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.
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
(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.
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.
“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.
###
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 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
(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!
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!
“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.
###
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 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
(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
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!
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 start at $23
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra presents Spring Concert
Saturday, February 8, 2025 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 Mozart, Greig, 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.
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
###
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 Celebrates the Holidays with Broadway Star Nikki Renee Daniels
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 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm 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 is a more intimate concert and is returning to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church on December 17, 2024 at 8 pm. Led by MSO Chorus Director, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., this traditional holiday concert that will also feature the MSO Chorus and the Opus Handbell Ensemble.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: October 29, 2024
(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, conductor; Nikki Renee Daniels, Broadway Star; Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director, MSO Chorus, Modesto Symphony Orchestra)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Celebrates the Holidays with Broadway Star Nikki Renee Daniels
Holiday Candlelight Concert Returns to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
December 6 & 7, 2024 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops! with Broadway star Nikki Renee Daniels
December 17, 2024 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Candlelight Concert at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
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 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm 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 is a more intimate concert and is returning to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church on December 17, 2024 at 8 pm. Led by MSO Chorus Director, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., this traditional holiday concert that will also feature the MSO Chorus and the Opus Handbell Ensemble.
“I'm really excited about Holiday Pops this year! It's always a great pleasure to share the stage with our wonderful Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and to celebrate the Holiday season the community!” says Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “I'm so excited to introduce Broadway star Nikki Renée Daniels to Modesto and to hear her amazing voice. I'm also excited to be bringing some brand-new pieces to this concert this year. Nikki has some new and interesting arrangements of our favorite holiday songs and we've added in some new orchestra showpieces as well. I'm also very excited to be performing a piece by Dr. Daniel Afonso, our incredible MSO Chorus director. And we will still have all of our wonderful MSO traditions like Sleigh Ride, our sing-a-long, and O Holy Night. We've had a great time putting the program together and we’re really looking forward to performing for our wonderful Modesto audience!”
Holiday Pops headliner, Nikki Renée Daniels, recently starred in Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larken), and in the Tony Award-winning revival of Company (Jenny) on Broadway. Nikki has performed as a soloist with many symphony orchestras worldwide, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Capetown Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Philly Pops, the New York Pops, Indianapolis Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and the Houston Symphony.
“We hope that both our Holiday Pops and Holiday Candlelight Concert can bring a little extra warmth and joy to our community,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “It’s a special feeling being able to take the time to slow down and spend time with friends and family during the holiday season and each year we look forward to extending that feeling to our audiences.”
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops!
Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Nikki Renee Daniels, guest artist
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
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.
Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Candlelight Concert
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., director
Opus Handbell Ensemble, Lisa Traughber, director
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd, Modesto
Tickets:
Pricing:
Adult ticket pricing starts at $39
Youth ticket pricing starts at $10
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 Standard Adult tickets. Call (209) 338-5064 for more information.
Artist Bios
###
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.