Immerse yourself in an evocative symphonic journey. Opening our evening, “Gabriel’s Oboe” is an iconic piece known for its stunning simplicity and emotional power. Featured in the film “The Mission,” this work conveys profound grace and beauty through the voice of the oboe, setting a contemplative and soothing tone for the concert. Next, we delve into the rich, spiritual tapestry of John Rutter’s “Requiem.” This piece combines traditional Latin texts with English Psalm settings, creating a celestial fusion of choral and orchestral elements. The “Requiem” is renowned for its lyrical poignancy and ethereal harmonies, providing moments of reflective solace and uplifting hope. The program culminates with the electrifying drama of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. 

EPSG:4326

Eternal Echoes

Symphony Hall, Springfield

First, be swept away by gossamer wings. Transporting you to a world of Chinese legends, Butterfly Lover’s Concerto tells the tale of two young, ill-fated lovers who are reincarnated as butterflies. Following is a suite of Asian-themed works which will wrap you in their musical embrace. The soundscape then turns to Shakespeare, by way of Russia and America, with Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture Romeo and Juliet and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story upping the emotional quotient from passion and conflict to memorable and energetic dance themes.

Harmony of Love

The toe-tapping, finger-snapping program shines the spotlight on the music of great early 20th century composers, including George Gershwin (Fascinating Rhythm), Irving Berlin (Strike Up The Band), and Scott Joplin (Maple Leaf Rag), that have the timeless melodies and rhythms that continue to lift our spirits today. Joined by the great vocalist Carmen Bradford, Byron creates an inspiring musical portrait of how these songs shaped the Great American Songbook.

Gershwin, Berlin & Friends

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

This family-friendly evening promises to kickstart a truly memorable holiday season. Help spread festive cheer through the joy of music as Shayna Steele shares her powerhouse vocals in stirring renditions of such cherished holiday tunes like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Happy Day, and the ultimate holiday hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You. Enjoy favorites like Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and selections from the Klezmer Nutcracker, as well as music from local cantor Elise Barber.

Heralding the Holidays

Experience a vibrant journey through contemporary Latin American classical music. The concert opens with Puerto Rican composer Ernesto Cordero’s violin concerto “Insula Tropical,” featuring Guillermo Figueroa as both soloist and conductor. Next, revel in Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Three Latin American Dances,” followed by Astor Piazzolla’s renowned “Libertango.” The suite from Manuel de Falla’s “The Three-Cornered Hat” offers a nostalgic nod to Spain. The evening culminates with Miguel del Aguila’s exhilarating “Conga,” featuring the composer on piano. 

Echoes of the Americas

New England positively shines in newly appointed Artistic Director Mei-Ann Chen’s first concert under her new title, featuring works by two of the “Boston Six” and America’s first great composers, Lowell, Massachusetts born George Whitefield Chadwick, and Henniker, New Hampshire born Amy Beach. Chadwick’s exhilarating ‘Jubilee’ from Symphonic Sketches sets the tone, with the composer’s unique energy and nod to Dvorak. The first-ever piano concerto written by an American woman follows; the Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, Op. 45 composed by Amy Beach and premiered by Boston Symphony Orchestra. Emotional swells and turbulent aural waves of passionate sound spin a story that, according to the composer, is a romantic autobiography. Juxtaposed against these works is a cornerstone of Western music – Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, with its unforgettable four-note opening motive seemingly representing FATE knocking on the door!

New England Reverie

Mark your calendars for our second annual Juneteenth Freedom Day concert! Join us at Symphony Hall as we celebrate this pivotal moment in history with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, alongside Kevin Sharpe and The Extended Family Choir and the Springfield Symphony Chorus.

Juneteenth Freedom Day Concert

Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras’ Season Finale Concert, a celebration of musical talent, dedication, and passion! 

Youth Orchestras Season Finale Concert

Mozart’s Overture to his opera The Magic Flute transports us into a magical world filled with hidden meaning, symbols and trials. In this program, we experience the magic of nature and glorious romanticism of Sibelius and his unique connection to the vastness and beauty of his homeland. And we celebrate the glory of music with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, one of the great symphonic scores of the 20th Century. After Shostakovich’s opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk was met with severe criticism from Stalin and the regime, and caused Shostakovich to be labelled as an “enemy of the people”, Shostakovich’s life and career were in danger. 

Magic & Glory

The Springfield Symphony Chorus presents an afternoon of eclectic choral works based on the themes of “Sing, Praise, Light II.” All proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

‘Sing, Praise, Light II’ Springfield Symphony Chorus Performance

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will pair brilliant, iconic Looney Tunes projected on the big screen while their original classically-infused Carl Stalling scores are played live by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Emmy Award-winning conductor George Daugherty.

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony

This concert includes two of the most iconic pieces of American music: Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Pianist Jeffrey Biegel, a longtime champion of Gershwin’s Rhapsody, commissioned acclaimed American composer Peter Boyer to compose a new work in celebration of that work’s centennial in February 2024. Boyer’s brand new Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue is being performed by orchestras around the United States, and the composer will conduct his own work for this SSO concert. Completing the program are Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, and the bravura Fanfare Ritmico by Jennifer Higdon.

An American Celebration

Piano Fantasy puts the piano in the spotlight of both acts of the concert. The first act features the SSO premiere of the Concerto-Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra by Paul Chihara, and the unique Choral Fantasy for piano, chorus, and orchestra closes the program. Both works will feature the dazzling artistry of Vietnamese pianist, Quynh Nguyen. The evocative “D’un matin du printemps” of Lili Boulanger and “Fantasia on Greensleeves” of Ralph Vaughan Williams show off the beauty of the orchestra itself, and both the “Cantique de Jean Racine” of Gabriel Fauré and two selections from Randall Thompson’s Frostiana will display the glory of the choral/orchestral combination.

Fantasias

Tonight’s concert is a culmination of countless hours of practice, collaboration, and artistic exploration by our talented young musicians. It is a testament to their commitment to musical excellence and the vibrant spirit that defines our organization. We are proud to showcase the hard work and dedication that our young musicians have poured into their instruments and the joy they find in creating beautiful music together. The SSYO represents not only a gathering of talented individuals but a community that fosters a love for music, teamwork, and personal growth. Through their shared experiences, these young musicians have not only developed their musical skills but have also forged lasting friendships and gained valuable life lessons that will serve them well in the future. 

Youth Orchestras Winter Concert

Holyoke Community College

The SSO will be heating up Symphony Hall with a sultry evening of unforgettable Latin sounds for Havana Nights. Featuring Camille Zamora, who made her memorable SSO debut at last season’s Holiday Pops, and the Mambo Kings, one of the hottest Latin jazz ensembles anywhere, our concert will make this winter evening feel like a Caribbean vacation!

Havana Nights

This concert features some of the most beautiful American orchestral compositions created by African Americans. The first part of the program incorporates two well-known African American female composers, Florence Price (1887 – 1953) and Margaret Bonds (1913 – 1972), honoring the American musical art form created by the enslaved, the spiritual. Price’s Colonial Dance (unknown) reflects dance, which was an integral part of African American life and American life more generally around the time she composed it. And Price’s Concert Overture No. 1 (unknown) is based on the spiritual Sinner, Please Don’t Let This Harvest Pass. Bond’s Montgomery Variations (1964) is a symphonic theme and variations in 7 movements based on the spiritual I Want Jesus To Walk With Me. The second half of the program highlights the indigenous American musical genre, jazz featuring music by James P. Johnson (1894 – 1955), William Grant Still (1895 – 1978), David Baker (1931 – 2016), Duke Ellington (1899 – 1974) and the guest conductor, Damien Sneed (1979 – present). 

Classics & Jazz – MLK Jr. Celebration

The concert begins with Fuchs’ “Eventide,” a piece inspired by spiritual tunes and featuring the saxophone’s looping melodies, performed by Tim McAllister. Renowned violinist Nikki Chooi then presents Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, a romantic masterpiece composed for Mendelssohn’s close friend Ferdinand David. Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” orchestrated by Ravel, follows, transforming the solo piano work into a vibrant orchestral showcase. Mussorgsky’s composition, inspired by drawings and designs by Viktor Hartmann, transports listeners to an art exhibition, culminating in the majestic “Great Gate of Kiev.” This concert weaves together American, German, and Russian music with a French flair, offering a rich and diverse musical experience.

Something New

Lehninger’s roots in Brazil are reflected in his choice of the Ronaldo Miranda’s Temporal Variations. We then move to one of the greatest of the variation structures, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. That is one of the great compositions of the classical music literature, played exquisitely by our superb soloist for this performance, Natasha Paremksi. The program will conclude with another great work, the Symphony No. 7 by Ludwig van Beethoven. This is a dynamic symphony, and Beethoven understood it to be one of his best compositions. It will leave you excited and happy to hear one of the great pieces in the classical canon. We bring the season to a close with the last program echoing the first program, binding the season into a musically integrated whole.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MA)

Apr 19, 2025

Something New

May 3, 2025

Variation & Virtuosity

Mar 15, 2025

Eternal Echoes

Feb 15, 2025

Harmony of Love

Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MA)