Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Celebrates the Holidays with Tony DeSare
MODESTO, CA - The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) holiday concerts offer fun for the entire family. Complete with holiday décor and your favorite carols, the MSO’s holiday concerts have become community favorites. The first of the MSO’s two holiday concerts is Holiday Pops! on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, this lively and festive concert features Broadway star Nikki Renée Daniels and the MSO Chorus. The Holiday Candlelight Concert is a more intimate concert and is returning to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church on December 17, 2024 at 8 pm. Led by MSO Chorus Director, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., this traditional holiday concert that will also feature the MSO Chorus and the Opus Handbell Ensemble.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: November 11, 2025
(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, conductor; Tony DeSare, guest artist; Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director, MSO Chorus, Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Celebrates the Holidays with Tony DeSare
Plus, the Holiday Candlelight Concert at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
December 5 & 6, 2025 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops! with Tony DeSare
December 16, 2025 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Candlelight Concert at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
MODESTO, CA - The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) holiday concerts offer fun for the entire family. Complete with holiday décor and your favorite carols, the MSO’s holiday concerts have become community favorites. The first of the MSO’s two holiday concerts is Holiday Pops! on Friday, December 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, this lively and festive concert features Tony DeSare and the MSO Chorus. The Holiday Candlelight Concert is a more intimate concert held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church on December 16, 2025 at 8 pm. Led by MSO Chorus Director, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., this traditional holiday concert that will also feature the MSO Chorus and the Opus Handbell Ensemble.
“I'm really looking forward to another Holiday Pops this year! It's one of my favorite concerts of the year and it’s always a great pleasure to share the stage with our amazing Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and to celebrate the Holiday season with our wonderful community!” says Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “I’m really excited to welcome Tony DeSare back to Modesto. He was the guest artist for my first ever Holiday Pops with the MSO! Named a rising star by Downbeat magazine, he’ll be bringing his unique jazz and blues style to our Holiday Pops this year. In addition to singing he’ll be performing at the piano as well, and I’m really excited for us all to experience his incredible musical style! As always, we’ll have a mix of new arrangements and traditional favorites and several fantastic features for our amazing Modesto Symphony Chorus. And of course we’ll have our wonderful MSO traditions like Sleigh Ride, our Sing-A-Long, and O Holy Night. I’m so excited for you all to hear the amazing program and I can't wait to see you there!”
Tony DeSare is a singer, pianist, and composer known for his infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality. He has been a featured guest artist with over 100 symphony orchestras including the Cleveland Orchestra, The New York Pops, The San Francisco Symphony, The Houston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony. DeSare has four top ten Billboard jazz albums and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NPR, A Prairie Home Companion, and the Today Show.
“We hope that both our Holiday Pops and Holiday Candlelight Concert can bring a little extra warmth and joy to our community,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “It’s a special feeling being able to take the time to slow down and spend time with friends and family during the holiday season and we are honored to be part of people’s holiday festivities and traditions.”
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops!
Friday, December 5, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Tony DeSare, guest artist
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
tICKETS
Pricing: Tickets start at $23
Ticketing Information:
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Candlelight Concert
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., director
Opus Handbell Ensemble, Lisa Traughber, director
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd, Modesto
Tickets:
Pricing:
Adult ticket pricing starts at $40
Youth ticket pricing starts at $10
Ticketing Information:
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount Standard Adult tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Artist Bios
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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 Opens 95th Season
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association (MSOA) celebrates the opening of its 95th season on October 10 & 11, 2025 with Williams & Rachmaninoff at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The program will feature Turlock native, and frequent collaborator of John Williams, Timothy Loo performing Williams’ bold and expressive Concerto for Cello and Orchestra. The program will conclude with one of Rachmaninoff’s most popular works, his Symphony No. 2.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: September 23, 2025
(Pictured from left to right: Nicholas Hersh, conductor; Timothy Loo, cello)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Opens 95th Season
Featuring the music of John Williams and Rachmaninoff
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association (MSOA) celebrates the opening of its 95th season on October 10 & 11, 2025 with Williams & Rachmaninoff at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The program will feature Turlock native, and frequent collaborator of John Williams, Timothy Loo performing Williams’ bold and expressive Concerto for Cello and Orchestra. The program will conclude with one of Rachmaninoff’s most popular works, his Symphony No. 2.
“I couldn't imagine a more thrilling way to open our 95th Modesto Symphony season than with this pairing of Williams and Rachmaninoff. The Rachmaninoff is one of those works whose lush, memorable melodies are only the tip of a symphonic iceberg, hiding an innovative scaffolding of harmony and counterpoint that creates layer upon layer of suspense and emotional catharsis. John Williams' Cello Concerto is a rarely heard gem from one of the world's most popular composers, combining his signature cinematic sound and the expressive possibilities of the cello in a format that allows Williams to spread his formidable wings in a way not possible in film scoring,” says Music Director Nicholas Hersh.
“I so look forward to performing with Timothy Loo in Williams' Cello Concerto,” Hersh continues. “Not only is Tim an intelligent and dynamic musician, he is a close colleague of Williams, having recorded many of his film scores—so he brings a keen insight into Williams' style and voice. This promises to be a truly electric collaboration!”
Modesto Symphony Orchestra: Williams & Rachmaninoff
Celebrating the Cinematic Sounds of Hollywood
Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Timothy Loo, cello
Program:
John Williams: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
TICKETS:
Pricing: Tickets start at $23
$15 student tickets are available in-person at the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid 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.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
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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 Picnic at the Pops: The Music of Queen
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Windborne’s The Music of Queen this September 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm on the beautiful GALLO grounds. Picnic at the Pops! is a family-friendly outdoor concert that attracts thousands of music lovers from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: July 24, 2025
(Pictured from left to right Picnic at the Pops; Brody Dolyniuk, guest artist; Ryan Murray, conductor)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents Picnic at the Pops: The Music of Queen
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Windborne’s The Music of Queen this September 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm on the beautiful GALLO grounds. Picnic at the Pops! is a family-friendly outdoor concert that attracts thousands of music lovers from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars.
This year’s Picnic at the Pops is a symphonic tribute to the Music of Queen! The program will showcase the exceptional talents of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray, and the extraordinary vocals of Brody Dolyniuk, performing some of Queen’s greatest hits including Under Pressure, Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody to Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, and many more.
“Picnic at the Pops is more than just a concert, it’s a chance for friends and families to come together, relax, and enjoy an evening with a live orchestra under the stars,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “This year, we’re excited to honor the iconic music of Queen, with a program that will have everyone singing and dancing all night long. Picnic at the Pops is one of our favorite days of the year and we can’t wait to share it with you all!”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the event has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine generously donated by GALLO and an assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the MSO. Those not looking to pack their own picnic may pre-order meals from Greens on Tenth, or purchase food on-site from The Sinaloense Food Truck and Yogurt Mill’s Froyo Truck. Full details on food offerings will be available on our website at ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
Tickets for Picnic at the Pops! are on sale now, online, in-person, and over the phone through the Gallo Center Ticket Office. General Lawn tickets start at $45 for adults and $12 for youth under the age of 17. Reserved Lawn tickets start at $75 for adults and $20 for youth. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 20% discount on General Lawn Tickets.
Picnic at the Pops! is a true community concert, created for the community by the community. The MSO is seeking volunteers to join our Patron Experience Team and help make Picnic at the Pops a success. Volunteer duties include the setup and breakdown of the venue space, selling beverage tickets during the concert, and more. Visit ModestoSymphony.org/volunteer for more information and to sign up today.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Picnic at the pops! Windborne’s the music of queen
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Grounds Open at 5:00 pm
Concert Starts at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Brody Dolyniuk, guest artist
GALLO grounds: 600 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto
TICKETS:
General Lawn Seating Starting at: Adults $45 / Youth $12
Reserved Lawn Seating Starting at: Adults $75 / Youth $20
Groups of 10+ save 20% on General Lawn Adult tickets. Youth prices for ages 4 through 17, 3 & under are free. Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office in-person at 1000 I Street, Modesto or call (209) 338-2100.
Guest Artist Bios
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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.
Picnic at the Pops! is generously sponsored by
Presenting Sponsors: GALLO, Porges Family Foundation
Headline Sponsor: Wille Electric Supply Company, Inc.
Concert Sponsor: Garton Tractor
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Stephanie Rawls as Youth Orchestra Conductor
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Stephanie Rawls as the MSYO’s new Concert Orchestra conductor. This appointment comes after the retirement of the Youth Orchestra’s Concert Orchestra conductor, Donald Grishaw, this past May.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025
(Pictured: MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor Stephanie Rawls, MSYO Concert Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Stephanie Rawls as Youth Orchestra Conductor
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Stephanie Rawls as the MSYO’s new Concert Orchestra conductor. This appointment comes after the retirement of the Youth Orchestra’s Concert Orchestra conductor, Donald Grishaw, this past May.
“Don Grishaw established a standard of excellence among the Concert Orchestra and was instrumental in the success of MSYO,” says Elisha Wells MSYO Music Director. “He and I worked together to find the perfect person to step in and continue this legacy of excellence, and we are thrilled that Stephanie Rawls is joining the MSYO team. She brings a depth of knowledge and experience, coupled with a strong tie to the community, and is even a former member of the MSYO. The MSYO has a bright future and I'm excited about what is to come!”
Stephanie Rawls brings a wealth of experience to the MSOA. Rawls currently teaches orchestra at James C. Enochs High School and is a graduate of Modesto Junior College and the University of the Pacific. Before returning to Modesto, she thought award winning orchestras, Mariachi, band, and general music in San Jose, Stockton, and Manteca.
“I am so excited to join the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra team,” says Stephanie Rawls, newly appointed MSYO Concert Orchestra conductor. “I look forward to working with the amazing students to create beautiful music and the wonderful adults that make it happen!”
Rawls will work with MSYO Music Director Elisha Wells to continue to grow the MSYO program, which will be starting its 50th season this fall. As a program within the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association, members have the invaluable experience of interacting with professional orchestral musicians, conductors, and visiting guest artists through workshops, side-by-side performances, and clinics. The MSYO is comprised of two full-orchestra (strings, winds, and percussion): Concert Orchestra (grades 5-9) and Symphony Orchestra (grades 9-12). Both orchestras perform a three-concert series at the Gallo Center for the Arts throughout the season.
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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 Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray and will take place on May 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm and May 31, 2025 at 2 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: April 24, 2025
(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, conductor; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live™ in Concert
Concert features Composer John Williams’ Iconic Score Performed Live to Film
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray and will take place on May 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm and May 31, 2025 at 2 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts.
“We are so excited to finish our season with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” says Caroline Nickel, President & CEO of the MSOA. “There’s something magical about watching a film you love and hearing the music come to life by a tremendous orchestra of professional musicians! We love being able to share these iconic films with the community and see many familiar faces while introducing the orchestra to so many new fans as well.”
Williams has scored each Indy adventure, including the final installment of the iconic franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. He has received multiple Academy Awards® and more than 50 Oscar® nominations. Williams is the Academy’s most-nominated living person to date and the second-most nominated person in the history of the Oscars®. He also received numerous British Academy Awards (BAFTA), GRAMMYs®, Golden Globes®, Emmys®, as well as several gold and platinum records.
Originally released in 1981 as a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema and launched actor Harrison Ford to legendary status.
Indiana Jones is the classic hero in this adventure set in the 1930s which follows the quick-witted and determined archaeologist as he hunts for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Often facing insurmountable odds, Indy always manages to succeed in the nick of time, joined by endearing companions and opposed by notorious villains.
With an impressive team of supporting actors including Karen Allen, John-Rhys Davies, Denholm Elliott, and Paul Freeman, combined with innovative special effects techniques by Industrial Light & Magic, Raiders has captured the spirits of movie-goers for generations and continues to inspire adventures yet to come.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ in Concert
Friday, May 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2 pm
Originally released in 1981 as a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema. Indiana Jones is the classic hero for this adventure set in the 1930s, as the quick-witted and hardy archaeologist goes on the hunt for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Often facing insurmountable odds, Indy always manages to succeed in the nick of time, joined by endearing companions and opposed by notorious villains. Embark on a grand adventure with Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ on the big screen while your Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ epic score live!
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
2024-25 Season Partner: Boyett Petroleum
Tickets:
Pricing: Tickets start at $23
Ticketing Information:
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
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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.