Press Release: The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert with composer John Williams’ venerated score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by conductor Ryan Murray on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to film by the MSO.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2024
THE MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT
May 31 & June 1, 2024 - Concert features Composer John Williams’ Score Performed Live to Film by Modesto Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Ryan Murray
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert with composer John Williams’ venerated score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by conductor Ryan Murray on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to film by the MSO.
“We are so excited to finish our season with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “The Star Wars franchise is beloved by so many, and we are thrilled to be able to present Return of the Jedi in its entirety with our full orchestra performing John Williams’ score live! This is one of the most iconic film scores ever composed and we guarantee you’ll have goosebumps when you see the opening titles with the full force of an orchestra performing live.”
Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 45 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.
The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, STAr wars: return of the jedi in concert
Friday, May 31, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © All rights reserved.
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM
TICKETS*:
Pricing: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
*Limited seating available for both evenings.
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
2023-24 Season Partner
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Performs Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on May 10 & 11, 2024 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The weekend’s program includes living composer, Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, Amy Beach’s Peace I Leave With You, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. The concerts will feature the MSO Chorus, directed by Daniel R. Afonso Jr., and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 will also feature guest soloists: soprano Georgiana Adams, mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich, tenor Alex Boyer, and bass Matt Boehler.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: April 15, 2024
(From left to right, Top Row: Nicholas Hersh, music director; MSO Chorus; Bottom Row: Georgiana Adams, soprano; Kindra Scharich, mezzo-soprano; Alex Boyer, tenor; Matt Boehler, bass; Samuel Kraus, violin)
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS PERFORMS BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 9
May 10 & 11, 2024 - Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs the works of Beethoven, Beach, and Pärt at Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 concerts.
May 11, 2024 – Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra performs Season Finale Concert featuring Concerto Competition Winner, Samuel Kraus.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on May 10 & 11, 2024 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The weekend’s program includes living composer, Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, Amy Beach’s Peace I Leave With You, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. The concerts will feature the MSO Chorus, directed by Daniel R. Afonso Jr., and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 will also feature guest soloists: soprano Georgiana Adams, mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich, tenor Alex Boyer, and bass Matt Boehler.
“Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has taken on a kind of mystique of an almost supernatural masterpiece,” says Music Director Nicholas Hersh. “But its reality is anything but: it's one of Beethoven's most personal and emotional works. Beethoven's Ninth is a mountain to climb for any musician, but it's at the summit that the forces of the orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists join together, reveling in the joy of unity with the composer's most enduring melody: the Ode to Joy. I can't wait for the MSO to take on this journey with my wonderful colleague Daniel Afonso leading the Modesto Symphony Chorus as well as the amazing guest soloists joining us from all over California!”
This concert is made possible by a generous legacy gift from Alicia Aywas and is dedicated to her memory. “As a longtime subscriber and donor, Alicia Aywas brought joy to those around her and loved classical music,” says Caroline Nickel, President & CEO. “The MSO is honored to have known Alicia Aywas and to dedicate these performances of Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ to her.”
The weekend also includes the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) in their Season Finale Concert on May 11th, 2024. The MSYO comprises two orchestras with students from grades 5 through 12 and is led by a deeply engaged leadership team. Their Season Finale Concert will feature works by Grieg, Pascual Marquina Narro, music from the 2017 Disney movie, Coco, and excerpts from Bizet's Carmen Suite. This concert will also feature the MSYO's annual Concerto Competition winner, Samuel Kraus, performing the first movement of the Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr.,
chorus director
Georgiana Adams, soprano
Kindra Scharich, mezzo-soprano
Alex Boyer, tenor
Matt Boehler, bass
PROGRAM
Arvo Pärt: Fratres
Amy Beach: Peace I Leave With You
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
This concert is dedicated in memory of Alicia Aywas.
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
TICKETS:
Pricing: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
$12 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $12 tickets with their student ID.
Modesto symphony youth orchestra, season finale concert
Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:00 pm
Donald Grishaw, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor
Elisha Wells, MSYO Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Samuel Kraus, violin & MSYO Concerto Competition Winner
PROGRAM
Featuring the works of Grieg, Pascual Marquina Narro, music from the 2017 Disney movie, Coco, and excerpts from Bizet's Carmen Suite. The concert also features MSYO Concerto Competition Winner, Samuel Kraus performing the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219.
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
TICKETS:
Adult: $14
Youth: $5
Ticketing information
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Brings New Energy To 2024-2025 Season
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents their 94th season led by MSO Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The MSO’s season will kick off with Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown, featuring the music of Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / April 3, 2024
Click to download high-resolution photos. (Pictured from left to right: top row: Nicholas Hersh, music director; Branford Marsalis, saxophone; Audrey Wright, violin; bottom row: MSO Chorus; Picnic at the Pops, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ in Concert)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Brings New Energy To 2024-2025 Season
The MSO’s 94th season features outstanding programming, world-renown guest artists, and the MSO Chorus.
The season opens with a special one-night-only event, featuring Branford Marsalis!
The Classics Series will feature the works of Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Modesto’s own Andrew Norman, and Verdi. It also includes Disney’s Fantasia Live in Concert!
The Pops Series will feature the hits of Aretha Franklin sung by Broadway star, Capathia Jenkins and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost ArkTM in Concert.
Picnic at the Pops! returns with Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents their 94th season led by MSO Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The MSO’s season will kick off with Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown, featuring the music of Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
The MSO’s first concert at the Gallo Center for the Arts will be in October with a special one-night-only Opening Night concert featuring Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis, performing Darius Milhaud’s Scaramouche and John Williams’ Escapades from Steven Spielberg’s 2002 comedy, Catch Me If You Can.
This year there will be four Classics concerts with performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The Classics Series will feature the works of Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Modesto’s own Grammy-nominated composer Andrew Norman, and Verdi. The Classics Series also welcomes the addition of a live-to-film performance of Disney’s Fantasia Live in Concert.
In addition to the Classics Series, the MSO also offers a three-concert Pops Series led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, which includes Aretha: A Tribute featuring Broadway star Capathia Jenkins, and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost ArkTM in Concert.
"I am overjoyed to welcome the Modesto community to our '24-25 season! My collaboration with the MSO in our first year working together has been beyond rewarding, and I am honored to continue deepening our relationship in the year to come,” said Music Director Nicholas Hersh. “There is a wonderful sense of energy in each concert program we will offer, from the virtuosity of guest artists like Branford Marsalis, to the beloved marriage of animation and orchestra in Fantasia, to simply the music leaping off the page of masterworks like Verdi's timeless Requiem. There is truly something for everyone in our community to enjoy, and I look forward to welcoming audiences of all ages back to the Gallo Center next season!”
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2024-25 SEASON OVERVIEW
Opening Night Concert
The MSO’s 94th Season opens with Branford Marsalis and Symphonic Dances. This special one-night-only concert features Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis, performing Darius Milhaud’s Scaramouche and John Williams’ Escapades from Steven Spielberg’s 2002 comedy, Catch Me If You Can. The evening will conclude with Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.
Classics Series
4 concerts performed on both Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at Gallo Center for the Arts
The MSO begins the Classics Series on November 1 & 2, 2024 with The Four Seasons Mixtape. The evening will start with Mendelssohn’s romantic Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Ortiz’s La Calaca which features driving rhythms and stirring melodies inspired by the traditions of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) that celebrate the afterlife in Mexican culture. The MSO will dive deeper into each season with a “mixtape” from Hersh featuring one movement each from Vivaldi, Richter, Ysaÿe, and Piazzolla to create an exploration not only of the seasons, but of each of their cultures.
The Classics Series welcomes the addition of a live-to-film performance of Disney’s Fantasia Live in Concert on February 7 & 8, 2025. Families of all ages will enjoy iconic scenes from the original 1940 film and Fantasia 2000 paired with orchestral masterpieces like Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, performed live by the MSO and conductor Ryan Murray.
On April 11 & 12, 2025, the MSO performs Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, as well as a piece by Modesto’s own and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, composer Andrew Norman. The evening concludes with the MSO performing Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, with the young musicians of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra playing side-by-side on Hoedown.
The Classics Series concludes on May 9 & 10, 2025 with the MSO and MSO Chorus performing Verdi’s Requiem.
Pops Series
Three concerts on Fridays at 7:30 pm and two Saturday matinee performances at 2 pm, performed in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at the Gallo Center for the Arts conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray.
The Pops Series begins with a celebration of the Holiday Season with the ever-popular Holiday Pops concert. The MSO will be joined by the MSO Chorus on December 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm and December 7, 2024 at 2pm.
The second concert in the Pops Series will be on March 14, 2025 with Aretha: A Tribute. This high-energy, glittering tribute to the Queen of Soul features your Modesto Symphony Orchestra with Broadway star Capathia Jenkins! The evening will feature Aretha Franklin’s iconic hits like “Respect,” “Think,” “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” and many more.
The Pops Series will close with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost ArkTM in Concert. Fans will be able to experience the full movie with the MSO performing the full score live to film on May 30 & 31, 2025.
Special Community concerts:
Picnic at the Pops on September 7, 2024 and the Holiday Candlelight Concert on December 17, 2024.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra will present their 28th Annual Picnic at the Pops! on September 7, 2024 with Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown. Grounds open at 5 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm at the E. & J. Gallo Winery.
MSO Chorus Director Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. once again leads the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, plus the Opus Handbell Ensemble in a special concert that has become a treasured community tradition, the Holiday Candlelight Concert on December 17, 2024 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.
Tickets
Subscription packages and single tickets for the MSO’s 2024-25 season will be on sale starting June 3, 2024 online, by phone, and at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Visit ModestoSymphony.org for full details.
Gallo Center Ticket Office
1000 I Street, Modesto CA 95354
Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturdays 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Phone: 209.338.2100
FULL MSO 2024-25 SEASON LISTING
Nicholas Hersh, Music Director
SEASON OPENER:
Branford Marsalis & Symphonic Dances
October 5, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Branford Marsalis, saxophone
Program:
Alexander Borodin: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor
Darius Milhaud: Scaramouche
John Williams: Escapades from Catch Me If You Can
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
CLASSICS SERIES
The Four Seasons Mixtape
November 1 & 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Audrey Wright, violin
Program:
Felix Mendelssohn: Overture from Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21
Gabriela Ortiz: La Calaca for String Orchestra
The Four Seasons Mixtape:
Antonio Vivaldi: L'estate (Summer)
Max Richter: Autumn from The Four Seasons Recomposed
Eugène Ysaÿe: Chant d'hiver (Wintersong)
Astor Piazzolla: Primavera porteña (Buenos Aires Spring)
Disney’s Fantasia Live in Concert
February 7 & 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.
Carnival of the Animals
April 11 & 12, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, side-by-side
Program:
George Gershwin (arr. Nicholas Hersh): Three Preludes
Camille Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals
Andrew Norman: Drip Blip Sparkle Spin Glint Glide Glow Float Flop Chop Pop Shatter Splash
Aaron Copland: Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo
Verdi’s Requiem
May 9 & 10, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Program:
Guiseppe Verdi: Requiem
POPS SERIES
Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor
Holiday Pops!
December 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm
December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
To Be Announced, guest vocalist
Aretha: A Tribute
March 14, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest vocalist
Ryan Shaw, guest vocalist
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost ArkTM in Concert
Live Orchestra with Full Length Film
May 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm
May 31, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Motion Picture & Artwork © 1981 Lucasfilm Ltd. Concert performed under license from Disney Concerts. Disney Concerts under license from Lucasfilm Ltd and Paramount Pictures.
Special Community Concerts
Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown
September 7, 2024
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
Grounds open at 5:00 pm
Concert starts at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Chester Gregory, guest vocalist
Shayna Steele, guest vocalist
Terron Brooks, guest vocalist
Holiday Candlelight Concert
December 17, 2024 at 8:00 pm
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Opus Handbell Ensemble, Richard Colla, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto This April
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto on April 12 & 13, 2024 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The weekend’s concerts will feature the MSO’s debut of the works of Argentinian-composer Astor Piazzolla’s Tangazo (Variations on Buenos Aires), and French-composer Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3 in G minor. The program also includes an arrangement by Hersh of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fugue in G minor, also known as the “Little Fugue.” The concert will conclude with Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, featuring world-renowned violinist, Tai Murray as the soloist.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: April 13, 2024
(From left to right: Nicholas Hersh, music director; Tai Murray, violin; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto This April
April 12 & 13, 2024 - Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs the works of Bach, Farrenc, Mendelssohn, and Piazzolla in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto concerts.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto on April 12 & 13, 2024 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The weekend’s concerts will feature the MSO’s debut of the works of Argentinian-composer Astor Piazzolla’s Tangazo (Variations on Buenos Aires), and French-composer Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3 in G minor. The program also includes an arrangement by Hersh of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fugue in G minor, also known as the “Little Fugue.” The concert will conclude with Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, featuring world-renowned violinist, Tai Murray as the soloist.
“The centerpiece of this concert is Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, a masterful blending of virtuoso violin technique and enchanting musical beauty,” says Music Director Nicholas Hersh. “From the soaring melody of its first movement to the effervescent gallop of the finale, there isn't a moment that won't captivate and delight our Gallo Center audiences. With violinist Tai Murray bringing her indefatigable energy to the concerto, too, this is truly a musical event not to be missed!”
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto will feature violin soloist, Tai Murray. Described by Muso Magazine as, “technically flawless…vivacious and scintillating,” in her playing style, Murray has earned global recognition and fame. After debuting at the age of nine with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, she went on to win the Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2004 and was named a BBC New Generation Artist (2008 through 2010). Murray has performed worldwide, including at BBC Proms, and with major ensembles such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO
Friday, April 12, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Tai Murray, violin
PROGRAM
Astor Piazzolla: Tangazo (Variations on Buenos Aires)
Louise Farrenc: Symphony No. 3 in G minor
Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Nicholas Hersh): Fugue in G minor, “Little Fugue”
Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
TICKETS:
Pricing: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
$12 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $12 tickets with their student ID.
Ticketing information
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents a Brand New Format With Symphonic Soundtrack Concerts
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Symphonic Soundtrack on March 15 & 16, 2024 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The weekend’s concerts will be presented in a new format for the MSO. It will have no intermission and includes a program curated by Hersh and the MSO orchestra musicians that features their favorite, shorter pieces of symphonic repertoire. Another new addition is after the concert, all audience members are invited to join Hersh and the MSO orchestra musicians for a party in the Gallo Center for the Arts lobby featuring refreshments, appetizers, and the opportunity to mingle and celebrate the love of music.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2024
(From left to right: Nicholas Hersh, music director; Rob Patterson, clarinet; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents a Brand New Format with Symphonic Soundtrack Concerts
March 15 & 16, 2024 - Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Symphonic Soundtrack, an intermission-less concert featuring works by Stravinsky, Copland, and John Williams with a party after the concert.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Symphonic Soundtrack on March 15 & 16, 2024 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The weekend’s concerts will be presented in a new format for the MSO. It will have no intermission and includes a program curated by Hersh and the MSO orchestra musicians that features their favorite, shorter pieces of symphonic repertoire. Another new addition is after the concert, all audience members are invited to join Hersh and the MSO orchestra musicians for a party in the Gallo Center for the Arts lobby featuring refreshments, appetizers, and the opportunity to mingle and celebrate the love of music.
“This concert features selections that have been chosen not only by myself—the conductor—but also our musicians,” says Music Director Nicholas Hersh. “When it comes to a typical symphony concert, usually it's the conductor's job to pick every piece on the program, which can be great and fun for me as a conductor, but often it can be lonely. It's an exciting thing to be able to collaborate with our MSO musicians on picking pieces of music that they love to play and putting them all together in one program.”
The concert’s program includes Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto featuring MSO’s principal clarinet, Rob Patterson. Other works include crowd-favorite Stravinsky’s The Firebird, alongside contemporary pieces such as 2024 Grammy-winning composer, Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst for string orchestra, and John Williams’ “Princess Leia Theme” from Star Wars.
“If you've never been to the symphony and you're at all curious as to what it's like, this is a perfect concert for you to try out,” says Nicholas Hersh. “Not only will it be an intermission-less, short program, but there will be an afterparty in the lobby where you can meet me and the musicians and have a great time."
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, SYmphonic Soundtrack
Symphonic Soundtrack
March 15 & 16, 2024 at 7:30pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Rob Patterson, clarinet
PROGRAM
Gioachinno Rossini: Overture to La Gazza Ladra
Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata pian’ e forte
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst for string orchestra
Aaron Copland: Clarinet Concerto
Gabriel Fauré: Sicilienne from Pelléas and Mélisande Suite
Igor Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird (1919)
John WIlliams: "Princess Leia’s Theme" from Star Wars
Afterparty: All audience members are invited to join the orchestra and music director in the lobby after the concert for drinks, refreshments, and fun!
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
TICKETS:
Pricing: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
$12 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $12 tickets with their student ID.
Ticketing information
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.