Experience the enchanting world of orchestral wonders this season as the Folsom Lake Symphony presents a captivating lineup of events. From the melodious 'Holiday Cheer' featuring the versatile Natalie Cordone, to the classical romance of 'Star Crossed Lovers' with the virtuoso Ji in Yang, and the vibrant 'Symphony Goes Wild' headlined by cellist Evan Kahn, each performance promises a unique musical journey. Concluding with 'Movies With The Maestro,' where cinematic scores come to life, this series offers something magical for every music enthusiast.

A Symphony of Festive Events: From Holiday Cheer to Cinematic Magic

Folsom Lake Symphony's 2025 season promises a vibrant mix of orchestral performances with three distinct events that highlight the talents of world-renowned musicians and the enduring allure of classical and film music. From Ji in Yang's soul-stirring violin concertos to Evan Kahn's dynamic cello renditions, and a Hollywood film score extravaganza, music lovers will experience a fascinating journey through diverse musical landscapes. Join us as we explore the creativity, passion, and cultural significance of these exceptional performances.

Folsom Lake Symphony's 2025 Season: A Celebration of Musical Diversity and Innovation

Folsom Lake Symphony invites you to embark on a musical adventure with their upcoming events that promise a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. From South Korean virtuoso Ji in Yang's captivating violin performances to Evan Kahn's electrifying cello renditions, and a Hollywood hit parade with Jonathan Hulting-Cohen on saxophone, these events spotlight incredible talent and timeless music. Featuring orchestral classics and film scores that have defined generations, these concerts are set to offer unforgettable experiences for music lovers of all ages.

Exploring the Symphony: A Journey Through Music and Film

Experience the symphonic wonders of the Folsom Lake Symphony's 2025-2026 season, where diverse musical narratives come alive through an exquisite lineup of events. From iconic film scores to romantic arias, and festive choral harmonies to youthful virtuosity, these performances promise to enchant audiences. Highlighting talents like Jonathan Hulting-Cohen and Ava Pakiam, alongside celebrated works from Gershwin to Tchaikovsky, this season is a musical journey not to be missed. Join us as we explore a season filled with passion, power, and poignant artistry.

Folsom Lake Symphony's Captivating 2025-2026 Season: A Journey Through Music

Get ready to immerse yourself in a series of unforgettable performances with the Folsom Lake Symphony's upcoming season. This vibrant collection of events showcases acclaimed artists like pianist Terrence Wilson, sopranos Carrie Hennessey and Tiffany Townsend, violinist Ava Pakiam, and singer Omari Tau. From classical masterpieces to holiday favorites, each concert offers a unique musical journey. Whether it's the evocative 'Pictures at an Exhibition' or the thrilling 'American Salute,' these events promise to captivate audiences and celebrate the universal language of music.

Folsom Lake Symphony: A Celebration of Musical Mastery and Diverse Talents

Prepare to dive into a rich tapestry of music with the Folsom Lake Symphony's captivating lineup for 2026, featuring a celebration of romance, youthful passion, and American pride. Experience the powerhouse vocals of Tiffany Townsend, the prodigious violin skills of Ava Pakiam, and a tribute to American composers as part of this enchanting musical journey set to dazzle audiences throughout the year.

Symphony Sensations: A Journey of Romance, Passion, and Patriotic Pride

The Folsom Lake Symphony is set to present a captivating series of concerts in 2026, showcasing the talents of renowned and upcoming artists. From the soothing soprano of Tiffany Townsend in 'A Night for Romance' to the fierce violin of Ava Pakiam in 'Passion and Power', and concluding with a patriotic 'American Salute', these events promise an exhilarating experience for music lovers. Featuring works by Borodin, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Gershwin, each performance is a testament to the diversity and brilliance of classical and contemporary orchestral music.

Folsom Lake Symphony: A Season of Romance, Power, and American Spirit

Prepare to launch your fall season—gather near the water and experience a festive array of iconic movie scores and symphonic hits!

Symphony Al Fresco

El Dorado Hills Town Center

Build the excitement leading up to our nation’s 250th birthday! Festivities include iconic musical hits from American composers, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Bernstein’s Overture to Candide,Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, and musical favorites from stage and screen. Don’t miss this stellar season finale!

EPSG:4326

American Salute

Folsom Lake College

“A rising star” – San Francisco Classical Voice, Ava Pakiam is a fifteen-year-old violinist studying at the Pre College of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Ava was admitted into the Pre College program at age seven and is currently a student of Simon James. Ava made her solo debut at eight years old in California with the Fremont Symphony. Later that summer, she performed Vivaldi’s Winter Concerto with the Sempre Musik Orchestra and the New York Sinfonietta in Boston and New York City, making her solo debut at Carnegie Hall. In the Fall of 2021, Ava competed at age eleven in the Seattle Young Artists Auditions. Ava was named the Seattle Symphony Young Artist for the 2021-2022 season and performed as soloist with the Seattle Symphony playing Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. Last season, Ava performed the Brahms, Bruch and Tchaikovsky concerti on both coasts as well as a solo tour with orchestras in Mexico and Honduras. She performs on an 1874 J.B. Vuillaume violin.

Passion And Power

Tiffany Townsend has been praised for her “powerhouse soprano and expressive presence” (The Wall Street Journal) and “rich voice and interpretive talent” (Bachtrack). She was designated as a Resident Artist at Seattle Opera for the 2024-2025 season. She made her role debut as America Robinson in Jubilee and covered Tosca and Nedda in Pagliacci at Seattle Opera during that season. Ms. Townsend is the recipient of the prestigious 2021 Richard F. Gold Career Grant from the Shoshana Foundation. She has performed with LA Opera, Wolf Trap Opera & Opera Philadelphia. She also has been in concert with the New Jersey Symphony, the Bakersfield Symphony, Artosphere Festival, the Missouri Symphony, Tacoma Symphony and The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Tiffany Townsend holds a Professional Studies Certificate in Opera from Curtis Institute of Music, a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Millsaps College.

A Night For Romance

A fabulous soprano with soaring range and adorable young choristers join the celebration. Sounds of the season include Sleigh Ride, O Holy Night, a Christmas carol singalong, Symph-Hanukkah, music from The Nutcracker and The Polar Express, and many more goodies!

Deck The Hall

Acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun as “one of the biggest pianistic talents to have emerged in this country in the last 25 years” pianist Terrence Wilson has appeared as soloist with the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Washington, DC (National Symphony), San Francisco, St. Louis, and with the orchestras of Cleveland, Minnesota, and Philadelphia. Abroad, Terrence Wilson has played concerti with such ensembles as the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra in Switzerland, the Malaysian Philharmonic, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Orquestra Sinfonica do Estado de Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The Big Picture

This Hollywood hit parade will bring you critically acclaimed film scores from blockbuster movies spanning many decades—everything from Gone with the Wind and Rocky to Star Wars and La La Land. PLUS as a special treat, a dynamic jazz duo will treat us to music from Catch Me if You Can—not to be missed!

Movies With The Maestro

The tradition continues! Upbeat selections from stage and screen are combined with an Armed Forces Day tribute and music from a galaxy far, far, away. Program will include The Best of Beatles medley, Flying Theme from E.T., Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Star Wars’ Duel of the Fates from Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Overture to The Cowboys, The Six Service Songs, and more!

Twilight Delight

Zittel Family Amphitheater

Evan Kahn has been praised as “a cellist deserved of serious listening” for bringing his “electrifying … nuanced and colorful” style to all of his collaborations, from concerti to chamber music to contemporary performances. He has commissioned and premiered over 60 works by composers from around the world, including his father’s Cello Concerto.

Symphony Goes Wild

South Korean virtuoso Ji in Yang embarked on her musical journey at the age of six, guided by a profound passion for the art form. Since then, she has shared her music with audiences around the world, striving to connect deeply with each listener through her performances. As a guest soloist, Ms. Yang has collaborated with renowned ensembles spanning the United States and Korea, including distinguished orchestras such as the KBS Symphony Orchestra, Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlantic Music Festival Orchestra, Daegu Symphony Orchestra, Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Ulsan Philharmonic Orchestra, among many others. Recognized for her expressive and nuanced playing, the United Kingdom’s Musical Opinion described her solo appearance at Cadogan Hall as ‘brilliantly played.’

Star Crossed Lovers

From Off-Broadway to first class Performing Arts Centers, Natalie Cordone has played to packed houses around the world.  Equally comfortable in front of a sweeping orchestra, a big band or in an intimate cabaret venue, she has had the pleasure of connecting with audiences  in all kinds of settings. From opera to musical theatre, film to commercials, and concerts to corporate events, Natalie has traveled the globe entertaining and inspiring audiences. 

Holiday Cheer

Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez has a reputation for the lyricism of her playing, her compelling interpretations, and her elegant stage presence. Her playing has been described as “magical… a remarkable pianist, with a cool determination, a tone full of glowing color and a seemingly effortless technique” (Mark Swed/LA Times) and “compelling…versatile, daring and insightful” (New York Times).

New World

With Carmina Burana’s huge performing forces, scenes from spring, a tavern, a court of love, and the iconic O fortuna chorus that bookends the work, this blockbuster has become wildly popular ever since its premiere. With a combined chorus of 150 members, this is an experience not to be missed!

Carmina Burana

Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, American pianist Jon Nakamatsu continues to draw critic and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance and electrifying solo, concerto and chamber music performances. Catapulted to international attention in 1997 as the Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only American to achieve this distinction since 1981—Mr. Nakamatsu subsequently developed a multi-faceted career that encompasses recording, education, arts administration and public speaking in addition to his vast concert schedule. He is making his third appearance with the symphony after his spectacular performances of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

Hot off the trail from international touring and PBS specials, a charismatic guest artist returns! You and your Valentine will bask in a stellar evening including That’s Amore, Besame mucho, Be My Love, and many other romantic Italian and Latin favorites.

Titan

That's Amore

A brilliant baritone and adorable young talents join the festivities for a program packed with goodies – It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, The Night Before Christmas, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, O Holy Night, Nutcracker excerpts, and many more!

Happy Holidays!

Violinist Chee-Yun’s flawlessly compelling technique, tone, and artistry has enraptured audiences on five continents. Charming, charismatic, and deeply passionate about her art, Chee-Yun continues to carve a unique place for herself in the ever-evolving world of classical music.

Emerald Extravaganza

With over 100 sensational movie scores to his credit, John Williams has captivated generations young and old, exploring everything from the depths of our imaginations to a galaxy far, far away. A full array of favorites will work its magic on you, including themes from Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, E.T., and of course, Star Wars! Concertmaster Anita Fetsch Felix will be our featured performer in Schindler’s List and in John Williams’ arrangement of Jerry Bock’s Fiddler on the Roof, which includes Mr. Williams’ original violin cadenzas.

John Williams SPECTACULAR

Harris Center for the Arts

Revel in upbeat selections from stage and screen, and yes, the tradition of hearing music that’s out of this world continues!

For a single evening, treat yourself, treat others, to an experience that only a live 85-member orchestra can deliver.  Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring premiere (Paris, 1913) has been called the most famous scandal in the history of the performing arts – you need to decide for yourself.

“And yet, among the shouting and hissing, there were one or two sensitive observers who realised they were witnessing something deeply original, rather than merely shocking. The American (later British) poet T S Eliot realised that what made the music of the Rite original was its puzzling combination of the primitive and the modern.” (quote from classical music critic, Ivan Hewitt). Regardless, the Rite of Spring is an iconic piece in the modern orchestra repertoire.

The Rite Of Spring

Explore music’s fascinating use of time and rhythm. Examine the instruments and sounds that make up an orchestra at the Instrument Petting Zoo – a captivating and engaging program designed for all ages.

It's About Me

Fourteen-year-old Amaryn Olmeda was the first prize winner and recipient of the audience choice award at the 24th Annual Sphinx Competition. She is a rising star sought after for her bold and expressive performances as a soloist and collaborator. Recently she debuted as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Seattle, Richmond, Stockton, and Auburn Symphonies. She was named the ﬁrst member of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Opus 3 Artist’s Young Artist Program. She has been referred to as a violin prodigy by the San Francisco Chronicle and Capitol Public Radio.

Tales of Romance

A Broadway star and adorable young talents join the festivities for a program packed with goodies—Sleigh Ride, sing-along carols, “O Holy Night,” excerpts from The Nutcracker and Frozen, and many more! Our performance will also include Symph-Hanukkah arranged by our very own Maestro Peter Jaffe

Teri Bibb is thrilled to be singing with an orchestra again and to be reunited with Maestro Peter Jaffe! Her Broadway credits include over 1,000 performances as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera among other lead roles. She was a featured soloist in tributes to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, and Harold Prince performing in Carnegie Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Season Celebrations

Violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou rose to fame on the international concert scene when she unanimously won three prestigious international violin competitions in France, Italy, and Spain (Long-Thibaud, Lipizer, Sarasate) representing both Canada and China. Since then, Ms. Hou has performed as soloist with major orchestras in over fifty countries including the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal and Tokyo Philharmonics, SWR Stuttgart, and the Toronto, Vancouver, and Singapore Symphonies. She has collaborated with such renowned musicians as Mstislav Rostropovich, Pinchas Zukerman, and Alan Gilbert, among others.  In the words of Yehudi Menuhin, “She’s absolutely phenomenal.”

Brilliant Gems

An evening of Romantic passion and vivid storytelling. Joshua Brown performs Max Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto No. 1, filled with soaring melodies and virtuoso flair. The program concludes with Hector Berlioz’s groundbreaking Symphonie fantastique, a bold and imaginative journey through love, obsession, and fantasy.

Violinist Joshua Brown is recognized internationally for his expressive artistry, praised for his “richness of sound, elegance of reading, and commitment of every moment at the service of the work” (La Libre). He rose to global prominence following his success at the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, where he was awarded Second Prize along with both Audience Awards. In 2025, he received an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the CAG Louis and Susan Meisel Prize, and is represented by Concert Artists Guild.

Symphonie Fantastique

A brilliant baritone makes his Folsom Lake Symphony debut and adorable young choristers join the celebration. Revel in The Night Before Christmas, Carol of the Bells, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year/Christmas Waltz, White Christmas, selections from The Nutcracker and The Sound of Music, O Holy Night, Symph-Hanukkah, a Christmas Pops sing-along, and many more goodies!

Sounds of the Season

Join us for our 4th annual Young Artists Recital. This very special event features the winners of our annual Young Artist Competition. Come hear the amazing talent of these rising musical stars—you’ll be able to say you “heard them when”.

Young Artists Recital

Grammy Award–winning guitarist Jason Vieaux headlines a program of sweeping Romantic expression and timeless melody. The evening opens with Wagner’s radiant Prelude to Lohengrin, followed by Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez—a cornerstone of the guitar repertoire known for its haunting beauty and emotional depth. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, a powerful journey of fate, struggle, and triumph that remains one of the most compelling works in the symphonic canon.

Grammy Award–winning guitarist Jason Vieaux is internationally recognized for his virtuosity and expressive artistry. Praised by The New York Times as “virtuosic, flamboyant, dashing, and sometimes ineffably lyrical,” he is considered one of today’s leading classical guitarists.

Music from the Heart

Treat the entire family to a colorful collection of captivating tunes and an amazing Young Artist Competition winner. You’re gonna wanna dance in your seat as we explore the sonic and rhythmic adventures an orchestra provides, and you simply can’t beat the hands-on experience of our popular “instrument petting zoo!”

Family Concert: Dancin' in your Seat

Pianist Alexandre Moutouzkine joins the orchestra for an evening of monumental orchestral writing and virtuosic brilliance. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is a towering masterpiece of emotional depth and technical brilliance, renowned for its sweeping lyricism and formidable demands on the soloist.

The program concludes with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, a dazzling showcase for every section of the ensemble. Full of rhythmic energy, vibrant colors, and folk-inspired themes, it transforms the orchestra into a series of featured soloists in one of the 20th century’s most dynamic symphonic works.

Symphonic Masterworks

Get your cozy spot on the green, join in our annual salute to Armed Forces members, and tap your toes to popular upbeat selections. The tradition continues!

Twilight Delight 2027

A powerful season finale celebrating unity, humanity, and joy. The program opens with a premiere of Chris Brubeck’s Rhythms of the Range, a new orchestral work inspired by jazz icon Dave Brubeck and narrated with Dave’s legendary voice.

The second half features one of the most iconic works in all of classical music, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Monumental in scale and emotional scope, the symphony moves from darkness to triumph, culminating in the famous “Ode to Joy” finale—a choral celebration of brotherhood, hope, and shared humanity.

This performance brings together an exceptional roster of vocal soloists, the Sacramento Master Singers, and the Stockton Chorale, joining forces with the orchestra in Beethoven’s powerful call for unity. The result is a stirring season finale that reflects the enduring power of music to connect and inspire.

Ode to Joy

Message from the Maestro - Carmina Burana - Folsom Lake Symphony

Folsom Lake Symphony - Yi-Jia Susanne Hou - Sibelius Violin Concerto

Folsom Lake Symphony - Roberto Perlas Gomez - Winter Wonderland

Folsom Lake Symphony - Roberto Perlas Gomez - All I Ask of You

Folsom Lake Symphony - Votre Toast from Carmen - Roberto Perlas Gomez & Shana Blake Hill

So In Love from Kiss Me, Kate - Roberto Perlas Gomez - Folsom Lake Symphony

Folsom Lake Symphony - Nimrod from Elgar's "Enigma Variations"

Folsom Lake Symphony

Oct 10, 2026

Symphonie Fantastique

12 - 13 Dec, 2026

Sounds of the Season

Jan 31, 2027

Young Artists Recital

Feb 20, 2027

Music from the Heart

Mar 20, 2027

Family Concert: Dancin' in your Seat

Aug 20, 2026

Symphony Al Fresco

6 - 7 Jun, 2026

American Salute

Articles & News

Folsom Lake Symphony