The Fort Collins Symphony is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a blockbuster season of music. The 2023-24 season “Then & Now” runs from October 7, 2023 to May 11, 2024.
The season opens with Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony.
“Beethoven’s 9th was the first symphony to feature a chorus, which sings Schiller’s homage to brotherhood, the “Ode to Joy” (featuring the Larimer Chorale). This anthem of freedom and peace sets the stage for our celebration throughout the season.” – Wes Kenney, Music Director and Conductor
Listeners will experience five curated Signature Concerts, featuring classical standards by Beethoven, Mozart, Dvořák, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff paired with new favorites by such composers as Florence Price, William Grant Still, Arturo Márquez, Vince Oliver, and Joaquín Rodrigo. Signature Concerts are performed live at the Lincoln Center and are available via livestream.
The season also includes a Halloween-themed Pops Concert with a newly commissioned piece of music by Colorado native Morgan Denney set to Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. The Friends of the Symphony-sponsored Family Concert features Peter and the Wolf. The Spring Pops concert includes fan-favorite film scores.
“We are delighted to present a diverse range of composers and genres that will resonate with both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to the world of symphonic music.” – Alexandra Lee, Board President
“Then & Now” brings together a host of talented guest artists, including Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux, violinist Yumi Hwang-Williams, pianist Zhu Wang, ghost-story narrator Shane Sheridan, film-buff and narrator Jeremy D. Cuebas, and vocalists Tiffany Blake, Nicole Asel, John Lindsey, Graham Anduri, Patty Goble, and the Larimer Chorale.
Visit FCSymphony.org/100 for tickets, concert dates, and program information.
Readers are invited to free educational events before each Signature Concert:
- Composer Talks – an engaging lecture hosted by CSU Professor Dr. K. Dawn Grapes. Held at the old Town Library at noon on the Wednesday prior to each Signature Concert, and sponsored by the Friends of the Symphony.
- Open Rehearsals – see the orchestra rehearse live. Held at the Lincoln Center at 7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. on the Thursday prior to each Signature Concert.
- Maestro’s Musings – a pre-concert lecture presented by Maestro Wes Kenney. Held at the Lincoln Center and via livestream at 6:30 p.m. before each Signature Concert. Included with ticket purchase.