Our season begins with a one-act opera for soprano and orchestra featuring internationally renowned soprano Laura Bohn in Poulenc’s tragédie lyrique, “La Voix Humaine” (The Human Voice) and concludes with Richard Bennett’s descriptive celebration of life, Serenade. Laura continues with a set of songs from Canteloube’s Chant d’Auvergne that weaves regional folk songs with an exotic blend of harmonies and melody from his home in the Auvergne region of France. Bennett’s energetic neo-classical Serenade, enhanced by the use of a piano, trombone, and a variety of percussion, concludes the concert. Bright glockenspiel, earthy bongos, wood block, xylophone, and tambourine will round out the rhythmic finale.

This unique concert explores the origins of the symphony and beyond. Using Haydn as a master of the form we will explore the symphony’s start as an early opera overture and then experience the increasing sophistication; from the subtle relations between the musical motives, to the virtuosic shifts in mood owing to surprising harmonies, Haydn here submits a prime example of how he develops musical ideas. Our concert concludes with a modern “mirror” on Haydn’s genius with a U.S. premiere in Henrik Czyz’s unique, colorful, and joyous take on the classical symphony. This U.S. Premiere is full of jubilant rhythms and beautiful melodies that shimmer in style and form illustrated in the music in the first half.
Hadley McCarroll, continues our season of “Brilliant Soloists” with a performance of Mozart d minor piano concerto. This work, which has captivated audiences and musicians for over two centuries, is celebrated for its dramatic intensity, innovative orchestration, and expressive depth.

Although the Fourth Symphony of Beethoven was described as a “Greek maiden between two Norse giants,” this joyous symphony contains all of the surprises and ingenuity that make it another masterpiece of this maverick composer. As the composer who used this musical canvas, No. 4 displays a rich tapestry of musical ideas, techniques and emotions . We are thrilled to welcome rising star, Fiona Cunninghame-Murray, who will perform Mendelssohn’s violin concerto, an enduring classic and masterpiece. The haunting beginning of this piece, its Romantic melodies, and virtuosic conclusion will have you jumping to your feet! We conclude our season with the delightful Chocolats Symphoniques. A work intended to accompany a chocolate tasting seems a fitting match for our spring concert. Its jazzy rhythms and colorful melodies will bring joy and delight. Feel free to bring your own chocolate.