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

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.

EPSG:4326

The Big Picture

Folsom Lake College

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

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

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 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

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!

American Salute

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"

Amaryn Olmeda - Folsom Lake Symphony - Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - The Nutcracker Short and Suite

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Flying Theme from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Folsom Lake Symphony Online Auction - October 10-15, 2020 - Maestro Peter Jaffe

Folsom Lake Symphony Online Auction - October 10-15, 2020 - Dave Bender

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Souvenir for Violin and Piano by Franz Drdla

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Gabriel's Oboe by Ennio Morricone

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni.

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Jennifer Yen, cello

Folsom Lake Symphony - Gran fanfarria by Giancarlo Castro D'Addona

Folsom Lake Symphony - Christmas Sing-Along

The Star-Spangled Banner - Folsom Lake Symphony

Folsom Lake Symphony Benefit Gala - Sept. 17, 2022

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - The Star Spangled Banner

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Jun Zhu, violin

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare by Richard Strauss

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Owen Yang, cello

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series -  Concerto for Tuba and Strings, Movement 2 by Arild Plau

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Brass Chorale from Mahler Symphony No. 2, Fifth Movement

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Miriana Cota, violin

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - "Nimrod" by Edward Elgar arranged for String Quartet

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - "La Peri" Fanfare by Paul Dukas

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Francesca Anderson, principal flute

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 - Jon Nakamatsu - Folsom Lake Symphony

The Moldau by Smetana - Folsom Lake Symphony

An American in Paris by George Gershwin - Folsom Lake Symphony

Folsom Lake Symphony - Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson

Folsom Lake Symphony - Carol of the Bells

Sandy Cameron - Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet the Artist

Folsom Lake Symphony - Batman Theme - 1989 Movie by Danny Elfman

Folsom Lake Symphony - Symphony Salute Concert

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition

Folsom Lake Symphony - "Swept Away" Encore Performance with Pianist Jon Nakamatsu

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series - Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin in C Minor, Movement II

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home - Selections from The Nutcracker Suite for String Quartet

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home - We Three Kings/Angels We Have Heard on High for Brass Quintet

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home - O Holy Night - Monica Danilov

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home - But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming - Messiah - Monica Danilov

Folsom Lake Symphony - It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Pasquale Esposito, tenor

Folsom Lake Symphony - Symph-Hanukkah arranged by Peter Jaffe

Folsom Lake Symphony - Merry and Bright Holiday Concert 2020

Folsom Lake Symphony at Home Series  - "Song for Hope" by Peter Meechan

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Dan McCrossen, principal trumpet

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Mark Sheldon & Gigi Tree, Horns 1 and 2

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Robin Houston, bass clarinet

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Megan Deems, principal clarinet

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Anita Felix, concertmaster

Dave Brubeck's Unsquare Dance arr. by Chris Brubeck - Folsom Lake Symphony

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Mike Isom, trombone

Folsom Lake Symphony - Meet Our Musicians - Michelle Martin, violin

Spanish Dance No. 1 by Manuel de Falla - Folsom Lake Symphony

James Bond Suite - Folsom Lake Symphony

Bruch Scottish Fantasy Movement 3 - Folsom Lake Symphony with violinist Kerson Leong

Overture to Girl Crazy - Folsom Lake Symphony

Selections from The King and I - Folsom Lake Symphony

I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady - Lisa Vroman - Folsom Lake Symphony

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No 2 - Jon Nakamatsu - Folsom Lake Symphony

So In Love from Kiss Me, Kate - Lisa Vroman - Folsom Lake Symphony

Thunderball - Folsom Lake Symphony with baritone Ralph Cato

Theme from Mission Impossible - Folsom Lake Symphony

Come scoglio by Mozart - Folsom Lake Symphony with soprano Liisa Davila

Ghostbusters - Folsom Lake Symphony with Baritone Ralph Cato

Saint-Saens' Symphony No. 3 "Organ" - Finale - Folsom Lake Symphony

Academic Festival Overture - Brahms - Folsom Lake Symphony

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto - Jessica Linnebach - Folsom Lake Symphony

Romeo and Juliet - Sergei Prokofiev - Folsom Lake Symphony

The Pink Panther by Henri Mancini - The Folsom Lake Symphony

Ravel Piano Concerto in G major - Adagio assai - Folsom Lake Symphony with pianist Natsuki Fukasawa

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story - The Folsom Lake Symphony

Main Title from Star Wars - The Folsom Lake Symphony

Music from The Incredibles - The Folsom Lake Symphony

The Nutcracker - Russian Dance, Trepak - Folsom Lake Symphony

Excerpts from Pictures at an Exhibition - Baba Yaga & The Great Gate of Kiev - Folsom Lake Symphony

Suite from The Magnificent Seven - The Folsom Lake Symphony

Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5 - Mvt 4, Finale - Folsom Lake Symphony

Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5  - Mvt. 3, Valse - Folsom Lake Symphony

Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5 - Mvt. 2 - Andante cantabile - Folsom Lake Symphony

Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5 - Mvt. 1 - Folsom Lake Symphony

Finlandia by Sibelius - Folsom Lake Symphony

Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila - Folsom Lake Symphony

Souvenir d’Amerique by Henri Vieuxtemps – Livia Sohn

Khachaturian Violin Concerto - Folsom Lake Symphony with violinist Kerson Leong

March of the Toreadors from Carmen by Bizet - The Folsom Symphony

Overture to "Girl Crazy" - The Folsom Symphony

Firebird Suite (1919) Excerpts - The Folsom Symphony

The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto - The Folsom Symphony with violinist Linda Wang

Folsom Lake Symphony

13 - 14 Dec, 2025

Deck The Hall

Feb 14, 2026

A Night For Romance

Mar 28, 2026

Passion And Power

6 - 7 Jun, 2026

American Salute

Oct 11, 2025

The Big Picture

7 - 8 Jun, 2025

Movies With The Maestro

Articles & News

Folsom Lake Symphony