Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Barber & Brahms February 10 & 11
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be led by conductor Andrew Grams for their Barber & Brahms concerts on February 10 & 11, 2023. The weekend’s program will open with Margaret Brouwer’s Remembrances then violinist Simone Porter will be featured on Barber’s Violin Concerto. The program will end with Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D major. Andrew Grams is a frequent guest conductor in Northern California, having previously worked with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera and Oakland Symphony earlier this year.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / January 18, 2023
(Pictured from left to right: Andrew Grams, conductor; Simone Porter, violin)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Barber & Brahms February 10 & 11
February 10 & 11 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs Margaret Brouwer’s Remembrances, Barber’s Violin Concerto, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2
February 11 – Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra performs their Spring Concert
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be led by conductor Andrew Grams for their Barber & Brahms concerts on February 10 & 11, 2023. The weekend’s program will open with Margaret Brouwer’s Remembrances then violinist Simone Porter will be featured on Barber’s Violin Concerto. The program will end with Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D major. Andrew Grams is a frequent guest conductor in Northern California, having previously worked with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera and Oakland Symphony earlier this year.
“We are thrilled to have Andrew Grams conduct our Modesto Symphony this February,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “Andrew has put together a program that is perfect for the Valentine’s weekend, that will take our audiences on an emotional journey of loss, love, and finding the joy in life.”
“We’re also excited to have violinist Simone Porter to share her amazing energy and beautiful tone in Samuel Barber’s beloved Violin Concerto. The concert will conclude with Brahms’ Second Symphony, which will leave our audiences full of optimism.”
The MSO’s Barber & Brahms performances coincide with Valentine’s Day weekend, and to help you celebrate with your loved ones, the MSO is offering a sale of two tickets for $70 on any regularly priced $39 or $49 seat, starting on January 20 through February 3, 2023. This discount can be obtained in-person at the Gallo Center Ticket Office, online using promo code 2FOR70 at checkout, or by phone at 209-338-2100. Details for this sale can be found at ModestoSymphony.org or by calling the MSO Office at 209-523-4156. Additionally, to show their love for their community, the MSO will have complimentary wine and non-alcoholic beverages for all in attendance.
This weekend also includes the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) in their Spring Concert on February 11th. The MSYO is comprised of two orchestras with students ranging from grades 5 through 12 and is led by a deeply engaged leadership team. Their Spring Concert will feature works by Brahms, Sibelius, and more. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Barber & Brahms
Friday, February 10, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Andrew Grams, conductor
Simone Porter, piano
PROGRAM
Margaret Brouwer
RemembrancesSamuel Barber
Violin Concerto, Op. 14Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets
Pricing: $19 / 29 / 39 / 49 / 69 / 94
Student Ticket Pricing
$12 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $12 tickets with their student ID.
Valentine’s Day Sale
Staring January 20 through February 3, 2023: Two tickets for $70 for any regularly priced $39 or $49 seats. Discount available online, in-person, or over the phone by using promo code: 2FOR70.
Artist Bios
MODESTO SYMPHONY Youth ORCHESTRA
Spring Concert
Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Donald Grishaw, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor
Wayland Whitney, MSYO Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Program to include works by Brahms, Sibelius, and more!
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets:
Pricing: $14 Adult / $5 Youth
Artist Bios
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: Celebrate the Holidays with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra
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 2nd at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm 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 will be held on December 20th at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. MSO Chorus Director, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., will conduct this traditional holiday concert and St. Stanislaus Church is the perfect setting for a more intimate concert that will also feature the MSO Chorus.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / November 3, 2022
(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor; Daniel R. Afonso Jr., MSO Chorus Director; Nikki Renée Daniels, guest vocalist; Holiday Pops! at the Gallo Center for the Arts; Holiday Candlelight Concert at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church)
Celebrate the Holidays with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Holiday Pops! with Nikki Renée Daniels – December 2nd & 3rd
Holiday Candlelight Concert – December 20th
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 2nd at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm 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 will be held on December 20th at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. MSO Chorus Director, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., will conduct this traditional holiday concert and St. Stanislaus Church is the perfect setting for a more intimate concert that will also feature the MSO Chorus.
"I'm really looking forward to this annual MSO tradition. It is so much fun to share our Holiday Pops concert with everyone in our community, and I'm excited about our great soloist Nikki Renée Daniels,” says Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “I'm also thrilled that our MSO chorus will be back with us onstage this year! It's going to be a wonderful and fun concert and I can't wait to kick off the holiday season with all of you!”
Holiday Pops headliner, Nikki Renée Daniels, has performed with numerous major American orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Philly Pops, the New York Pops, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony. Nikki recently starred in the Tony Award winning revival of Company, Hamilton (Angelica Schuyler) in Chicago, and The Book of Mormon (Nagulungi) on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include Porgy and Bess, Les Miserablés, Little Shop of Horrors, and Anything Goes.
“This year’s holiday concerts will be very reminiscent of the past, but with a couple welcomed additions” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “Our Holiday Pops concert will mark the start Ryan Murray’s first Pops Series as our new Principal Pops Conductor. Ryan has led several of our Pops concerts in the past, and we’re excited to see him in this new role. Plus, this year we welcome the MSO Chorus back to the stage for Holiday Pops! Last year they recorded a wonderful video performance, but we missed the energy of having them perform live with the orchestra. All in all, it will feel like the MSO is getting back to normal and with a new energy and outlook for the future.”
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Holiday Pops!
Friday, December 2, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 2 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Nikki Renée Daniels, vocalist
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., director
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets
Pricing: $19 / 29/ 39 / 49 / 69 / 94
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
CONCERT SPONSORED BY:
Artist Bios
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Holiday Candlelight Concert
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., director
Opus Handbell Ensemble, Richard Colla, director
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Boulevard, Modesto
TICKETS:
Pricing:
Adult: $38 / 58
Youth: $10 / 20
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 Standard Adult seating. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
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 Performs Rachmaninoff & Sibelius November 11 & 12
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be led by conductor Nicholas Hersh for their Rachmaninoff & Sibelius concerts on November 11 & 12, 2022. The weekend’s program will open with Schubert’s Death and the Maiden String Quartet arranged by Nicholas Hersh then pianist George Li will be featured on Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The program will end with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / November 3, 2022
(Pictured from left to right: Nicholas Hersh, conductor; George Li, piano)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Rachmaninoff & Sibelius November 11 & 12
Program includes an arrangement of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden String Quartet by conductor Nicholas Hersh, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will be led by conductor Nicholas Hersh for their Rachmaninoff & Sibelius concerts on November 11 & 12, 2022. The weekend’s program will open with Schubert’s Death and the Maiden String Quartet arranged by Nicholas Hersh then pianist George Li will be featured on Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The program will end with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5.
“Nicholas Hersh is an innovative conductor and arranger and we’re excited to perform his arrangement of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden String Quartet,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “The program also features award-winning pianist George Li on Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. We can’t wait to welcome these outstanding artists to Modesto.”
The MSO’s Rachmaninoff & Sibelius performances coincide with Veterans Day and to honor those that have served, the MSO is offering $11 off tickets to their Classics Series to all veterans through November 12th. This discount can be obtained by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office and showing a military ID. Details for this discount can be found at ModestoSymphony.org or by calling the MSO Office at 209-523-4156.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Rachmaninoff & Sibelius
Friday, November 11, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
George Li, piano
PROGRAM
Franz Schubert (arr. Hersh)
String Quartet No. 14, II. Andante con moto
Variations on a Theme "Death and the Maiden"Sergei Rachmaninoff
Rhapsody on a Theme of PaganiniJean Sibelius
Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets
Pricing: $19 / 29 / 39 / 49 / 69 / 94
Student Tickets
$12 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $12 tickets with their student ID.
Veterans & Military Discount
$11 off $39, $49, and $69 priced Classics Series tickets. Discount available in-person at the Gallo Center Ticket office now through November 12th. Must provide military ID at time of purchase.
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
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 92nd Season Opens With Rhapsody In Blue
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) welcomes conductor Christopher Dragon as they open their 92nd Season on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2022. The program will open with Florence Price’s Concert Overture No. 2 then will feature pianist Gabriela Martinez on George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”. And as part of the opening weekend festivities, the MSO will have complimentary wine and non-alcoholic beverages for all in attendance.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / October 6, 2022
(Pictured from left to right: Christopher Dragon, conductor; Gabriela Martinez, piano)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra 92nd Season Opens With Rhapsody In Blue
Opening Weekend program features works by Florence Price, George Gershwin, and Antonin Dvořák
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) welcomes conductor Christopher Dragon as they open their 92nd Season on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2022. The program will open with Florence Price’s Concert Overture No. 2 then will feature pianist Gabriela Martinez on George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The evening concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”. And as part of the opening weekend festivities, the MSO will have complimentary wine and non-alcoholic beverages for all in attendance.
“We’re excited to introduce our guest conductor Christopher Dragon to Modesto,’” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “Christopher has put together a wonderful program that highlights the ‘American Sound’. We’ll go on a journey of American music with Florence Price, who has had much of her music rediscovered in the past decade, to Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 which was inspired by his travels through America and its music. And we are thrilled to bring back pianist Gabriela Martinez to perform the piece that is hailed as a landmark in American music and propelled American composer George Gershwin to fame, Rhapsody in Blue.”
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Rhapsody in Blue
Friday, October 21, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Christopher Dragon, conductor
Gabriela Martinez, piano
PROGRAM
Florence Price: Concert Overture No. 2
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Antonin Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Tickets
Pricing: $19 / 29 / 39 / 49 / 69 / 94
$12 student tickets available at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Students can purchase two $12 tickets with their student ID.
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
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’s Picnic At The Pops Returns
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Picnic at the Pops: The Music of Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh with the Modesto Symphony on September 10, 2022 at 7:30pm. Held on the grounds of the E. & J. Gallo Winery, this family-friendly event attracts thousands of guests from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars. This will be the first presentation of the community-favorite concert since 2019.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / August 23, 2022
(Pictured from left to right, top row: Ryan Murray, conductor; Michael Cavanaugh, guest artist; bottom row: Picnic at the Pops!)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic At The Pops Returns
Featuring The Music Of Elton John Starring Michael Cavanaugh
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Picnic at the Pops: The Music of Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh with the Modesto Symphony on September 10, 2022 at 7:30pm. Held on the grounds of the E. & J. Gallo Winery, this family-friendly event attracts thousands of guests from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars. This will be the first presentation of the community-favorite concert since 2019.
“To say we are thrilled to bring back Picnic at the Pops is an understatement,” said Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association. “This concert is our largest of the season, our biggest fundraiser of the year, and has truly become a community tradition. From seeing family and friends enjoying their picnics to seeing everyone’s faces light up as the stage lights come on and the orchestra perform – it’s something we’ve missed dearly and are so excited to have Picnic at the Pops again.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the space has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine 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 The Village Butcher or purchase food on-site from local food trucks and vendors. Full details on our food offerings will be available at our website at ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Picnic at the Pops: The Music of Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh with the Modesto Symphony
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Grounds Open at 5:00 pm
Concert Starts at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Michael Cavanaugh, guest artist
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
600 Yosemite Blvd., 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 at (209) 338-2100.
Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
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.