute honoring courage and unity.

Summon the Heroes - a Culver City Symphony Orchestra Veterans Day Concert

Veterans Memorial Park Culver City

American cellist Julian Schwarz performs Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Although Bruch himself was not Jewish, his haunting and evocative Kol Nidrei was inspired by two traditional Hebrew melodies and his friendships with Jewish musicians.

Inspired by Mozart, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme could not be more of a contrast with its early 18th century dance themes.

Beethoven’s Pastoral

Catalina Foothills High School

Conductor David Glover is known for his captivating interpretations and engaging presence on the podium. He is currently the Music Director of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra in Virginia and recently concluded a tenure as Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony, where he led over 250 concerts, including performances of major choral repertoire such as Carmina Burana, the opening classical concert of the Symphony’s new hall in Wilmington, NC, and two statewide tours. He continues to maintain a close relationship with the North Carolina Symphony and conducts numerous concerts with them each year. Prior to his position with the North Carolina Symphony, Glover served as Assistant Conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. 

Celebration in Motion: Beethoven 7

Walton Arts Center

Remembrance

MassBay Community College

Celebrate Emanuel Ax’s extraordinary career, and his special connection to this Orchestra, with a performance of Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto, the perfect showcase for this beloved pianist’s “sublime ... strength and warmth of tone” (Limelight).

Emanuel Ax Plays Beethoven

The natural world underscores VSO’s second concert at the Flynn in October, with birdsong, thunder, moonlight, and mushrooms as influence for a breadth of compositions. William Grant Still’s Wood Notes is inspired by the rich nature of the American South, and Chelsea Komschlies’ piece Mycelialore melds fantasy with forest and neural networks in a piece commissioned by the League of American Orchestra’s Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The second half presents Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”, a bucolic hymn to the countryside and nature. From stillness to dancing, and bird calls to storms, Beethoven’s ability to incorporate rural life in musical form is exemplified in the four movements of this work.

VSO: Pastorale Symphony

The Flynn

The natural world underscores VSO’s second concert at the Flynn in October, with birdsong, thunder, moonlight, and mushrooms as influence for a breadth of compositions. William Grant Still’s Wood Notes is inspired by the rich nature of the American South, and Chelsea Komschlies’ piece Mycelialore makes musical connections between fungal and neural networks in a piece commissioned by the League of American Orchestra’s Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The second half presents Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”, a bucolic hymn to the countryside and nature. From stillness to dancing, and bird calls to storms, Beethoven’s ability to incorporate rural life in musical form is exemplified in the four movements of this work.

VSO at the Flynn: Pastoral Symphony

SHCS’s 60th season opens with the pioneering Sphinx Virtuosi, an 18-member self-conducted string orchestra and flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization. With “immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty” (The Washington Post) these masterful players make their Baltimore debut with a program devoted to peace and the resilience of the human spirit. Acclaimed young cellist Sterling Elliott joins as soloist for American composer’s William Grant Still’s Suite, inspired by Harlem Renaissance sculptures.

Sphinx Virtuosi (Baltimore Debut) Sterling Elliott, cello

Johns Hopkins University

Opening night belongs to the renowned Sphinx Virtuosi, which returns to PCMS for a fifth consecutive season, this time with the gifted young cellist Sterling Elliott as the featured soloist. Comprising 18 of the nation’s top Black and Latinx classical soloists, the “vibrant” and “rhapsodic” Virtuosi (New York Times) bring to PCMS a program titled Visions of Peace which offers a unique convergence of musical voices that usher us into a realm where music becomes an emissary of peace and unity. Sphinx writes: “We hope to lift every voice and remember our complex history while looking toward our shared journey as we face a brighter tomorrow. We explore peace while remembering the conflict of past and present and recognizing the repeated history and the resilience of the human spirit.”

Sphinx Virtuosi Sterling Elliott, cello

Sibelius and Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2 with Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Tanglewood Music Center

Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin returns to Saratoga to lead two unique programs that can only be heard at SPAC.

Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff, & Still

Saratoga Spa State Park

Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff & Still

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Join us in celebrating the 125th anniversary of The Philadelphia Orchestra as it returns to its summer home at the TD Pavilion at the Mann on July 23 for an evening of classical music hits, led by Assistant Conductor Naomi Woo.

125 Years of The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Mann Center

In the penultimate evening of the NY Phil’s Bravo! Vail residency, Rafael Payare conducts Still’s Darker America and Tchaikovsky’s powerful Pathétique Symphony. Pianist Yekwon Sunwoo makes his NY Phil debut in Beethoven’s first concerto composed for the instrument.

Bravo! Vail: Rafael Payare and Yekwon Sunwoo

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Visit Romania, Norway, and Panama as guest conductor Ron Spigelman leads the FWSO strings in an evening inspired by folk traditions, dance, and music of the Romantic era. Bartók’s Rumanian Folk Dances and Still’s Danzas de Panamá are rooted in cultural traditions —Romanian fiddle tunes and Panamanian Afro-Latin melodies. Grieg’s Two Norwegian Airs evokes the serenity of Norway’s countryside, including the movement titled “Cow Keeper’s Tune and Peasant Dance.” Schreker’s Intermezzo offers a lush, orchestral contrast with its rich, Romantic string textures.

Night of Strings at the Garden: Travels in Sound

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The FWSO’s Concert on the Lawn at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art returns for a second year! Enjoy the bold sounds of brass with Sousa marches like The Stars and Stripes Forever, along with classic Broadway tunes, including “Seventy-Six Trombones” from The Music Man and iconic tunes from South Pacific. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your snacks, and join us for a night filled with upbeat music and activities, perfect for the whole family.

Concert on the Lawn @ The Carter

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

A Juneteenth Celebration

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

The Knights

Central Park

The Knights are excited to return to the iconic Naumburg Bandshell on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. No tickets are required to attend this celebratory outdoor performance with Naumburg Orchestral Concerts, and seating will be offered on a first come first serve basis. The concert will also be broadcast live on WQXR.

The Knights at Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Season Finale Concert

East Providence High School

Join the Evanston Symphony Orchestra for a captivating afternoon of music at the "June 2025 Concert" featuring "THE AMERICAN-FRENCH CONNECTION." This concert, under the baton of Music Director Lawrence Eckerling, promises an exploration of the profound musical links between iconic French composers Debussy and Ravel, and American legends Gershwin and Copland. The performance will highlight the influence of French masters on American music and vice versa, showcasing pieces that exemplify this cross-cultural exchange.

**Date and Time:**  
Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:30 pm

**Venue:**  
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston  
Evanston Township High School Auditorium, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston  
*Free parking available at both locations.*

**Program Highlights:**  
- George Gershwin's vibrant "Cuban Overture"  
- William Grant Still's poignant "Mother and Child" for string orchestra  
- Maurice Ravel's "Piano Concerto in G Major," featuring the talented Ko-Eun Yi on piano  
- Claude Debussy's ethereal "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun"  
- Aaron Copland's evocative "Billy the Kid Suite"

**Special Pre-Concert Event:**  
Musical Insights Free Pre-Concert Preview on Friday, May 31, at 1:30 pm. Join Maestro Lawrence Eckerling and soloist Ko-Eun Yi for an engaging discussion about the concert program. This event is free and open to the public at Merion's Crystal Ballroom, 529 Davis St, Evanston. Light refreshments will be served.

**Ticket Information:**  
Advance Sales: $35 Adult, $30 Seniors, $5.00 Full-Time Student  
At the Door Sales: $39 Adult, $35 Seniors, $5.00 Full-Time Student  
Children 12 and younger are admitted for free but must have an assigned seat.  
For tickets, please call 847.864.8804 or email tickets@evanstonsymphony.org.

**Health and Safety:**  
As of now, masks, vaccinations, and testing are not required to attend. Attendees are kindly asked to stay home if feeling unwell.

Don't miss this extraordinary musical journey that bridges the Atlantic, connecting the rich traditions of American and French music. Secure your tickets today for an unforgettable experience with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra.

The American-french Connection

Northwestern University

Originally from Cleveland, OH, Lorenzo Lopez is an accomplished musician and conductor known for his dynamic leadership and passionate musicianship. He has served as a lecturer for Purdue University’s Symphonic and String Orchestras and as a Conducting Fellow for the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra. Lopez has collaborated with distinguished conductors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Cristian Macelaru, Marin Alsop, and James Ross.

May Orchestra Series (Featuring Lorenzo Lopez, CityMusic Community Choir, & Chabrelle Williams)

Fairmount Cooperative Preschool

A recital featuring the many colors of the oboe and its unique timbres.

Student Degree Recital: Zander Barrow B.M. oboe senior recital

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Connected Through Music

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Leicester Symphony Orchestra - Brahms And Sibelius

De Montfort Hall

Highlights of recent performances include recitals with pianist Orli Shaham at the Kauffman Music Center’s Musical Storefront series (NYC), Music for Food (NYC), and at Colorado’s Telluride Music Festival and Music off the Hook Arts Music Festival. Buck was awarded a 2019 Music Faculty Incentive Grant by the SUNY Purchase Conservatory that facilitated two commissions: John Harbison’s DeBut for solo violin, and Fantasia on Beethoven’s Spring Sonata for violin and piano by Bruce Adolphe. In October 2021, she joined Grammy Award-winning producer, Silas Brown, to record Harbison’s Suite for Solo Violin for a forthcoming album.

“Music Our Mothers Love” with Orli Shaham and Deborah Buck

Bargemusic

An evening of Latin music to end the season.

Cinco de Mayo

Washington University in St. Louis

Evocative landscapes and diverse emotions. From the enchanting melodies of Richard Rodgers’s Carousel Waltz and the soul-stirring rhythms of William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2, “Song of a New Race,” to the American spirit of Copland’s vibrant Billy the Kid Suite and the poignant nostalgia of Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, be transported to the heart of a bygone era filled with dreams and memories. 

American Visionaries: From Copland to Still

Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center

Undergraduate Performance Seminar students of Susan Dunn-Rachleff

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Inside of eight short years, American composers produced three masterpieces – all of them in completely different styles and written with distinctive voices.  This concert celebrates this great American explosion by combining all three of them into one special evening of music.

American Voices: Rhapsody in Blue

Inside of eight short years, American composers produced three masterpieces – all of them in completely different styles and written with distinctive voices.  This concert celebrates this great American explosion by combining all three of them into one special evening of music.

 Our centerpiece is Gershwin’s iconic “Rhapsody in Blue”, played by one of the great pianists of our generation, Stewart Goodyear.  (Fun fact: the famous clarinet glissando at the beginning wasn’t written by Gershwin – it was a prank his clarinetist played on him at the first rehearsal, and it stuck!)

 Arkansan William Grant Still – also known to many as the “Dean of African-American Composers” – wrote his tremendously emotional and satisfying Symphony no. 1 in 1930, infused with both the blues and traditional spirituals, and it was the first symphony by a Black American to be performed by an established orchestra, in 1931.  Two years later, and finishing out our program, Arkansas native Florence Price became the second composer to achieve that status when her gloriously infectious Symphony no. 1 was performed by the Chicago Symphony in 1933.

One of the most versatile, highly respected, and best-reviewed artists of her generation, pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, known especially for her brilliant interpretations of Classical and early Romantic repertoire, will be our featured soloist in Beethoven’s sublime First Piano Concerto. Music critics shower her with praise, one noting, “Anne-Marie McDermott plays with both technical virtuosity and evident joy.  The music comes alive under her fingers.”

Anne-Marie McDermott, piano

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

James Gaffigan & Janine Jansen

Munich Residence

The ASO’s first concert at the new David Geffen Hall focuses on music of composers who came of age in the 1920s. Chief among them was Edgard Varèse.

Varèse’s symphonic poem Arcana (1925-27) explores the mysterious and powerful nature of the constellations above. Varèse took his inspiration for the work from topics of alchemy and astrology—in particular, from writings by 16th-century physician and practicing astrologer Paracelsus. Upon opening the printed score, inscribed is a quote that muses, and then concludes as follows:

Tapping into the Twenties

Lincoln Center

The Seven Deadly Sins

Granada Theatre

Sultry tango rhythms, lush string serenades, hauntingly beautiful adagios, and spirited Panamanian dances. It’s a celebration of the rich and diverse musical heritage of the Americas!

Classics IV: The Americas

Broadway in Hollywood

### Event Description: Rubén Rengel with Symphony Tacoma

**Date:** Saturday, March 22, 2025  
**Time:** 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM  
**Location:** Symphony Tacoma, Tacoma, WA

Join us for an enchanting evening of classical music as Rubén Rengel, an acclaimed violinist, performs with Symphony Tacoma under the baton of conductor Sarah Ioannides. This special concert, titled "THE AMERICAS," will feature a captivating program that includes:

- **Piazzolla:** Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
- **Carreño:** Serenade for Strings
- **Barber:** Adagio for Strings, Op. 11
- **Still:** Danzas de Panama

This event promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing the rich and diverse musical heritage of the Americas. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these masterpieces performed live by talented musicians.

**Add to Calendar:**  
- [Google Calendar](#)  
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For more information and to learn more about the event, please visit our website.

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Rubén Rengel with Symphony Tacoma

Symphony Tacoma

Praised for his “virtuosic,” “dazzling,” and “brilliant” performances (New York Times) and his “bold, keen sound” (The New Yorker), oboist James Austin Smith boasts an extensive chamber music career. In this compelling recital, he will present a program of works by William Grant Still, Clara Schumann, Camille Saint-Saëns, and more!

Oboist James Austin Smith in Recital

Newport Classical

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as we present "Dvořák & Rachmaninoff" on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, at 2:15pm in the prestigious Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This concert promises a journey from darkness to light, featuring compositions that evoke memories of home and showcase fabulous melodies.

The program will open with William Grant Still's "Poem for Orchestra," a stirring piece that symbolizes the rebirth of the earth from darkness. Following this, we will delve into the nostalgic and beautiful songs of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, a masterpiece full of emotion and longing. The afternoon will culminate with Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances," his energetic last work that reminisces about his homeland.

We are thrilled to have the talented brother-sister duo, Joshua and Alisa Weilerstein, joining us as conductor and soloist, respectively. Their profound musical connection and expertise are sure to bring a unique depth to the performances.

Event Details:
- Date/Time: Wednesday, 12 March 2025, 2:15pm
- Venue: Symphony Hall, Birmingham
- Price: £26-£62 (Ticket commission of £3.50 is included for tickets over £15)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours with a 20-minute interval

Special Offers:
- Multi-buy discount available
- Reduced ticket prices for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the powerful emotions and exquisite melodies of Dvořák and Rachmaninoff, performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Book your tickets now and be part of a musical afternoon that promises to be both moving and memorable.

Dvořák & Rachmaninoff

The International Convention Centre

Tenor Nicholas Phan is well-known to PCMS audiences from Emerging Voices, our 2020 special project that explored themes of social connection and identity through art song. “An artist who must be heard” (NPR), Phan joins ECCO—the “exciting, conductorless band of strings” (The New Yorker) —for a performance of Britten’s surrealistic and evocative song cycle Les Illuminations, set to poems by Arthur Rimbaud. The program also features John Adams’s seminal Shaker Loops and William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama, based on a collection of Panamanian folk tunes.

ECCO

Jeffrey Eaton Chamber Series: American Mosaic

United Lutheran Church, Eugene

2025 Winter Warmer II

University of Southern Maine

As the saying goes, if you aim for the moon, you will at least hit the stars, but our intention with this concert is the moon or bust. Big thinking and swinging hard are trademarks of your Kingston Symphony. A forward-thinking suite by William Grant Still alongside a brand new concerto written for our Concertmaster Katya Poplyansky and Mozart’s crowning symphonic achievement? It doesn’t get any bigger than this!

Burge & Mozart

Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Jazz piano duo Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi return.

4 Hands, 88 Keys

Paul Huang, who left TSO audiences spellbound in 2022, returns to perform Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, originally written for the composer’s friend, violinist Joseph Joachim. The concerto is accompanied by two of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances. Written originally for piano duo while he was still relatively unknown, it was these dances that helped Dvořák achieve notoriety. Dvořák came to the U.S. later in life and wrote the New World Symphony, inspired by African-American spirituals. The concert’s second half features works by American composers with very different backgrounds: a TSO co-commissioned work by Arizona-born Raven Chacon, a 2023 MacArthur Genuis Grant awardee, and Still’s Symphony No. 1, known as the “Afro-American.” Chacon, a member of the Navajo nation, draws on relationships between the western and indigenous communities while Still drew from popular African-American music.

Dvořák And The American Experience

Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

New World Symphony subscribers play a vital role in launching the careers of the world’s best young musicians.

I Dream a World: Transitions and Trailblazers

New World Center

Violinist Melissa White, along with her colleagues in the Harlem Quartet and wind quintet Imani Winds, won a Grammy for Best Classical Compendium in 2024. White and the Harlem Quartet, along with jazz duo Chick Corea and Gary Burton, won their first Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition in 2013.

Melissa White Plays Price

Southern Oregon University

Grants Pass High School

Collier Center for the Performing Arts

When Riccardo Minasi conducts Mozart, the symphonist becomes a real dramatist and the concert podium becomes an unleashed opera stage. But that's not all: two Americans also ensure that the classical balance is shaken up in a powerful and rousing way. It cannot be overlooked: Aaron Copland wrote his clarinet concerto for the jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman; it swings and breathes, it pulsates and dances - especially when an expressive musician like Martin Fröst interprets it. But the grandmaster of American symphonic music is William Grant Still: he was the first African American whose works were performed by a leading orchestra such as the New York Philharmonic: in 1935, the time had come with the "Afro-American Symphony", in which spirituals and blues found their orchestral format. Conductor Minasi contrasts the primal musical forces of 20th century America with those of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. And these will be no less pulsating and furious under his baton, as the Italian with roots in historical performance practice is considered the man of the hour when it comes to radical Mozart revitalization.

Mozart in America

Alte Oper

When Riccardo Minasi conducts Mozart, the symphonist transforms into a true dramatist, and the concert hall becomes an unleashed opera stage. But that's not all: two Americans also ensure that the classical balance is vigorously and exhilaratingly shaken up. It's unmistakable: Aaron Copland wrote his Clarinet Concerto for the jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman; it swings and breathes, it pulsates and dances—especially when interpreted by an expressive musician like Martin Fröst. But the grand master of American symphonic music is William Grant Still: he was the first African American whose works were performed by a leading orchestra like the New York Philharmonic. This happened in 1935 with the "Afro-American Symphony," in which spirituals and blues find their orchestral expression. Conductor Minasi contrasts these primal musical forces from 20th-century America with those of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. And these performances will be no less vibrant and furious under his baton, as the Italian conductor, with his roots in historically informed performance practice, is considered the man of the moment when it comes to radically revitalizing Mozart.

NEW! For the first time ever, experience the joint forces of the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Players on the Morrison Theater stage! 

Worlds Apart, Sounds United

Brockman Hall For Opera

Still, Shostakovich, Schoenberg

Benaroya Hall

We feature our Horizons Young Artist in a free concert at Union College for all to enjoy.

Adé Williams with Capital Region Classical

Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra

Union College

Join us for an enchanting evening of classical music featuring the prodigious talents of violinist Adé Williams and pianist Chelsea Wang at Capital Region Classical. This special performance is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM, held in the historic Memorial Chapel at Union College, Schenectady, NY.

Adé Williams, celebrated for her performances with the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras and multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall, will grace the stage as our Horizons Young Artist. Chelsea Wang, an excellent young pianist praised by the New York Times, will accompany her, bringing her extensive solo and chamber music experience to the performance. Together, they will present a program that includes Brahms' G-major Sonata, Op. 78, William Grant Still's Suite, Florence Price's Adoration, and Schubert's C-major Fantasy, D. 934.

General Admission seating doors will open 45 minutes before the concert begins, ensuring all attendees can find comfortable seating. In a generous offer, all kids and college students will be admitted free at the door, making this a fantastic opportunity for young music enthusiasts to experience classical music live.

This concert not only showcases the incredible talent of two young musicians but also provides a platform for the community to come together and enjoy the beauty of classical music in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Don't miss this free concert at Union College, promising an evening of exquisite music that will linger in your memory long after the final note has been played.

Adé Williams, violin Chelsea Wang, piano Union College

We feature the strings in a distinctive concert combining classical favorites with, diverse and eclectic dances and a moving autobiography. Amy Beach and William Grant Still highlight the range and joy of string composition while Shostakovich’s haunting Chamber Symphony shares a deep and personal story. Familiar favorites by Bach and Grieg dance and delight as familiar features to this special concert.

Dance Winter Concert

Fort Bragg Middle School

A founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet, violinist Melissa White is recognized for her “warmly expressive and lyrical” playing (Chicago Classical Review). Her recital with pianist Pallavi Mahidhara highlights works by American women composers Amy Beach and Nokuthula Ngwenyama. Mahidhara explains, “We are performing works by composers who represent a diversity of backgrounds, much like the two of us.”

Melissa White, violin & Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

Grosse Pointe South High School

Digital Concert: Melissa White, violin & Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

Dvořák was convinced that the future music of this country must be founded on folk themes. “These beautiful and varied themes are the product of the soil.” Alongside Dvořák’s iconic work, this concert features composers who explore and express their visions of “America.” Those of Still and Price demonstrate the promise of Dvořák’s prediction through their use of African-American popular musical styles and melodies. In the haunting and powerful “Amer’ican” by Lee, audiences will be delighted to hear a direct quote of Dvořák’s Symphony from the New World.

New Musical World

Symphony Hall, Springfield

You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime performance of Rhapsody in Blue, with local Jazz virtuoso Theron Brown at E.J. Thomas Hall, joined by members of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir. Come see Gershwin’s acclaimed piano masterpiece and celebrate 100 years of Rhapsody In Blue with the Akron Symphony Orchestra.

Rhapsody In Blue with Theron Brown

The University of Akron

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

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

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

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

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

Yuja Wang Returns

A founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet, violinist Melissa White is recognized for her “warmly expressive and lyrical” playing (Chicago Classical Review). Her PCMS recital debut with pianist Pallavi Mahidhara highlights works by American women composers Amy Beach and Nokuthula Ngwenyama. Mahidhara explains, “We are performing works by composers who represent a diversity of backgrounds, much like the two of us.”

Melissa White, violin Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

 Benjamin Franklin Hall

A Concert for the New Year

Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Chelsea High School

Twelfth Baptist Church

In pursuit of their degrees at SFCM, each student presents a recital that represents their artistry and craft. Student Recitals feature repertoire curated by students with guidance from their faculty instructor.  '

Anqi Zhou, oboe - Professional Studies Certificate Recital

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

A laureate of both the junior and senior divisions of the Sphinx Competition, Adé Williams makes her Phillips debut with pianist Chelsea Wang. Both graduates of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, they begin with Johannes Brahms’s first Violin Sonata in G major, Op. 78, a beguiling and tuneful work where the violin and piano converse in absolute balance with neatly unfolding melodies. 

Adé Williams | The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection

There’s no limit to the stories that can be told by a string quartet. The Equilibrium Quartet, four members of the Orchestra who aim to re-balance inequality in music, present a chamber concert with a fascinating difference. They'll perform works from the first lady of Polish music, Grażyna Bacewicz, Panamanian folk, and the beautiful yet largely undiscovered music of Emilie Mayer, before easing gently into the Christmas season with Rebecca Clarke’s Combined Carols.

Equilibrium Advent

The Music Room

Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son has cultivated a huge following, and she brings reserves of stamina to Prokofiev’s virtuoso powerhouse, the Second Piano Concerto. Jonathon Heyward, one of Time Magazine’s “Next Generation Leaders,” returns to the SLSO with Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony. Writing the work, Sibelius felt possessed, as if “God was throwing pieces of mosaic from the edge of heaven.”

Sibelius' Fifth

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Chamber 2 – Shrine Ballroom

Shrine Social Club

As a performer and composer, saxophonist Steven Banks (b. 1993) is striving to bring his instrument to the heart of the classical music world. He is driven to program and write music that directly addresses aspects of the human experience and is an active and intentional supporter of diverse voices in the future of concert music. Rick Perdian of Seen and Heard International has said “one senses that Banks has the potential to be one of the transformational musicians of the twenty-first century.” 

Rhapsody In Blue @ 100

Miller Symphony Hall

Tickets for this performance go on sale in mid-July, but you can reserve your seats today by becoming a New World Symphony subscriber. New World Symphony subscribers play a vital role in launching the careers of the world’s best young musicians and enjoy the lowest ticket prices on the best seats in the house. Learn more at nws.edu/subscribe.

Veterans Day Concert: A WWII Journey

PYP opens Season 101 with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s intensely emotional and melodic Violin Concerto, featuring PYP alumna Hanami Froom, violin.

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Immerse yourself in an evening of musical splendor with the Long Beach Symphony's "Gershwin & Friends" concert, a captivating showcase of American music's rich diversity and innovation. Scheduled for November 9, 2024, at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, this event promises an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of classical and jazz fusion, led by the esteemed conductor Eckart Preu and featuring the prodigious talent of pianist Clayton Stephenson.

The concert will commence at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM to welcome guests into an evening filled with enchantment. Attendees are invited to enhance their experience with a Pre-Concert Talk at 6:30 PM, offering deeper insights into the night's programming.

The program opens with Jessie Montgomery's "Coincident Dances," a vibrant reflection of New York City's dynamic rhythms, followed by William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 5, "Western Hemisphere," a lush portrayal of American goodwill and the beauty of nature. The highlight of the evening, George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F Major, will feature Clayton Stephenson, whose artistry promises to elevate the performance to new heights. Stephenson, celebrated for his expressive power and narrative gifts, was the first black finalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022, bringing a fresh and invigorating perspective to Gershwin's masterpiece.

This concert is not just a performance but a harmonious celebration of American musical identity, weaving together contemporary reflections, romantic lushness, and groundbreaking fusion. It's an invitation to explore the spirit of America, past and present, through its music.

Located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802, the Long Beach Terrace Theater offers the perfect backdrop for this musical journey. For tickets and more information, contact the Symphony box office at 562-436-3203 ext. 1. Whether renewing your Classical Subscription or purchasing a new one, "Gershwin & Friends" is an essential addition to your cultural calendar, promising an evening of elegance, innovation, and unforgettable melodies.

Gershwin & Friends

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Our friends at the Tribby Arts Center will feature a stunning evening of classical music in partnership with the Southwest Florida Symphony, conducted by Maestro Stilian Kirov, featuring Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music graduate, multi-award winning pianist Priscila Navarro as she performs the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto. Also on this delightful program is the Grieg Holberg Suite, and a heartwarming piece sure to evoke images of Americana, Mother and Child, by early American composer William Grant-Still.

Symphony At The Tribby

Tribby Arts Center

Tribby Series Concert

Daniel Simmons, Viola

The Juilliard School

Join us for a captivating evening as the Des Moines Symphony presents "Lewis Plays Brahms," featuring the talented Geneva Lewis in her Des Moines debut. This remarkable concert will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center with performances on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM.

Geneva Lewis will grace the stage with her virtuosic rendition of Brahms’ emotionally profound Violin Concerto, a piece celebrated for its technical demands and deep musicality. The evening will commence with Still’s Serenade, a piece that masterfully intertwines lush harmonies of American jazz and blues with classical traditions, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey. The orchestra will also shine under the baton of Maestro Joseph Giunta during Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, a work renowned for its majestic beauty and compelling melodies.

Maestro Joseph Giunta, one of America’s most distinguished and dynamic conductors, will lead the orchestra through this enchanting program. Known for his innovative programming and compelling interpretations, Maestro Giunta's musical depth and boundless energy promise an evening of exceptional performances.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with a special half-price offer for students, making this event accessible to all who wish to experience the transformative power of music. The concert's duration is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, ensuring an evening filled with beautiful music and memorable moments.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness Geneva Lewis's Des Moines debut and enjoy an evening of exquisite music with the Des Moines Symphony. Secure your tickets now for "Lewis Plays Brahms" and be part of a musical experience that will resonate long after the final note has been played.

Lewis Plays Brahms

Des Moines Civic Center

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as we present "Prokofiev & Sibelius" on Thursday, 24 October 2024, at 2:15pm in the prestigious Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This concert promises to be a journey through the international language of music, featuring compositions that have resonated from Los Angeles to St Petersburg to Helsinki.

The program will open with William Grant Still's "Threnody In Memory of Jean Sibelius," a stunning tribute that captures the profound influence of Sibelius on the world of music. Following this, the stage will be set for Prokofiev’s "Piano Concerto No.2," a piece known for its electrifying energy and demanding virtuosity, brilliantly executed by the talented Yeol Eum Son on piano. The afternoon will culminate with Sibelius’s exuberant "Symphony No.5," a masterpiece inspired by the majestic sight of flying swans, a work that Sibelius himself described as "one of my greatest experiences."

Under the baton of conductor Jonathon Heyward, this concert is not just a performance but an exploration of the beauty and power of music that transcends time and geography. The event is set to last approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval, offering audiences a perfect blend of emotional depth and breathtaking musicianship.

Tickets are priced between £26-£62, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 included for tickets priced over £15. We are pleased to offer a range of discounts, including multi-buy discounts, reduced prices for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience this magnificent performance.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless works of Prokofiev and Sibelius, performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Book your tickets now for an afternoon that promises to be both moving and memorable.

Composer

William Grant Still

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 18, 2026

Martinů and Mozart · Cayuga Chamber Orchestra

7 - 8 Feb, 2026

USO 2025-26 Season Concert 3 · Ukiah Symphony Orchestra

Feb 14, 2026

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, piano (Baltimore Debut) · Shriver Hall Concert Series

Feb 18, 2026

Dances of Dreams · Manitoba Chamber Orchestra

Feb 21, 2026

Shakespeare on Stage · West Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Dec 4, 2025

Hilary Hahn and Lang Lang · Philadelphia Orchestra

Nov 16, 2025

Symphonic Glory · Bangor Symphony Orchestra

About

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