Press Release: Branford Marsalis Joins the Modesto Symphony Orchestra for One-Night-Only Opening Night Concert!
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) proudly presents Branford Marsalis with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh this October 5, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The MSO kicks off their 94th season with acclaimed saxophonist Branford Marsalis. The evening’s program includes Marsalis performing Milhaud’s Scaramouche and John Williams’ Escapades from Catch Me If You Can. The program also features Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor and concludes with Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2024
(Pictured from left to right: Nicholas Hersh, conductor; Branford Marsalis, saxophone)
Branford Marsalis Joins the Modesto Symphony Orchestra for One-Night-Only Opening Night Concert!
Featuring the music of John Williams, Rachmaninoff, and more!
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) proudly presents Branford Marsalis with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh this October 5, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The MSO kicks off their 94th season with acclaimed saxophonist Branford Marsalis. The evening’s program includes Marsalis performing Milhaud’s Scaramouche and John Williams’ Escapades from Catch Me If You Can. The program also features Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor and concludes with Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances.
“Our Opening Night concert is propelled by the energy of movement, with two orchestral works inspired by dance: Borodin’s uproarious Polovtsian Dances, as well as the incredible Symphonic Dances by Rachmaninoff,” says Music Director Nicholas Hersh.
"Our featured soloist Branford Marsalis also brings us two spirited, rhythmically-driven works for saxophone and orchestra," Hersh continues. “Branford is a stupendous artist, who brings boundless energy to the music, and we can’t wait to collaborate with him!” Marsalis is a multi-talented, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist known for his virtuosity and versatility across jazz, classical, and popular music genres including notable performances and tours with Sting and The Grateful Dead.
Marsalis will be featured on two pieces: Scaramouche by French composer Darius Milhaud and John Williams’ Escapades from Catch Me If You Can. Scaramouche is a three-movement suite with French & Brazilian-inspired rhythms and themes, taken from incidental music Milhaud composed for two plays: Molière’s Le Médecin volant (The Flying Doctor) and Jules Supervielle’s opera, Bolivar. Marsalis will also be performing John Williams’ Escapades, a full symphonic work derived from the score of Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: BRanford marsalis with the modesto symphony orchestra
Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 7:00pm
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
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
TICKETS:
Pricing: Tickets start at $31
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's Picnic at the Pops Presents Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown this September 7, 2024 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 26, 2024
(Pictured from left to right, top row: Ryan Murray, conductor; Chester Gregory, Crystal Monee Hall, Terron Brooks, guest artists; bottom row: Picnic at the Pops!)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic at the Pops Presents Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown
Featuring the music of Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and more!
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown this September 7, 2024 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 community event promises a full-evening symphonic tribute to the magic of Motown! The program will feature the exceptional talents of your Modesto Symphony Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray, and the mesmerizing vocals of Chester Gregory, Crystal Monee Hall, and Terron Brooks, performing smash-hits made famous by artists like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder.
“Picnic at the Pops! holds a special place in our hearts not only because it is the MSO’s largest event of the season and our biggest annual fundraiser, but it is truly a beloved community tradition,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO. “We’re very excited to be moving and grooving to the music of Motown, and optimistic that we’ll have one of the best Picnics yet—keeping our fingers crossed for the weather to be on our side!”
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 a success. Volunteer duties include the setup and breakdown of the venue space, selling beverage tickets during the concert, and more. Visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnicvolunteer for more information and to sign up today.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the space 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. For those not looking to pack their own picnic, patrons 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 at our website at ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
Tickets for Picnic at the Pops! are on sale now, online, in-person, and over the phone. General Lawn tickets are $45 for Adults and $12 for Youth under the age of 17. Reserved Lawn tickets are $75 for Adults and $20 for youth. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 20% discount on General Lawn Tickets.
Tickets can be now be purchased by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office or calling 209.338.2100. Starting in August, tickets will also be on sale in-person at the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, and the MSO Office in Modesto. For more information and to buy tickets online visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Picnic at the pops! Dancing in the street
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Grounds Open at 5:00 pm
Concert Starts at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Chester Gregory, guest artist
Crystal Monee Hall, guest artist
Terron Brooks, guest artist
GALLO grounds: 600 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto
TICKETS:
General Lawn Seating: Adults $45 / Youth $12
Reserved Lawn Seating: 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.
Starting in August, tickets can also be purchased at Carnegie Arts Center, and the MSO Office. For full details on ticket offerings at the outlets, please visit our website at ModestoSymphony.org/Picnic.
Carnegie Arts Center: 250 N. Broadway Ave., Turlock
MSO Office: 911 Thirteenth Street, Modesto
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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