Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray invites you on a journey to Halloween Town when the Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs Danny Elfman's iconic score for Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, live to film!
See the MSO perform Tim Burton's The Nightmare before Christmas in Concert Live to Film this November 3 & 4, 2023 at the Gallo Center for the Arts.
Broadway star, Capathia Jenkins invites you to see her at this one-night-only unforgettable event! Pack your picnic and get ready to see Capathia perform the hits of Aretha Franklin and more!
Hear the music of Aretha Franklin and more performed live by the MSO this September 9, 2023!
Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray is ready to invite you back for another fun-filled night at Picnic at the Pops paying tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin!
Hear the music of Aretha Franklin and more performed live by the MSO this September 9, 2023!
This June 2nd & 3rd, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra returns to a galaxy far, far away when we perform Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert, live to film!
Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray conducted many of the MSO’s film concerts, including last year’s Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. This year, he will be leading 84 musicians in perfect time as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back plays on a 26’ x 16’ screen (the equivalent of 36 60” TVs!). An impressive feat that is a result of only 5 total hours of rehearsal time together!
Read on as we interview Ryan for an exclusive look behind the stage to see what goes into preparing for a unique concert like this.
MSO: Now that you’ve done Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, what did you learn from that experience and were there any surprises or challenges that come to mind?
RM: I think that the most interesting thing about performing the Star Wars movies in concert is how much freedom you have as a conductor. The score is written in such a symphonic way that you have the room to be slightly flexible with each performance- each performance is unique and exciting! Obviously, there are key moments where you have to make sure everything lines up exactly, but there are other places where you can let the orchestra be a little bit free and that makes for a really incredible musical experience.
MSO: John Williams’ scores are so iconic and each film he works on is distinctive, even when included in a franchise like Star Wars. Are there any differences to the overall musical tone for this movie, The Empire Strikes Back compared to A New Hope?
RM: There are a lot of similarities in the soundtrack including the overall size of the orchestra, the way the music is scored and the iconic opening credits music, but there is a little bit of a darker tone to this movie. The music is a bit more introspective, and I think emotionally a little bit deeper as well. We get introduced to some new characters in this film including Yoda, and the wonderful music that makes up Yoda’s theme. We also see a great character development arch happening with the main players from the first film and the music reflects that beautifully.
MSO: So, who is your favorite character from the franchise and what is your favorite theme to listen to and which is your favorite to conduct?
RM: It would be hard to pick a favorite character from the franchise, probably Yoda or Darth Vader – talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! They both have such great music!
I really enjoy conducting the opening theme – that classic Star Wars melody. The opening ten minutes of every Star Wars movie features the entire orchestra and some really challenging music– it’s always a lot of fun! I always enjoy listening to the Imperial March – there is such intensity to that music – and such great brass writing!
Come join Ryan Murray & the MSO on a trip to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert this June 2 & 3 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!
Have you ever heard of The Great American Songbook? Even if you're not familiar with the name, you certainly have heard the classic pop songs that make up the genre. Join Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray as he explains why The Great American Songbook is considered to be "America's Classical Music."
Hear The Great American Songbook performed live by the MSO this March 17, 2023!
Ryan Murray, conductor
Ryan Silverman, guest vocalist
Come join Ryan Murray & the MSO on a trip to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert this June 3 & 4 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!
This June 3rd & 4th, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra travels to a galaxy far, far away when we perform Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, live to film!
Previously MSO Associate Conductor Ryan Murray has conducted our past two film concerts: Pirates of the Caribbean in 2019, and Pixar in Concert in 2020. This time, he will be leading 81 musicians in perfect time as Star Wars: A New Hope plays on a 26’ x 16’ screen (the equivalent of 36 60” TVs!) at the Gallo Center for the Arts. An impressive feat that is a result of only 5 total hours of rehearsal time together!
Read on as we interview Ryan for an exclusive look behind the stage to see what goes into preparing for a unique concert like this.
MSO: How long does it take for you to prepare for a movie concert and is there any difference compared to preparing for a standard classics or other pops concerts?
Ryan Murray, conductor: It takes anywhere between four to six months to prepare for a movie concert and there are some major differences in how you prepare for these concerts compared to a standard classics or pops concert. The major difference in getting ready for one of these concerts is memorizing and internalizing the tempos of the original movie. Unlike in a traditional concert where the interpretation can vary from orchestra to orchestra and conductor to conductor, in the movie concerts you must play exactly in time with the film! And while I have a special screen in front of me with something called punches and streamers on it to help me line up with the film, the orchestra does not have that information, so it’s my job to really know the score inside and out so that we can make sure everything lines up just right!
Conductor Ryan Murray at the podium, with screen that provides film information in real-time.
MSO: Could you explain the how you use the screen in front of you to help line the orchestra up with what is on the big screen?
RM: Sure, while I’m conducting I have a click track and a special screen in front of me that I use to line everything up with the film. The orchestra does not have that information, so it is really the conductor’s job to make sure that all the tempos line up exactly with the film. Once the movie starts there is no margin for error, and we all must work very hard to make everything match! It is actually a very fun challenge and keeps you on your toes as a conductor!
MSO: Movie concerts are popular among audiences not only because hearing the music live is thrilling, but because the movies tend to be nostalgic for most of us. Does the nostalgia or being a fan of the movie, have an impact on you when you’re prepping or when rehearsing?
RM: There is a big nostalgia element when it comes to preparing a movie concert—especially Star Wars. I can’t think of any music that is more iconic than those opening few minutes of the score. I think we are all really excited about this music and for so many musicians we grew up loving this score—so to put it all together with the live movie and our fantastic audience it’s very exciting!
Conductor Ryan Murray leading the MSO in Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of The Black Pearl, March 2019
MSO: What do you think makes this John Williams’ score is so iconic?
RM: To me John Williams’ music is so dramatic and the way he writes for the orchestra is absolutely brilliant. The score is full of wonderful melodies and much like an opera, each main character has their own theme. These themes are then developed and transformed throughout the film to help us understand the emotions and the drama of the scene and this element of the movie becomes even more powerful with a live orchestra on stage!
MSO: Are you a Star Wars fan and if so, what is your favorite Star Wars movie?
RM: Yes, definitely a Star Wars fan! I would say my favorite Star Wars movie is either A New Hope—which we are performing, or the Return of the Jedi. Although I didn’t know it at the time, because I didn’t start studying music until high school, I’m sure the symphonic score was one of the major things that made me such a fan of these movies!
Come join Ryan Murray & the MSO on a trip to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert this June 3 & 4 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!
Tune in live and watch the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s virtual Season Finale Concert! This virtual concert will feature both MSYO orchestras performing pieces by Bizet, Grieg, Puccini, and Rossini as well as two MSYO student soloists!
Edvard Grieg, arr. Merle J. Isaac
Norwegian Dances Nos. 2 & 3
Georges Bizet, arr. Merle J. Isaac
“Farandole” from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2
Gioachino Rossini
Overture to The Barber of Seville
Giacomo Puccini
“Intermezzo” from Manon Lescaut
Edvard Grieg
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt Suite
Remo Giazotto & Tomaso Albinoni, transcribed by Giovanni Orsomando
Adagio in G Minor
Sergei Prokofiev
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 119
II. Moderato - Andante dolce - Moderato primo
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
Thank you to our generous MSYO donors whose gifts made the 2020-21 MSYO season possible. Click here for further information on how you can support MSYO, or contact Carole Richard, Director of Development, at crichard@modestosymphony.org, or call 209-523-4156. Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE.
If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.
Tune in for a chamber music concert featuring the MSO Chamber String Ensemble, principal flute Johanna Borenstein, and principal bassoon David Granger. The program will include pieces by J.S. Bach, Florence Price, Gustav Holst, and a segment honoring the MSO’s 90th Anniversary.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Divertimento in F Major, K. 138 in F major, I. Allegro
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Flute Sonata in A Minor, H.562, I. Poco adagio
Johann Sebastian Bach
Cello Suite No. 2, BWV 1008, I. Prélude
Florence Price arr. Elaine Fine
Adoration
Niccolò Paganini
Caprice No. 13 in Bb Major “Devil’s Laughter”
Wilson Osborne
Rhapsody for Bassoon
Gustav Holst
St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29 No. 2, IV. Finale (“The Dargason”)
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
This concert is dedicated to the memory of Anthony “Tony” Collins, MSO second trombone.
This virtual performance is free to all and supported in part by Judy and Mike Herrero. Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE.
If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.
Tune in live and watch the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s virtual Spring Concert! This concert will feature both MSYO orchestras performing movements from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony as well as three MSYO student soloists!
MSYO CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. Sandra Dackow:
Dance of the Tumblers from “Snow Maiden”
Beethoven, arranged by Charles Woodhouse:
“Finale” from 5th Symphony
Mascagni:
“Intermezzo” from Cavalleria rusticana
Dvořák:
Symphony No. 9, op. 95 (“New World”), IV. Allegro con fuoco
MSYO STUDENT SOLOISTS
Bériot:
Concerto No. 9 in A Minor, Op. 104, I. Allegro maestoso
Marcello:
Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2, I. Adagio & II. Allegro
Telemann:
Ouverture Suite in A Minor, TWV 55:a2, V. Réjouissance
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
This series is free to all and supported in part by Ceres Pipe & Metal, by Doug & Susan Highiet, and Freda & Rod Motto. Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE.
If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.
Get in the holiday spirit with the MSO! We’ve created a festive virtual concert for you to enjoy at home that features the MSO Brass Quintet and members of the MSO Chorus! You’ll hear some of your favorite holiday music along with a special performance by the Central West Ballet!
Chanukkah Latkes by Traditional, arr. Forrest Byram
Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, arr. Keith Snell
Canzona per Sonare No. 2 by Giovanni Gabrieli, arr. Robert King
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
The First Noel by John Stainer
Joy to the World by Lowell Mason & Isaac Watts
Passacaglia in G minor (“The Guardian Angel”) from Rosary Sonatas by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber
performed by MSO Associate Concertmaster, Ilana Blumberg Thomas
The Nutcracker, op. 71, Pas de Deux & Coda by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Noelle Im & Mario Vitale Laborador
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
This virtual performance is free to all and supported in part by Morgan Stanley, Kelly McMurray, Senior Vice President. Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE.
If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents MSO at Home: Julian Schwarz in Recital, featuring Julian Schwarz, cello and Marika Bournaki, piano! Hosted live by Associate Conductor Ryan Murray on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm. The virtual performance features a variety of works for cello by Beethoven, Brahms, Korngold and more.
Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 102, No. 2
I. Allegro con brio
Ludwig van Beethoven
Suite for Violin & Piano after Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Op. 11
III. Scene in the Garden, IV. Masquerade: Hornpipe
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, arr. J. Schwarz
Méditation Hébraïque
Ernest Bloch
Scherzo from FAE Sonata for Violin & Piano
Johannes Brahms, arr. J. Schwarz
Sonata for Cello & Piano in D Minor
II. Sérénade, III. Finale
Claude Debussy
4 African Dances, Op. 58
II. Andantino
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. arr. J. Schwarz
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
This virtual performance is free to all.
Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE
If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.
Tune in and catch performances by MSYO Music Director Ryan Murray on bassoon, conductor Don Grishaw will be joined by his son (an MSYO alum) for a viola duet, and a virtual string quartet performance by some of our MSYO students and alumni!
Ryan Murray on bassoon
Don and Andrew Grishaw performing a viola duet
The MSYO String Quartet performing a piece by Vivaldi
Selections from past MSYO concerts
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
This virtual performance is free to all and supported in part by H. Dieter and Hanna Renning.
Dates, program, and artists subject to change. E&OE
If you are experiencing any issues viewing our videos, please visit our FAQ page here or download our FAQ PDF.
Our MSO Associate Conductor Ryan Murray recently has been awarded Second Place in the 2019-20 American Prize in Conducting (Professional Orchestra Division)! Murray was awarded for his amazing performance conducting our Sibelius & Tchaikovsky concerts on April 12 & 13, 2019.
On behalf of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, congrats to Ryan!
The American Prize is a series of non-profit national competitions in the performing arts for the best recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States. To learn more visit www.theamericanprize.org.
Ryan Murray conducting Sibelius Concerto in D Minor, featuring violinist Angelo Xiang Yu
Modesto Symphony's Associate Conductor and MSYO Music Director, Ryan Murray offers some insights on what he's working on while at home, and shares a piano and bassoon duet of himself performing the aria "Che gelida manina" from Puccini's La bohème.
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