Fort Collins Symphony Celebrates Nature’s Beauty with ‘Tales of Falling Leaves and Royal Rivers’ Concert

The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS), under the direction of Maestro Wes Kenney, invites you to enjoy an evening of enchanting music at its second “Symphonic Tales” Signature Concert series: “Tales of Falling Leaves and Royal Rivers.”  This in-person and live-streamed event takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center.

The concert celebrates the beauty and power of nature through three exceptional compositions, each offering a unique perspective on the natural world. Ellen Taffe Zwilich’s Concerto Grosso 1985 honors the 300th birthday of Georg Handel. Then composer draws inspiration from Handel’s work and masterfully weaves his motifs into a modern orchestral tapestry, showcasing the dynamic interplay between a group of soloists and a full orchestra.

Violinist Byron Hitchcock, the FCS concertmaster and featured artist, performs Antonio Vivaldi’s “Autumn” from the popular The Four Seasons concerti. This iconic piece vividly depicts the vibrant energy of the harvest season and requires exceptional skill and artistry from the soloist.

Finally, Georg Handel’s Water Music transports listeners to England’s Thames River where it was first performed during a grand celebration for King George I in 1717. This timeless suite captures the elegance and majesty of England’s waterways, and remains a beloved staple of the classical repertoire.

Featured Artist:

Wyoming native Byron Hitchcock has performed to critical acclaim across the United States, Latin America, and Asia. Praised by the Boston Globe for his “fearlessly expressive” playing and his “finely honed tone,” he has established himself as a dynamic and versatile artist, appearing on the concert stage as a concertmaster, soloist, and chamber musician.

Tickets/Details:

  • When: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time
  • Where: The Fort Collins Lincoln Center: 417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, and via live-stream
  • What: In-person and via live-stream
  • Cost: Adult: $28-76, Student/Child: $12, Livestream: $28 per device.
  • Tickets and more information: FCSymphony.org/Discovery or by calling the Lincoln Center Box Office at 970.221.6730 (1-6 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday) or LCTix.com.

Week-of-Concert Events

Composer Talk: Join CSU professor Dr. K. Dawn Grapes for an informative and entertaining lecture about the concert’s featured composers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Symphony. Light refreshments provided.

  • Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
  • Time: 12- 1:00 p.m.
  • Venue: Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
  • Admission: Free

Open Rehearsal: Learn firsthand what it takes for an orchestra to bring live music to the stage.

  • Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024
  • Time: 7- 8:30 p.m.
  • Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
  • Admission: Free

Maestro’s Musings Pre-Concert Lecture: Ticket holders (in-person and via livestream) are invited to join Maestro Wes Kenney for a pre-concert lecture in the concert hall.

  • Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
  • Time: 6:30 – 7 p.m.
  • Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
  • Admission: Included with ticket purchase