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.
###
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 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.
###
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.
###
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 & 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.
###
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: New Musicians Join Modesto Symphony Orchestra Roster
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Music Director Nicholas Hersh welcome five new members to the Orchestra’s roster, including the appointment of Kathleen Balfe as the orchestra’s new principal cellist and Samuel Wamhoff as principal trombone.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: March 13, 2025
(Pictured: Kathleen Balfe, principal cello; Jonathan Flaksman, assistant principal cello; Aiden Hogan, cello; Samuel Wamhoff, principal trombone; Hiram Rodriguez, trombone)
New Musicians Join Modesto Symphony Orchestra Roster
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Music Director Nicholas Hersh welcome five new members to the Orchestra’s roster, including the appointment of Kathleen Balfe as the orchestra’s new principal cellist and Samuel Wamhoff as principal trombone.
Principal Cello Kathleen Balfe, Assistant Principal Cello Jonathan Flaksman, Cello Aiden Hogan joined the Orchestra in May 2024. Principal Trombone Samuel Wamhoff and Second Chair Trombone Hiram Rodriguez joined in November 2024.
###
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.