Leif Bjaland and the Orchestra perform seven dynamic concerts that are programmed thematically to Seeing Music. The series incorporates numerous epic works and dynamic guest artists.
Subscribers receive benefits like guaranteed reserved seating and free ticket exchanges.
*Subscription renewals are NOT available online. Please contact the Box Office to renew.
DISCOVERY $135 – $340 per sub. MW1 Thur Oct 22 NEEL FANFARE $160 – $260 per sub. MW2 Dec 4 SATURDAY SIGNATURE $185 – $468 per sub. MW1 Oct 24 SUNDAY MATINEE $185 – $413 per sub. MW1 Oct 25
SERIES SUBSCRIBER PACKAGES
8 p.m., Van Wezel
MW3 Fri Jan 8
MW5 Sat Feb 20
MW6 Thur Mar 4
MW7 Thur Mar 25
Fridays 8 p.m., Neel
MW4 Jan 29
MW5 Feb 19
MW6 Mar 5
MW7 Mar 26
8 p.m., Van Wezel
MW2 Dec 5
MW3 Jan 9
MW4 Jan 30
MW6 Mar 6
MW7 Mar 27
2:30 p.m., Van Wezel
MW2 Dec 6
MW3 Jan 10
MW4 Jan 31
MW5 Feb 21
MW6 Mar 7
MW7 Mar 28
AT EXHIBITION
Leif Bjaland, conductor | Zuill Bailey, cello
October 22, 24, 25 (MW1)
Our first Masterworks of the season explores the fruitful relationship between music and visual art, featuring a performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, which was inspired by the art of his close friend Viktor Hartmann. Hartmann’s original paintings, as well as new artwork inspired by Mussorgsky’s fiery music, will be projected on screen. Plus, enjoy Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini and guest artist Zuill Bailey performing the deeply emotional Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar.
IN FANTASY
Dirk Meyer, conductor | Joyce Yang, piano
December 4, 5, & 6 (MW2)
Rachmaninoff’s fiendishly difficult Third Piano Concerto is a rite of passage for any aspiring virtuoso. Hear Cliburn medalist Joyce Yang tackle this monumental work. Then enter the fantasy world of Hector Berlioz with a performance of Symphonie fantastique, which paints the portrait of a young artist haunted by dreamlike images of his beloved.
ON TOUR
Leif Bjaland, conductor | Daniel Jordan, violin
January 8, 9 & 10 (MW3)
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind musical expedition beginning with George Gershwin’s sassy Cuban Overture. Then our own Daniel Jordan, concertmaster, takes the stage for a solo performance of Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. You’ll also travel to Dvorák’s homeland of Bohemia with four of his Slavonic Dances. The evening’s highlight is a guided tour of Rome, courtesy of Respighi’s magnificent masterpiece Pines of Rome. Visual images of this eternal city enhance the celebration.
IN NATURE
Leif Bjaland, conductor
January 29, 30 & 31 (MW4)
Bask in the splendor of nature with two of history’s greatest composers: Beethoven and Stravinsky. In Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony (No. 6), the master evokes the sounds heard on his journey into the countryside. Stravinksy’s sounds of nature are very different as he depicts ancient Russian legend and folk song in a cataclysmic evocation of life’s reawakening in his Rite of Spring.
IN YOUTH
Leif Bjaland, conductor | Elena Urioste, violin
February 19, 20 & 21 (MW5)
This vibrant concert opens with Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from the musical On the Town, about three young sailors on leave during WWII. Then, Sphinx Competition winner and Symphony magazine’s “Emerging Artist to Watch” Elena Urioste takes the stage to perform Barber’s lyric Violin Concerto. Finally, we’ll perform Saint-Saëns’ riveting Symphony No. 3, also called the “Organ Symphony,” that has captivated audiences of all ages. Revel in its youthful joy.
THROUGH LIFE
Allan Friedman Memorial Piano Concert
Leif Bjaland, conductor / Andreas Haefliger, piano
March 4, 5, 6 & 7 (MW6)
Explore the span of Johannes Brahms’ spectacular career starting with his autumnal Symphony No. 3, which is perhaps his most passionate and rhapsodic orchestral work. Then, celebrated pianist Andreas Haefliger performs Brahms’ intensely emotional early work, Piano Concerto No. 1. The pairing of an exceptionally gifted soloist with one of the most celebrated works in the classical repertoire sets the stage for a rewarding evening of rich musical expression.
IN MYTH
Leif Bjaland, conductor | Key Chorale, children’s chorus & vocal soloists
March 25, 26, 27 & 28 (MW7)
Bringing an exhilarating close to the Masterworks season, the Orchestra is joined by the Key Chorale for Orff’s monumental Carmina burana. Based on 24 mythic poems about love, life and particularly fate, this vibrant work explores the struggle of man to survive in the hostile world of medieval Europe. This awe-inspiring concert also features Mozart’s turbulent and enigmatic Symphony No. 40, in which he delved into the very heart of the human soul. Don’t miss two of the most enduring and popular classical works of all time in one exceptional program.
