Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Brings Verdi’s Epic Requiem to Modesto
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Verdi’s Requiem on May 9 & 10, 2025 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The concerts will feature the MSO Chorus, directed by Daniel R. Afonso Jr., and will also feature guest soloists: soprano Alexandra Loutsion, mezzo-soprano Alice Chung, tenor Ben Gulley, and bass DeAndre Simmons.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: April 4, 2025
(Pictured from left to right, row 1: Nicholas Hersh, music director; Modesto Symphony Orchestra & Chorus; row 2: Alexandra Loutsion, soprano; Alice Chung, mezzo-soprano; Ben Gulley, tenor; DeAndre Simmons, bass)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Brings Verdi’s Epic Requiem to Modesto
May 9 & 10, 2025 - Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs Verdi’s Requiem featuring four guest soloists
May 10, 2025 – Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra performs Season Finale concert featuring Concerto Competition Winner, Adrian Rodriguez-Mandujano, clarinet.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Verdi’s Requiem on May 9 & 10, 2025 led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh. The concerts will feature the MSO Chorus, directed by Daniel R. Afonso Jr., and will also feature guest soloists: soprano Alexandra Loutsion, mezzo-soprano Alice Chung, tenor Ben Gulley, and bass DeAndre Simmons.
“Verdi’s Requiem achieves the impossible by being at once supernaturally massive and intimately human,” says Music Director Nicholas Hersh. “By its very nature, a requiem mass deals with subject matter that is considered incomprehensible—perfect for a musical treatment, of course. But thanks to Verdi’s vast experience in opera, he is able to so effectively combine the orchestra with the human voice to express the complex emotions associated with facing death, whether it’s the terrifying orchestral strikes in the infamous Dies Irae or the sorrowful grief of the Lachrymosa. Everyone should experience the awe and beauty of this piece performed live, and we’re so thrilled to perform it for Modesto.”
The weekend also includes the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) in their Season Finale Concert on May 10, 2025. 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 Copland, Schubert, Florence Price, and John Williams. This concert will also feature the MSYO's annual Concerto Competition winner, Adrian Rodriguez-Mandujano performing Carl Maria von Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet in E-flat major. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs Verdi’s Requiem
Friday, May 9, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Alexandra Loutsion, soprano
Alice Chung, mezzo-soprano
Ben Gulley, tenor
DeAndre Simmons, bass
PROGRAM
Guiseppe Verdi: Requiem Mass (In Memory of Alessandro Manzoni)
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets
Pricing: Tickets start at $23
Student Tickets available: $15 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $15 tickets with their student ID.
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
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
MODESTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA PERFORMS SEASON FINALE CONCERT
Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 pm
Elisha Wells, MSYO music director & symphony orchestra conductor
Donald Grishaw, MSYO concert orchestra conductor
Adrian Rodriguez-Mandujano, clarinet & MSYO Concerto Competition Winner
PROGRAM:
Featuring the works of Copland, Schubert, Florence Price, and selections from John Williams’ Star Wars. MSYO Concerto Competition Winner, Adrian Rodriguez-Mandujano performing Carl Maria von Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet in E-flat major.
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets:
Pricing:
Adult ticket pricing starts at $17
Youth ticket pricing starts at $8
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
Adrian Rodriguez-Mandujano, clarinet & MSYO Concerto Competition Winner
Adrian spent most of his younger years living in a low-income Bay area neighborhood without a Music Education Program. After moving to Modesto halfway through elementary school, he was introduced to his first Clarinet in an elementary band setting. Since then, he has expanded to be a natural leader, instrumentalist, conductor, and musician. While never having a private teacher, Adrian has evolved his performance level to receive principal seatings in multiple Honor Ensembles–including the Stanislaus County Honor Bands, San Jose State Honor Wind Ensemble the MSYO–and even broadening his musical scope through participating in the Stanislaus County Conducting Symposium (2 years), participating in a Drum Corp International setting with the Blue Devils B, being featured at the CASMEC Youth Composer Symposium for an original String Quartet Work. Inspired by the educational ideals of his area’s music programs, Adrian hopes to become a future Music Educator and plans to study Instrumental Music Education at the University of the Pacific after graduating with the Gregori HS Class of 2025.
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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 Aretha: A Tribute March 14
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO), led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray will perform Aretha: A Tribute on Friday, March 14th at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Broadway star, Capathia Jenkins, will be joined by Ryan Shaw as they bring the best of the Queen of Soul plus hits by Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, James Brown, and more!
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: January 23, 2025
(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, conductor; Capathia Jenkins, guest artist; Ryan Shaw, guest artist
Modesto Symphony Performs Aretha: A Tribute March 14
March 14 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs the music of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and more!
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO), led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray will perform Aretha: A Tribute on Friday, March 14th at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Broadway star, Capathia Jenkins, will be joined by Ryan Shaw as they bring the best of the Queen of Soul plus hits by Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, James Brown, and more!
“We are so happy to be able to bring Capathia Jenkins back to Modesto! We know her performance with Ryan Shaw will bring everyone to their feet,” says Caroline Nickel, President & CEO of the MSOA. “Some may remember that this concert was almost performed for Picnic at the Pops in 2023, but was rained out. We were able to have the dress rehearsal the night before and we were honestly all blown away by the level of energy and artistry that Capathia brought to the stage!”
Capathia Jenkins has performed with numerous major orchestra including the Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, San Francisco Symphony, and many others. Ms. Jenkins is also known for her Broadway roles including, ‘Medda’ in Newsies and ‘Frieda May’ in Martin Sort-Fame Becomes Me. Her television credits include 30 Rock, Law & Order SVU, and she was also seen in The Wiz live performance on NBC.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Aretha: A Tribute
Friday, March 14, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest artist
Ryan Shaw, guest artist
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.
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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 Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents highlights from two of Disney’s most extraordinary and groundbreaking animated features, Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000 in concert live to film on February 7 and 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, scenes from each of the two iconic films will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections including Beethoven’s “The Pastoral Symphony,” Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours,” Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” and Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and more.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: December 12, 2024
(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, conductor; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film
Concert features selections from Fantasia (1940) and Fantasia 2000
February 7 & 8, 2025 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film
February 8, 2025 – The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra to perform Mozart, Greig, and more in Spring Concert.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents highlights from two of Disney’s most extraordinary and groundbreaking animated features, Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000 in concert live to film on February 7 and 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, scenes from each of the two iconic films will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections including Beethoven’s “The Pastoral Symphony,” Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours,” Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” and Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and more.
“Disney’s Fantasia in Concert is going to be great fun to share with our audience in Modesto, it’s just an unbelievable show,” says Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray. “It’s the greatest moments of classical music with the brilliance of Disney animation. There’s Beethoven’s Fifth & Sixth Symphonies, Stravinsky’s Firebird, Clair de Lune, Dance of the Hours, Carnival of the Animals, and of course The Sorcerer’s Apprentice! It’s challenging but exciting music for myself and the orchestra to take on.”
Released to great acclaim in 1940, Walt Disney’s Fantasia was his boldest experiment at the time and culminated in the creative visionary’s desire to blend animated imagery with classical music. The original film score was conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra, recorded in stereophonic sound, which was still an experimental medium at the time. What had begun as a vehicle to develop Mickey Mouse’s career with an animation short titled “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” went on to become a genuine cinema classic.
Walt’s dream in 1941 was to turn Fantasia into an ongoing event with new segments. This was finally realized in 1999 with Fantasia 2000, a spectacular follow-up spearheaded by Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney. The music from Fantasia 2000 was conducted by James Levine and performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film is presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ryan Murray and will be performed at Gallo Center for the Arts on February 7 & 8, 2025. For tickets and further information visit www.modestosymphony.org or call the Gallo Center Ticket Office at 209-331-2100.
This weekend also includes the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) with their Spring Concert on February 8, 2025 at 2 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The MSYO is comprised of two orchestras with students grades 5 through 12 from schools throughout the Central Valley and is led by MSYO Music Director Elisha Wells and a deeply engaged leadership team. This concert will feature works by Mozart, Greig, and more. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film
Friday, February 7, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia in Concert Live to Film. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Experience iconic moments and childhood favorites as you never have before!
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 start at $23
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra presents Spring Concert
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2 pm
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director & Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Don Grishaw, Concert Orchestra Conductor
Program to include works by Mozart, Greig, and more!
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, 1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets:
Pricing: Adult ticket pricing starts at $17; Youth ticket pricing starts at $8
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.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Member Named Concertmaster of Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association (MSOA) is proud to announce that Rylan Post , concertmaster of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO), has been appointed concertmaster for the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra, located in Mariposa, California. He will be the fourth concertmaster in the organization’s 21-year history and the youngest at the age of 15. Conductor and Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra Founder, Les Marsden announced the appointment in early December 2024, emphasizing Post’s artistic maturity, technique, and tone quality.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: Janaury 23, 2024
(Rylan Post, Modesto Symphony Youth Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster)
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Member Named Concertmaster of Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association (MSOA) is proud to announce that Rylan Post, concertmaster of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO), has been appointed concertmaster for the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra, located in Mariposa, California. He will be the fourth concertmaster in the organization’s 21-year history and the youngest at the age of 15. Conductor and Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra Founder, Les Marsden announced the appointment in early December 2024, emphasizing Post’s artistic maturity, technique, and tone quality.
Born and raised in Merced, Post began taking lessons from violinist Caitlin Hunsuck Serpa at the age of three. Post joined the MSYO at the age of 10 in 2018, and currently serves as concertmaster for the MSYO Symphony Orchestra. Post also has been featured as a soloist during the MSYO’s 2020-2021 Virtual Season.
“I’ve grown up not only as a musician, but as a person as well over the years I’ve been in MSYO. The memories, experiences, and friendships we’ve built here at MSYO are something so unique and precious, and I’m sure I’ll cherish them as long as I play music.” says Rylan Post. “I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the parents, music educators, and MSO/MSYO staff for supporting our musical journey. I can’t wait to share our beautiful selections with those who love the music as much as we do.”
Post will be performing as concertmaster of the MSYO’s Symphony Orchestra at their Spring Concert on February 10, 2024 at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The MSYO comprises two orchestras with students from grades 5 through 12 and is led by a deeply engaged leadership team. Their Spring Concert will feature works by Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, and more. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.
About the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
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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.