September 6 / Picnic at the Pops!
Ryan Murray, conductor
Brody Dolyniuk, guest artist
Sat. Sept. 6, 2025 at 7:30pm
GALLO grounds
Picnic at the Pops!
Windborne’s The Music of Queen
Tickets
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Grounds Open: 5:00 pm
Concert Starts: 7:30 pm
GALLO grounds
600 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto, CA 95354
For more information about our ticket prices, please visit our Ticketing Information Page.
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Brody Dolyniuk, guest artist
Somebody to Love, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen produced some of the most iconic rock anthems of all time. Join the Modesto Symphony for a concert under the stars as they salute Freddie Mercury and all of Queen’s greatest hits!
PLAN YOUR PICNIC-PERFECT EVENING!
Pack your picnic baskets, lay out your blankets, and soak in the enchanting ambiance of the beautiful GALLO grounds. Whether you’re a seasoned Picnic veteran or you’re going to be enjoying Picnic for the first time, head over to our Picnic FAQ page to learn more about what to pack, where to park, and more!
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For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission and to enter the ground’s parking lots.
We highly encourage you to pick up your printed tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office prior to the concert. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any printed tickets left over will be available at will call at the event.]
If you order before August 1st, your tickets will be mailed to you.
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Picnic at the Pops is a true community event, put on for the community with help from our community! If you’re interested in learning more about how to volunteer and support the MSO, please visit our Volunteer page!
Featured Artists
Additional Notes:
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Subscribers can add-on Picnic at the Pops! tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
-
Youth pricing is $20 for Reserved Lawn Seating and $12 for General Lawn Seating. Youth prices are for ages 4 to 17; youth under the age of 3 are free.
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Groups of 10 or more save 20% off General Lawn Seating for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
December 16 / Holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
December 16, 2025 at 8 pm
Holiday Candlelight Concert
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Our Modesto Symphony Orchestra is joined Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform your favorite traditional hymns to help you and your loved ones feel the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Tickets
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Concert Starts: 8:00 pm
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd, Modesto
For more information about our ticket prices, please visit our Ticketing Information Page.
About Our holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Lisa Traughber, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
The Modesto Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Hear your favorite traditional Christmas hymns and carols performed by the MSO, MSO Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December at the beautiful St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Venue Information:
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd
Modesto, CA 95351
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For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission.We highly encourage you to pick up your tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office by December 16th to make your entry as swift and simple as possible. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any tickets left in will call, will be available to pick up at the concert.
Print-at-home tickets will not be accepted.
-
We would like to remind you that parking close to the entrance will be limited. Should anyone in your party need to be dropped off close to the entrance, we have a designated area near the entrance that you can use before finding a parking spot.
Please note that we are unable to open the doors before 7 pm due to rehearsals taking place inside the church.
-
Volunteers help with both set up and clean up before and after the concert, as well as ushering. Click here to learn more & sign up. →
Artists
Additional Notes:
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Subscribers can add-on Holiday Candlelight Concert tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
-
Groups of 10 or more save 15% off for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
FAQs:
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MSO’s Holiday Candlelight Concert typically takes place every third Tuesday of December.
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Tickets for Holiday Candlelight Concert may be purchased online at www.modestosymphony.org, www.galloarts.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Gallo Center in person at 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA, calling the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100, or online at www.galloarts.org.
-
There is no dress code for this event.
-
Seating is assigned for this event. You may select your seats upon purchasing your ticket. Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off tickets, to learn more about receiving a group discount call 209-338-2100.
-
Yes! This event is open and welcome to music-lovers of all ages. We also offer youth pricing.
-
To learn more about how to keep music in our community and supporting the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, visit our Give Page.
September 7 / Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown
Ryan Murray, conductor
Sat. Sept. 7, 2024 at 7:30pm
GALLO grounds
Picnic at the Pops! Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown
groovy
•
memorable
•
joyful
•
groovy • memorable • joyful •
Tickets
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Grounds Open: 5:00 pm
Concert Starts: 7:30 pm
GALLO grounds
600 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto, CA 95354
For more information about our ticket prices, please visit our Ticketing Information Page.
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Chester Gregory, guest artist
Crystal Monee Hall, guest artist
Terron Brooks, guest artist
Experience a full-evening symphonic tribute to the magic of Motown! This program features smash hits made famous by artists like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and the one and only Stevie Wonder. Program to include new orchestral arrangements of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Dancing In The Street,” “My Girl,” “Superstition” and more. Audiences will be transformed by the powerful music of the Motown era and dance the night away at the GALLO grounds!
⏲: ~135 minutes
(includes 20 min. intermission)
PLAN YOUR PICNIC-PERFECT EVENING!
Pack your picnic baskets, lay out your blankets, and soak in the enchanting ambiance of the beautiful GALLO grounds. Whether you’re a seasoned Picnic veteran or you’re going to be enjoying Picnic for the first time, head over to our Picnic FAQ page to learn more about what to pack, where to park, and more!
-
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission and to enter the ground’s parking lots.
We highly encourage you to pick up your printed tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office prior to the concert. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any printed tickets left over will be available at will call at the event.]
If you order before August 1st, your tickets will be mailed to you.
-
Picnic at the Pops is a true community event, put on for the community with help from our community! If you’re interested in learning more about how to volunteer and support the MSO, please visit our Volunteer page!
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Pre-orders are now closed.
Scrip tickets must be purchased to order beverages from the bar during Picnic at the Pops! on September 7, 2024. Pre-ordered scrip tickets will be available to pick up from the designated scrip will call during the concert. Deadline to pre-order is Sept. 3, 2024.
Picnic Scrip Ticket = $2 / scrip ticket
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Greens on Tenth is our authorized caterer for the concert. Pre-ordered meals will be available for pick-up at the concert after the grounds open at 5:00pm. Food orders can be placed through now up to Tuesday, September 3rd online, by phone at 209-324-6880, or in-person at Gather, 2424 McHenry Avenue, Modesto.
Featured Artists
Additional Notes:
-
Subscribers can add-on Picnic at the Pops! tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
-
Youth pricing is $20 for Reserved Lawn Seating and $12 for General Lawn Seating. Youth prices are for ages 4 to 17; youth under the age of 3 are free.
-
Groups of 10 or more save 20% off General Lawn Seating for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
December 17 / Holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
Opus Handbell Ensemble
December 17, 2024 at 8 pm
Holiday Candlelight Concert
serene
•
glorious
•
ethereal
•
serene • glorious • ethereal •
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Our Modesto Symphony Orchestra is joined Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform your favorite traditional hymns to help you and your loved ones feel the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Tickets
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Concert Starts: 8:00 pm
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd, Modesto
Have a group of 10 or more? Call the Gallo Center for the Arts at 209-338-5064
and save up to 15% off tickets!
About Our holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Lisa Traughber, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
Back again at the beautiful St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, the Modesto Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Hear your favorite traditional Christmas hymns and carols performed by the MSO, MSO Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Venue Information:
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
1200 Maze Blvd
Modesto, CA 95351
-
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission. We highly encourage you to pick up your tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office by December 16th to make your entry as swift and simple as possible. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any tickets left in will call, will be available to pick up at the concert.
Print-at-home tickets will not be accepted.
-
We would like to remind you that parking close to the entrance will be limited. Should anyone in your party need to be dropped off close to the entrance, we have a designated area near the entrance that you can use before finding a parking spot.
Please note that we are unable to open the doors before 7 pm due to rehearsals taking place inside the church.
-
Volunteers help with both set up and clean up before and after the concert, as well as ushering. Click here to learn more & sign up. →
Artists
Additional Notes:
-
Subscribers can add-on Holiday Candlelight Concert tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
-
Groups of 10 or more save 15% off for this concert. Contact the Gallo Center Group Sales Manager at 209-338-5064 for more information.
FAQs:
-
MSO’s Holiday Candlelight Concert typically takes place every third Tuesday of December.
-
Tickets for Holiday Candlelight Concert may be purchased online at www.modestosymphony.org, www.galloarts.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Gallo Center in person at 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA, calling the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100, or online at www.galloarts.org.
-
There is no dress code for this event.
-
Seating is assigned for this event. You may select your seats upon purchasing your ticket. Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off tickets, to learn more about receiving a group discount call 209-338-2100.
-
Yes! This event is open and welcome to music-lovers of all ages. We also offer youth pricing.
-
To learn more about how to keep music in our community and supporting the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, visit our Give Page.
September 9 / Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute
Ryan Murray, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest vocalist
Darryl J. Williams, guest vocalist
Sat. Sept. 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
Notice:
Due to inclement weather, and for the safety of everyone in attendance, this year’s Picnic at the Pops! was unfortunately canceled.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra thanks everyone who came and braved the weather with us.
We will be updating this page and will email all ticket buyers with their options.
A Celebration of Spectacle & Song
Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute
Tickets
Saturday, September 9, 2023
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
Grounds Open: 5:00 pm
Concert Starts: 7:30 pm
RESERVED LAWN SEATING
Adult: $75 / Youth: $20
GENERAL LAWN SEATING
Adult: $45 / Youth: $12
Youth prices are for ages 4-17; under 3 is free
Have a group of 10 or more? Call the Gallo Center for the Arts at 209-338-2100 and save 20%!
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest vocalist
Darryl Jovan Williams, guest vocalist
This high-energy, glittering tribute to the Queen of Soul features your Modesto Symphony Orchestra with vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Darryl Jovan Williams as they light up the beautiful E. & J. Gallo Winery grounds for this year’s Picnic at the Pops! The evening will feature Aretha Franklin’s iconic hits like “Respect,” “Think,” “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” and many more.
PLAN YOUR PICNIC-PERFECT EVENING!
Pack your picnic baskets, lay out your blankets, and soak in the enchanting ambiance of the beautiful E. & J. Gallo Winery grounds. Whether you’re a seasoned Picnic veteran or you’re going to be enjoying Picnic for the first time, head over to our Picnic FAQ page to learn more about what to pack, where to park, and more!
Printed Tickets Required!
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission and to enter the ground’s parking lots.
We highly encourage you to pick up your printed tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office prior to the concert. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any printed tickets left over will be available at will call at the event.
If you order before August 1st, your tickets will be mailed to you.
Parking
Patron parking is available on the grounds starting at 4:30 pm. Please have your event ticket ready to present to parking security upon arrival to enter the parking lots.
We highly encourage using a RideApp service (like Uber or Lyft), especially if you plan to enjoy our wine offerings at Picnic. We have a designated drop-off and pick-up space located in the GREEN Premier Parking Lot 4.
Use address 100 Administration Circle, Modesto and follow the signs for the GREEN parking lot and the designated RideApps drop-off and pick-up.
DON’T FEEL LIKE PACKING A PICNIC?
PRE-ORDER MEALS FROM THE VILLAGE BUTCHER!
We have an authorized caterer to pre-order meals for the evening. Pre-ordered meals will be available for easy pick-up after the grounds open at 5:00 pm. Food orders can be placed beginning Monday, August 7, 2023 through Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnicmenu for the full menu and link to the order form.
FOOD TRUCKS
We will also have food trucks on site during the concert. Below are this year’s featured food trucks.
The Sinaloense Food Truck: Local taco truck based in Modesto and Salida that serves up delicious tacos and street food inspired by Sinaloa, Mexico.
Yogurt Mill’s Froyo Truck: Known for serving delicious frozen yogurt in the Central Valley since 1984.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Picnic at the Pops is a true community event, put on for the community with help from our community! If you’re interested in learning more about how to volunteer and support the MSO, please visit our Volunteer page!
Artists
Media & More
Additional Notes:
✔ Subscribers can add-on Picnic at the Pops! tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
✔ Group pricing is available.
December 19 / Holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
December 19, 2023 at 8 pm
*Tickets are sold out!
A COMMUNITY TRADITION RETURNS
Holiday Candlelight Concert
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Our Modesto Symphony Orchestra is joined Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and Opus Handbell Ensemble to perform your favorite traditional hymns to help you and your loved ones feel the warmth and beauty of the holiday season. This unique concert typically is performed every third Tuesday of December in a beautiful church venue, decorated with candlelight and holiday cheer.
Tickets
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Concert Starts: 8:00 pm
Our Lady of Fatima Church
505 W. Granger Ave., Modesto
VIP SEATING
Adult: $59 / Youth: $20
STANDARD SEATING
Adult: $39 / Youth: $10
Youth prices are for ages 17 and younger.
About Our holiday Candlelight Concert
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor & chorus director
MSO Chorus
Opus Handbell Ensemble
Rich Colla, Opus Handbell Ensemble director
The Modesto Symphony’s Holiday Candlelight Concert is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. This year, join the MSO, MSO Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble in a new location—the beautiful Our Lady of Fatima Church as they perform your favorite traditional Christmas hymns, and works by Bach, Holst, Saint-Saëns, and selections from Handel’s Messiah.
Venue Information:
Our Lady of Fatima Church
505 W. Granger Avenue
Modesto, CA 95350
Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. has served as conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus since it’s foundation in 2001. Under the skillful and inspiring direction of Dr. Afonso Jr., the MSO Chorus is a regional ensemble of singers of all ages and experience who share a commitment to performing concerts of the highest artistic quality and enhancing the appreciation and enjoyment of choral music among members and audiences alike.
PRINTED TICKETS REQUIRED!
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission.
We highly encourage you to pick up your tickets from the Gallo Center Ticket Office by December 18th to make your entry as swift and simple as possible. Ticket Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Any tickets left in will call, will be available to pick up at the concert.
Print-at-home tickets will not be accepted.
Parking information
Parking at Our Lady of Fatima Church is free, but the parking lot has limited capacity.
The parking lot will be available starting at 6:45 pm. There will be volunteer parking attendants to guide you to a spot.
Entrance & exit for the lot are on Sherwood Avenue only.
Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood is free with no time limit.
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Subscribers can add-on Holiday Candlelight Concert tickets to their package. Subscribe today to gain early access to next season’s concert as well.
✔ Group pricing is available.
FAQ
When and where will the Candlelight Concert take place?
MSO’s Holiday Candlelight Concert typically takes place every third Tuesday of December.
How can I purchase tickets for the Candlelight Concert?
Tickets for Holiday Candlelight Concert may be purchased online at www.modestosymphony.org, www.galloarts.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting the Gallo Center in person at 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA, calling the Ticket Office at 209-338-2100, or online at www.galloarts.org.
Is there a dress code for the event?
There is no dress code for this event.
Are there any special COVID-19 precautions for the event?
There are no special COVID-19 precautions for the event.
Can I request specific seating arrangements for my group?
Seating is assigned for this event. You may select your seats upon purchasing your ticket. Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off tickets, to learn more about receiving a group discount call 209-338-2100.
Is the event appropriate for classical music enthusiasts as well as newcomers?
Yes! This event is open and welcome to music-lovers of all ages. We also offer youth pricing.
How Can I Support the Modesto Symphony Orchestra?
To learn more about how to keep music in our community and supporting the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, visit our Give Page.
