Bianca Ancheta 4/4/25 Bianca Ancheta 4/4/25

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

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

Alexandra Loutsion, soprano

Alice Chung, mezzo-soprano

Ben Gulley, tenor

DeAndre Simmons, bass

(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

Artist Bios

Nicholas Hersh, Music Director

Daniel R. Afonso Jr., Chorus Director

Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Guest Soloists

Alexandra Loutsion, soprano

Alice Chung, mezzo-soprano

Ben Gulley, tenor

DeAndre Simmons, bass

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

Featured

Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director

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.

Guest User 3/13/25 Guest User 3/13/25

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

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

(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

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.

New Musician Bios

Kathleen Balfe, principal cello

Jonathan Flaksman, assistant principal cello

Aiden Hogan, cello

Samuel Wamhoff, principal trombone

Hiram Rodriguez, trombone

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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.

Bianca Ancheta 2/11/25 Bianca Ancheta 2/11/25

Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Carnival Of The Animals This April

MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Carnival of the Animals on April 11 & 12, 2025, led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser. Daniel is stepping in to lead the MSO as Music Director Nicholas Hersh and his wife are expecting their first child in early April.

MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2025

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

(From left to right: Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)

Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Carnival Of The Animals This April

April 11 & 12, 2025 - Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs the works of Gershwin, Saint-Saëns, Norman, and Copland.

“While I’m disappointed to miss our fourth Classics program of the year, I am so grateful to my MSOA colleagues for their flexibility and to Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser for stepping in for these thrilling concerts,” says Nicholas Hersh, MSO Music Director. “Caitlin and I can't wait to bring home the newest member of our family!"

The April performances will include Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, Gershwin’s Three Preludes arranged by Nicholas Hersh, and a piece by Modesto native composer, Andrew Norman. The evening will end with Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo which also features members of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra performing side-by-side on Hoedown.

“Of course we’ll miss having Nick with us in April, but we couldn’t be happier for both him and Caitlin,” says Caroline Nickel, President & CEO of the MSOA. “Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser will be a great addition to this concert weekend. He works extensively with the SF Symphony for their educational and family-friendly concerts and it felt fitting to ask him to join us for a program that is accessible for all ages and will include members of our Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra on one piece to perform side-by-side with the Modesto Symphony.”

Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is the San Francisco Symphony’s Resident Conductor of Engagement and Education. Mr. Batholomew-Poyser also currently holds conducting posts with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, and Symphony Nova Scotia. Daniel has also conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, and many more.

Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs carnival of the animals

Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 7:30 pm

Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor

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

Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto

Tickets

Pricing: Tickets start at $23

$15 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $15 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.

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.

Artist Bios

Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor

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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.

Bianca Ancheta 1/28/25 Bianca Ancheta 1/28/25

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

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

(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!

“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.

Artist Bios

Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor

Capathia Jenkins, guest artist

Ryan Shaw, guest artist

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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.

Bianca Ancheta 12/12/24 Bianca Ancheta 12/12/24

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

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

(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

Ryan Murray, conductor

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!