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.
October 13 & 14 / Tchaikovsky & Copland
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Alessio Bax, piano
Tchaikovsky & Copland
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances
Friday, October 13, 2023
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Saturday, October 14, 2023
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Alessio Bax, piano
Join us in welcoming our new Music Director, Nicholas Hersh! In his debut concert, Hersh will open the evening with Mozart’s bustling and energetic Overture to The Marriage of Figaro. He will then be joined by pianist Alessio Bax for Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 1. The evening will conclude with Copland’s Symphony No. 3. This symphony brings out the lyrical sounds of Americana that Copland is so known for and will flow into the finale which opens with the theme from his own triumphant Fanfare for the Common Man. This concert will be a celebration of music and the start of a new era for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, op. 23
Aaron Copland: Symphony No. 3
Artists
Media & More
Additional Notes:
✔ Part of our VIP & Classics Subscription Series. As a subscriber, you can save up to 25% off single tickets!
✔ $12 Student Tickets are available by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid student ID.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
November 3 & 4 / Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live to Film
Ryan Murray, conductor
Fri. Nov. 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 4, 2023 at 2 pm
Tim Burton’s
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
Live to Film
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances
Saturday, November 4, 2023
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, November 3, 2023
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Enjoy Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert as Disney’s enduring animated classic film plays on the big screen accompanied by Danny Elfman’s enigmatic score performed live to the film by your Modesto Symphony Orchestra. Follow Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s resident Pumpkin King, through his adventure to Christmas Town as he aims to shake up the holidays. “A stunningly original, visual delightful work,” this is one live performance you’ll have to see (and hear) to believe.
Halloween costumes encouraged! Stay tuned for more spooktacular news!
Featured Artists
Media & More
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © DISNEY.
2023-24 Season Partner
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Part of our VIP & Pops Subscription Series.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
November 4 / MSYO Season Opening Concert
The Future of Orchestral music
MSYO Season Opening Concert
About this Performance
Saturday, November 4, 2023
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Tickets: Adults: $14 / Youth: $5
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Don Grishaw, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor
Elisha Wells, MSYO Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Join us for their first concert of the MSYO’s 48th season where they will perform pieces by Handel, Rossini, Sibelius and Stravinsky!
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Support keeping the arts in education!
✔ Group pricing is available.
December 1 & 2 / Holiday Pops!
Ryan Murray, conductor
Ashley Brown, guest vocalist
A Practically Perfect Holiday in Every Way!
Holiday Pops! with Ashley Brown
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances
Saturday, December 2, 2023**
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, December 1, 2023
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Ashley Brown, guest vocalist
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
MSO Chorus
Get in the holiday spirit with the Modesto Symphony and the MSO Chorus! This year, we’ve invited Broadway’s Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) to help make this season’s Holiday Pops! practically perfect in every way.
Presenting Sponsor
**PARKING ADVISORY FOR DECEMBER 2'S PERFORMANCE:
The Holiday Pops weekend is a festive time in Downtown Modesto! The annual Celebration of Lights Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 2 and will cause street closures starting as early as 1pm for the 5:30pm start time. We encourage all patrons to review the parade route and to be aware of all street closures and ‘No Parking’ signs.
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Part of our VIP & Pops Subscription Series.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
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.
February 9 & 10 / Gershwin's An American in Paris
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Fri. Feb 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sat. Feb 10, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Gershwin’s An American in Paris
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances:
Saturday, February 10, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, February 9, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
In February, Hersh and the MSO will explore the sounds of the 1920s and ‘30s in the U.S. and France. We’ll open the program with William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony which debuted at Carnegie Hall in 1934 to critical acclaim by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Next, discover what an actual American in Paris would’ve heard in the 1920s with Lili Boulanger’s colorful and energetic D’un Matin de Printemps (Of a Spring Morning), while immersing yourself in the beauty of springtime with a special video presentation of our region’s very own almond blossoms created in collaboration with Visit Modesto. The evening will end with An American in Paris. This Gershwin favorite is a vivid musical postcard that puts us in the footsteps of an American traveler exploring the streets of Paris. Be transported to the City of Love with this Gershwin classic that inspired the movie-musical of the same name, starring Gene Kelly, that went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Musical Score.
Program
William L. Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony
Lili Boulanger: D’un Matin de Printemps (Of a Spring Morning)
George Gershwin: An American in Paris
Media & More
Additional Notes:
✔ Part of our VIP & Classics Subscription Series. As a subscriber, you can save up to 25% off single tickets!
✔ $12 Student Tickets are available by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid student ID.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
February 10 / MSYO Spring Concert
The Future of Orchestral music
MSYO Spring Concert
About this Performance
Saturday, February 10, 2024
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Tickets: Adults: $14 / Youth: $5
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Don Grishaw, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor
Ryan Murray, MSYO Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Join us for the second concert of the MSYO’s 48th season where they will perform pieces by Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky!
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Support keeping the arts in education!
✔ Group pricing is available.
March 15 & 16 / Symphonic Soundtrack
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Rob Patterson, clarinet
Fri. March 15, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sat. March 16, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Symphonic Soundtrack
Experience the Symphony in a Brand New Way!
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances:
Saturday, MArch 16, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, MArch 15, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Rob Patterson, clarinet
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra musicians have curated a concert just for you with music that they love, including Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, John Williams’ “Princess Leia Theme,” and Copland's Clarinet Concerto featuring the MSO's principal clarinet Rob Patterson! This will be a fun, exciting, new format with no intermission and an afterparty where you can meet the orchestra!
Program
Gioachino Rossini: Overture to La Gazza Ladra
Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata pian’ e forte
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst
Aaron Copland: Clarinet Concerto
Gabriel Fauré: Sicilienne from Pelléas and Mélisande Suite
Igor Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird (1919)
John WIlliams: "Princess Leia’s Theme" from Star Wars
Experience the Symphony in a Brand New Way!
Experience the Modesto Symphony in an entirely new light with our innovative program designed to captivate and engage audiences like never before! Say goodbye to intermissions and hello to an uninterrupted journey through a curated selection of shorter musical pieces carefully crafted by our talented musicians. Following the performance, you’re invited to join us in the lobby for a festive afterparty with refreshments and drinks, providing the perfect setting for audience members to mingle with both musicians and fellow music enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity to deepen your connection with the music and the performers, forging unforgettable memories and fostering a vibrant community of classical music lovers.
Featured Artists
Media & More
Additional Notes:
✔ Part of our VIP & Classics Subscription Series. As a subscriber, you can save up to 25% off single tickets!
✔ $12 Student Tickets are available by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid student ID.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
✔ Have a promo code? Click here to learn how to redeem it.
April 12 & 13 / Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Tai Murray, violin
Fri. April 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sat. April 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances:
Saturday, April 13, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, April 12, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Tai Murray, violin
Music Director Hersh has put together a wonderfully exciting and energetic program for our April Classics concert. This program opens with “the Tango King” Piazzolla’s Tangazo, followed by Louise Farrenc’s lyrical and spirited Symphony No. 3. Then we will explore J. S. Bach’s “Little Fugue” in G minor with an arrangement by Hersh himself. We’ll close out the evening with Mendelssohn’s uplifting and energetic Violin Concerto in E minor featuring Tai Murray. This concerto remains among the world’s most prominent and highly regarded violin concertos in history.
Program
Astor Piazzolla: Tangazo (Variations on Buenos Aires)
Louise Farrenc: Symphony No. 3 in G minor
Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Nicholas Hersh): Fugue in G minor BWV 578 “Little Fugue”
Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64
Artists
Media and More
Additional Notes:
✔ Part of our VIP & Classics Subscription Series. As a subscriber, you can save up to 25% off single tickets!
✔ $12 Student Tickets are available by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid student ID.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
✔ Have a promo code? Click here to learn how to redeem it.
May 10 & 11 / Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
MSO Chorus
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
(Ode to Joy)
Tickets: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
Performances
Saturday, May 11, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, May 10, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
MSO Chorus
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
Georgiana Adams, soprano
Kindra Scharich, mezzo-soprano
Alex Boyer, tenor
Matt Boehler, bass
The MSO will close out its Classics Series with Ludwig van Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9. This symphony has reached beyond concert halls across the globe and become part of popular culture, most notably with the “Ode to Joy” theme in the final movement. Featuring the MSO Chorus and four spectacular vocal soloists, this concert captures Beethoven’s vision of hope with power, and authenticity.
Program
Arvo Pärt: Fratres
Amy Beach: Peace I Leave With You
Ludwig van Beethoven:
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
Artists
media & more
Additional Notes:
✔ Part of our VIP & Classics Subscription Series. As a subscriber, you can save up to 25% off single tickets!
✔ $12 Student Tickets are available by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office with a valid student ID.
✔ Group pricing is available, save up to 15% off your order!
✔ Have a promo code? Click here to learn how to redeem it.
May 11 / MSYO Season Finale Concert
The Future of Orchestral music
MSYO Season Finale Concert
About this Performance
Saturday, May 11, 2024
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Tickets: Adults: $14 / Youth: $5
Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Don Grishaw, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor
Elisha Wells, MSYO Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Featuring the works of Grieg, Pascual Marquina Narro, music from the 2017 Disney movie, Coco, and excerpts from Bizet's Carmen Suite. The concert also features MSYO Concerto Competition Winner, Samuel Kraus performing the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219.
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Support keeping the arts in education!
✔ Group pricing is available.
May 31 & June 1 / Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert!
Ryan Murray, conductor
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
“I am a Jedi, like my father before me...”
Tickets*: $20 / 36 / 52 / 72 / 94
All Showings are SOLD OUT!
Performances
Saturday, June 1, 2024
2:00 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
Friday, May 31, 2024
7:30 pm / Gallo Center for the Arts
About this Performance
Ryan Murray, conductor
Full-length film with a live orchestra!
In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Watch the complete film unfold as your Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live along with the full feature film.
Runtime approx.: 2 hrs & 37 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission
Come dressed in your Star Wars Best!
All Star Wars costumes and attire are encouraged & welcome! Please leave all lightsabers and blasters at home.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © All rights reserved.
2023-24 Season Partner
Artists
Additional Notes:
✔ Perfect for families of all ages!
✔ Part of our VIP & Pops Subscription Series.
✔ Group pricing is available.
