Bernstein: Candide, Overture

Mozart: Concerto for Piano in A, K. 488

Mahler: Symphony no. 5 in c-sharp, Adagietto

Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side                      Story

Undoubtedly the greatest American conductor ever, Leonard Bernstein made a huge impact on audiences with his passionate embrace of both music and people. He was also an accomplished pianist, a pioneering educator and, of course, the composer of such indelibly American classics as West Side Story. The WCFSO and elegant guest pianist Simone Dinnerstein pay tribute to Lenny with performances of his own music and of music he was famous for interpreting.

After this performance, enjoy FINÉ, the Symphony’s post-concert lobby celebration. Visit with friends and the WCFSO musicians while enjoying desserts, drinks, and live music.

Photo credit: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

Adler: A Bridge to Understanding

Adler: Beyond the Pale for Clarinet and Strings

Mendelssohn: Symphony no. 3 in a, Op. 56

Join the WCFSO as we offer 80th birthday wishes to one of our country’s leading composers, Samuel Adler. To celebrate, Mr. Adler introduces one of his works for orchestra and then conducts another for clarinet and strings with Jason Weinberger as soloist. The second half of this unique program features Weinberger conducting music by Felix Mendelssohn, whose 200th birthday is the occasion for this performance of his Third Symphony.

After this performance, enjoy FINÉ, the Symphony’s post-concert lobby celebration. Visit with friends and the WCFSO musicians while enjoying desserts, drinks, and live music.

Beethoven: Concerto for Violin in D, op. 61

Bach: Toccata and Fugue in d, BWV 565

Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19

Two of the usual three musical B’s will make an appearance on this concert, as Austrian guest violinist Wolfgang David performs Beethoven’s monumental Violin Concerto and the WCFSO presents Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in d. Béla Bartók is the surprise here with one of his most surprising pieces, the gripping suite from The Miraculous Mandarin.

After this performance, enjoy FINÉ, the Symphony’s post-concert lobby celebration. Visit with friends and the WCFSO musicians while enjoying desserts, drinks, and live music.

Ives: Three Places in New England, S.7

Meyer: Concerto no. 1 for Double Bass

Meyer: Solo work TBD

Copland: Rodeo, Four Dance Episodes

Meet a gifted American composer and hear music by two legends of our national musical life. Edgar Meyer brings his astonishing bass playing and his approachable compositions to the Cedar Valley for a concert of American orchestral pieces that draw on popular musical styles. Quintessential works by Charles Ives and Aaron Copland bookend the program.

After this performance, enjoy FINÉ, the Symphony’s post-concert lobby celebration. Visit with friends and the WCFSO musicians while enjoying desserts, drinks, and live music.

Photo credit: Jimmy Ienner, Jr.

Adams: My Father Knew Charles Ives

Audience Choice:
Tchaikovsky      Symphony no. 4 in f, op. 36
Mussorgsky       Pictures at an Exhibition
Beethoven         Symphony no. 5 in c, op. 67

The final concert of our classical season offers you the unique opportunity to choose a favorite piece and to get to know a new one at the same time. The program opens with a 2003 work by America’s most well-known living composer, John Adams, whose My Father Knew Charles Ives is a reflection on its composer’s place in American musical history. The second half will be determined by you! Popular vote will determine which one of three beloved works will be performed on our April 2009 classical concert.

After this performance, enjoy FINÉ, the Symphony’s post-concert lobby celebration. Visit with friends and the WCFSO musicians while enjoying desserts, drinks, and live music.

Photo credit: Deborah O’Grady