The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS) opens its 2026-27 FCS Up Close Chamber Music Series with “Reed Between the Lines” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Plymouth Congregational Church, featuring the orchestra’s bassoon section in music spanning more than five centuries.
FCS bassoonists Tom Bittinger, Bryan Valderrama-Vega and Kyle Sneden will bring audiences close to the sound and personality of the bassoon family, with Sneden also performing contrabassoon. The program moves from Renaissance and Baroque music through Classical and Romantic works to contemporary repertoire, showing how the instrument has evolved across centuries of music-making.
Highlights include music attributed to Josquin des Prez, a Baroque sonata by Joseph Bodin de Boismortier adapted for bassoon trio, a trio by Franz Xaver Wolf, Victor Bruns’ Trio for Two Bassoons and Contrabassoon, selections by Julius Weissenborn and John Williams’ “Voldemort” from “The Harry Potter Children’s Suite.” The musicians will also share how bassoon reeds are made and how the instrument’s role has changed within ensembles and orchestras.
FCS Up Close is designed to combine live chamber music with conversation and audience connection. Following the performance, audience members are invited to stay for a brief reception and Q&A with the musicians.
Tickets and details
- When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
- Where: Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC, located at 916 W. Prospect Road in Fort Collins
- Cost: General admission is $38, and ages 18 and under free. Adults accompanying a registered youth may receive a $25 ticket through the youth-ticket registration offer.
- More information: fcsymphony.org
