Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Reinvents Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) proudly presents The Four Seasons Mixtape led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh this November 1 & 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The evening’s program features music by Mendelssohn, Mexican-composer Gabriela Ortiz, and Hersh’s own “mixtape” interpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons featuring the works by Vivaldi, Richter, Ysaÿe, and Piazzolla featuring violinist, Audrey Wright.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: October 1, 2024
(Pictured from left to right: Nicholas Hersh, conductor; Audrey Wright, violin; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Reinvents Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Featuring the music of Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Max Richter, and Gabriela Ortiz
November 1 & 2, 2024 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs the works of Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, and more at The Four Seasons Mixtape concerts.
November 2, 2024 – The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra to perform Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and more in Season Opening Concerts.
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) proudly presents The Four Seasons Mixtape led by Music Director Nicholas Hersh this November 1 & 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The evening’s program features music by Mendelssohn, Mexican-composer Gabriela Ortiz, and Hersh’s own “mixtape” interpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons featuring the works by Vivaldi, Richter, Ysaÿe, and Piazzolla featuring violinist, Audrey Wright.
This concert will not have an intermission and will include an afterparty where audience members are invited to join Hersh and the MSO in the Gallo Center for the Arts lobby for refreshments, appetizers, and the opportunity to mingle and celebrate the love of music.
"I've recently been fascinated by the concept of a live orchestral 'mixtape,' just as you might have recorded a tape from the radio, burned a CD, or put together a streaming playlist of different songs to evoke a certain mood or feeling," says Music Director Nicholas Hersh. "Our 'Four Seasons Mixtape' features four voices from different cultures and periods each interpreting their own season with a short selection of music, with Vivaldi's original ‘Summer’ as a perfect jumping-off point for a kaleidoscopic survey of our natural world, all played live by the MSO and our soloist Audrey Wright."
The evening will begin with Mendelssohn’s Overture from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Gabriela Ortiz’s La Calaca for String Orchestra, which has rhythms and melodies inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos that celebrate the afterlife in Mexican culture. “The Four Seasons Mixtape” will feature Vivaldi’s L’estate (Summer), Max Richter’s Autumn from The Four Seasons Recomposed, Eugène Ysaÿe’s Chant d’hiver (Wintersong) and Astor Piazzolla’s Primavera porteña (Buenos Aires Spring) performed by guest violinist, Audrey Wright.
Audrey Wright joined the New York Philharmonic in 2022 and is currently the concertmaster for the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. She has previously served as the associate concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Wright has performed across the globe in venues such as Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and the Vatican.
"When we developed the idea for 'Mixtape,' I immediately thought of Audrey for our soloist," continues Hersh. "It's no easy task to move seamlessly from one virtuoso musical style to another, and I knew not just any violinist could take on this crazy idea with us, but I had a feeling Audrey would be game for the challenge. Put something on her stand and she'll play it with confidence, passion, and style—I can't wait to work with her in Modesto!"
This weekend also includes the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) in their 49th Season Opening Concert on November 2, 2024 at 2 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The MSYO comprises of two orchestras with students grades 5 through 12 from schools in the Central Valley and is led by MSYO Music Director Elisha Wells and a deeply engaged leadership team. This concert will be Wells’ first concert as MSYO Music Director and features works by Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and more. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.
Friday, November 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Audrey Wright, violin
Program:
Felix Mendelssohn: Overture from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21
Gabriela Ortiz: La Calaca for String Orchestra
The Four Seasons Mixtape:
Antonio Vivaldi: L'estate, RV315 G minor (Summer)
Max Richter: Autumn from The Four Seasons Recomposed
Eugène Ysaÿe: Chant d'hiver, Op. 15 (Winter)
Astor Piazzolla: Primavera Porteña from Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (Spring)
This concert does not have an intermission and will be followed by an afterparty with food and drinks in the Gallo Center for the Arts lobby.
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
Student Tickets available: $15 Student Tickets are available by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid student ID. Students may purchase two $15 tickets per order.
Group Prices available: Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount on tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra presents Season Opening Concert
Saturday, November 2, 2024 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 Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, 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.
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 Appoints Elisha Wells as New Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Elisha Wells as the MSYO’s new Music Director. Wells will continue to serve as the MSYO’s Symphony Conductor.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: September 24, 2024
(Pictured: Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director)
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Appoints Elisha Wells as New Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) welcome Elisha Wells as the MSYO’s new Music Director. Wells will continue to serve as the MSYO’s Symphony Conductor.
“We are thrilled to have Elisha as the MSYO’s new music director!” said Nicholas Hersh, MSO Music Director. “In addition to a wealth of experience, Elisha brings a passion for music and education that is palpable in every rehearsal and interaction with our students. She was whole-heartedly endorsed by MSYO families and staff alike, and I look forward to working together to secure a bright future for the young musicians of Modesto and beyond.”
Wells is an active patron, supporter, educator, and adjudicator within the California Central Valley’s music education community. She currently serves as the Director Bands, Brass, and Music Theory at Fresno City College and performs regularly as Principal Horn in Sequoia Symphony and Wind Symphony of Clovis, and as Acting Principal with Fresno Philharmonic. Wells holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts with an emphasis in Horn Performance from California State University, Fresno. Her professional conducting career began in 2012, conducting several operas, as well as several junior high and high school honor bands in California. Recently, Elisha was chosen to Guest Conduct the 2022 Fresno-Madera County Music Educators Association FMCMEA High School Honor Band.
“The MSYO has a long-standing history of excellence, and I'm thrilled to work with such a supportive staff and administration team that is committed to serving the students in our area through quality music education,” says Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director. “When asked, ‘What is the best thing about the MSYO?’ I immediately think of the students. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such wonderful young musicians each week. I greet them by name at rehearsals, asking how their week or weekend was, and genuinely enjoy getting to know each and every student!”
Wells and the MSYO Artistic Team are working together to continue to grow the MSYO program, now in its 49th season. In addition to two full orchestras with students grades 5 through 12, the MSYO hosts an annual Concerto Competition and has a Chamber Ensemble program for Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion. For the future, the MSYO plans to expand its Chamber Ensemble program, participate in regional festivals, and tour again which will provide an opportunity for students to perform not just locally, but internationally.
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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: 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
Press Release: The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Performs Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert with composer John Williams’ venerated score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by conductor Ryan Murray on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to film by the MSO.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2024
THE MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT
May 31 & June 1, 2024 - Concert features Composer John Williams’ Score Performed Live to Film by Modesto Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Ryan Murray
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert with composer John Williams’ venerated score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by conductor Ryan Murray on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to film by the MSO.
“We are so excited to finish our season with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “The Star Wars franchise is beloved by so many, and we are thrilled to be able to present Return of the Jedi in its entirety with our full orchestra performing John Williams’ score live! This is one of the most iconic film scores ever composed and we guarantee you’ll have goosebumps when you see the opening titles with the full force of an orchestra performing live.”
Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 45 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.
The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, STAr wars: return of the jedi in concert
Friday, May 31, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater
1000 I Street, Modesto
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © All rights reserved.
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM
TICKETS*:
Pricing: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
*Limited seating available for both evenings.
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
2023-24 Season Partner
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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.