Behind the Podium / Star Wars in Concert with Conductor Ryan Murray
Behind the Podium / June 3 & 4: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
Conductor Ryan Murray Takes the MSO to a Galaxy Far, Far Away!
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!
The Force is Strong with the MSO
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!
Sound Bite / Fighting Fate with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4
Tchaikovsky's fight with fate comes to life with his Symphony No. 4. Conductor Paul Haas dives deeper into Tchaikovsky’s ill-fated marriage and how he overcame his struggles with the help of his best friend, Nadezhda Von Meck.
Hear Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 performed live by the MSO this May 6 & 7, 2022!
Sound Bite / Rising to the Top with Wijeratne's Concerto for Tabla
"History has a way of making sure that excellent music rises to the top." Hear from Conductor Paul Haas why Dinuk Wijeratne's Concerto For Tabla will surely rise to the top of orchestral music in our latest MSO Sound Bite!
Hear Wijeratne's Concerto for Tabla featuring Sandeep Das live this May 6 & 7, 2022!
Sound Bite / The Tragic Themes of Beethoven's Coriolan Overture
Conductor Paul Haas talks about the tragic tale that inspired Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, and how Beethoven masterfully translates musical themes into storytelling.
Hear Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture live in Modesto on May 6 & 7, 2022.
Sound Bite / Exploring Osvaldo Golijov's "Sidereus" with Dirk Meyer
Explore the sights & sounds of space through Argentinian composer, Osvaldo Golijov's work, "Sidereus" with conductor Dirk Meyer!
Composed in 2010, "Sidereus" was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras in honor of former president Henry Fogel's years of service to the orchestral world. Golijov wanted Sidereus, meaning "belonging to the stars," to evoke the emotion he felt while staring up at the night sky over his home in Patagonia, Argentina.
Hear Golijov's "Sidereus" live in Modesto on April 1 & 2, 2022
Sound Bite / The Sheer Joy of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3
Conductor Dirk Meyer explains why Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 is a virtuosic masterpiece and promises you won't be able to contain yourself with this exciting, energetic piece that fills the listener with sheer joy.
Hear Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 3" live in Modesto on April 1 & 2, 2022:
Sound Bite / How Brahms Became the Next Beethoven
Fellow composer, Robert Schumann, thought Brahms to be the next Beethoven. Did Brahms live up to that expectation?
Hear Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C Minor live in Modesto on April 1 & 2, 2022!
Márquez & Shostakovich: Pre-Concert Conversation with Delta David Gier
January 7 & 8, 2022: Márquez & Shostakovich
A Musical Mystery...
Check out this video of this weekend's conductor and Music Director candidate, Delta David Gier as he tries to unlock the musical mystery of Márquez & Shostakovich with featured guest artist, Francisco Vila-Haas!
Learn more about this concert:
WATCH / Happy Holidays from the MSO!
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!
Happiest of holidays from all of your friends at the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.
❤️
LIVE / MSYO Virtual Season Finale Concert
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Virtual Season Finale Concert
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
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!
PROGRAM
MSYO CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Edvard Grieg, arr. Merle J. Isaac
Norwegian Dances Nos. 2 & 3Georges Bizet, arr. Merle J. Isaac
“Farandole” from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2
MSYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Gioachino Rossini
Overture to The Barber of SevilleGiacomo Puccini
“Intermezzo” from Manon LescautEdvard Grieg
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt Suite
STUDENT SOLOISTS
FRANCISCO ORTIZ, TRUMPET
Remo Giazotto & Tomaso Albinoni, transcribed by Giovanni Orsomando
Adagio in G Minor
RYAN GURULE, CELLO
Sergei Prokofiev
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 119II. 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.
LIVE / Chamber Music at Home with the MSO
Chamber Music at Home with the MSO
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
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.
PROGRAM
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”)
Featuring
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.
LIVE / MSYO Virtual Spring Concert
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Virtual Spring Concert
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
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!
PROGRAM
MSYO CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. Sandra Dackow:
Dance of the Tumblers from “Snow Maiden”Beethoven, arranged by Charles Woodhouse:
“Finale” from 5th Symphony
MSYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Mascagni:
“Intermezzo” from Cavalleria rusticanaDvořák:
Symphony No. 9, op. 95 (“New World”), IV. Allegro con fuoco
MSYO STUDENT SOLOISTS
RYLAN POST, VIOLIN
Bériot:
Concerto No. 9 in A Minor, Op. 104, I. Allegro maestoso
BELLA DAVILA, CELLO
Marcello:
Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 1 No. 2, I. Adagio & II. Allegro
MIKE CHEN, FLUTE
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.
Meet Denis Harper!
Meet the MSO
Denis Harper, principal oboe
Meet MSO’s principal oboe,
Denis Harper!
As our principal oboe, Denis Harper has been consistently praised for his performances as a musician. His interpretation of Telemann’s Fantasia in A is proof of his superb talent.
Program
Georg Philipp Telemann
Fantasia No. 2 in A Minor
This series is free to all and supported in part by Jeff & Margaret Reed, The Reed Companies and the Reed Foundation. 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.
Meet Adam Wolf!
Meet the MSO
Adam Wolf, horn
Meet MSO horn,
Adam Wolf!
One of our newest members of the MSO, Adam Wolf brings a brand new spin to a classic Piazzolla piece.
Program
Astor Piazzolla
Tango Etude No. 3
TANGO-ETUDES (6) by Astor Piazzolla © 1987 Copyright Editions Henry Lemoine, Paris.
This series is free to all and supported in part by Jeff & Margaret Reed, The Reed Companies and the Reed Foundation. 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.
WATCH / Season's Greetings from the MSO!
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!
Enjoy a short holiday video greeting from all of your friends at the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.
❤️
LIVE / Holidays at Home with the MSO
Holidays at Home with the MSO
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
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!
PROGRAM
MSO BRASS QUINTET
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
MSO CHORUS
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
The First Noel by John Stainer
Joy to the World by Lowell Mason & Isaac Watts
Violin Solo
Passacaglia in G minor (“The Guardian Angel”) from Rosary Sonatas by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber
performed by MSO Associate Concertmaster, Ilana Blumberg Thomas
Central West Ballet
The Nutcracker, op. 71, Pas de Deux & Coda by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Noelle Im & Mario Vitale Laborador
Featuring
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.
LIVE / MSO at Home: Julian Schwarz in Recital
MSO at Home: Julian Schwarz in Recital
Featuring
Julian Schwarz, cello
Marika Bournaki, piano
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
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.
PROGRAM
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
Featuring
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.
LIVE / MSO at Home: Spotlight on the MSYO
MSO at Home: Spotlight on the MSYO
FEATURING RYAN MURRAY & DON GRISHAW
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
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!
PROGRAM to Include:
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
Featuring
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.
LIVE / MSO at Home: John Hillebrandt in Recital
John Hillebrandt in Recital
HOSTED BY RYAN MURRAY
The MSO's first virtual recital! Tune in and reconnect with Ryan Murray and MSO pianist John Hillebrandt as he performs live from his home.
PROGRAM
Maurice Ravel
Jeux d'eau (Fountains)
Frederic Chopin
Ballade No.4 in F Minor, Op. 52
John Hillebrandt
Nocturne
Featuring
We’d love to hear what you thought about this program. Your feedback will help us plan future events!
This virtual performance is free for all and supported in part by Caroline Nickel & Tony Vlcek
Celebrating David Lockington's Legacy
Thank you Maestro David Lockington for the past 13 years of dedication as the Music Director to the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. Best wishes to your future endeavors! Love, the MSO.
