Artist Spotlight: Audrey Wright, violin

Artist Spotlight: Audrey Wright

We are so delighted to have Audrey Wright join us for the Four Seasons Mixtape this upcoming November 1 & 2! We were able to chat with her and ask her thoughts on the unique concert format, and learn more about some of her upcoming projects.

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Have you performed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons before, and how does this concert’s interpretation differ from a traditional performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons?

Yes, I have performed Vivaldi’s complete Four Seasons previously with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, where I am concertmaster, and have performed individual seasons from the complete work in other settings. What I find so amazing about this work is that each individual movement is its own mini masterpiece within the greater whole. The nature of Vivaldi’s writing encourages the violin soloist to be inventive with their interpretation, and for me, no two performances of this music are exactly the same. Because of this, it feels totally appropriate to rework the traditional Four Seasons into this fabulous Mixtape of wildly different styles. The connective tissue between the four works I am performing with the Modesto Symphony can be found when we examine each composer’s unique musical language and programmatic approach to composing their respective seasons. The wonderful challenge for me is in bringing out these distinct compositional voices across all four pieces, while using my own sound and artistic voice to tie them together.

What has been your experience while preparing these pieces? Are there any parts that are particularly exciting or challenging to play and show to the audience?

I love performing music of contrasting styles on a single program, so being able to dive into the juxtaposition between the fiery Baroque of Vivaldi, the minimalist modernism of Richter, the lush romanticism of Ysaÿe, and the sensual tango of Piazzolla all in this one concert is both right up my alley and also the biggest challenge. I often think that what we do as performing musicians is akin to acting, so I try to really embody the different characters of each piece to transport the audience. 

Any upcoming performances/projects are you looking forward to?

In addition to a very exciting season ahead as a full time violinist in the New York Philharmonic, I am also looking forward to this season with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, where I will actually perform Piazzolla’s entire Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with the orchestra in May 2025. Additionally, I am thrilled to have multiple upcoming performances this season of my co-created collaborative performance of sound and light, Luminous Being, along with my husband and creative partner, artist Geoff Robertson. Info about all of these performances can be found on my website at www.audreywrightviolin.com!

Why do you believe the Symphony or live performances are still relevant and important to attend?

I believe attending live performances at the Symphony and elsewhere are relevant today more than ever. We live in a fast-paced and chaotic world that exists more and more in distorted and all-consuming online spaces. To be able to come together in-person to experience the power of live music, even for just an hour or two, is the greatest opportunity we have in this day and age for collective understanding and reflection.

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Come listen to Audrey play alongside the Modesto Symphony Orchestra at The Four Seasons Mixtape on November 1 & 2 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

Read / A Season of Energy, A Season for Everyone

Read / A Season of Energy, A Season for Everyone

Conductor on conductor interview

After a summer break, we sat down with Music Director Nicholas Hersh and Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray as they chatted about our upcoming season.

Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor (RM): Nick, I’m really excited for your Classics Series! I think every Classics concert this year has something for everyone—something that makes this music accessible. It’s a little bit away from the “overture-concerto-symphony” format, and although that may be scary to some people who are comfortable with that model, there are still giant symphonic pieces in there. Can you talk about how this season is going to appeal to the long-time classical music lovers, but also those that are thinking about coming to the concert hall for the first time?

Nicholas Hersh, Music Director (NH): Thanks for that! The thought behind our Classics Series was to provide a unique experience at every concert. You could come to all of them and have a completely different experience each time. Our first concert is probably the most traditional, but the concerto element of it is probably the LEAST traditional bit of it. It’s featuring a saxophone first of all, which is a very rare instrument for concertos, and featuring one of the absolute best in the world at it, Branford Marsalis. He’ll be playing two very jazz-inspired pieces by Milhaud and Williams, and that’s paired with the amazing ever-green Symphonic Dances of Rachmaninoff, which again, sort of takes that idea of what a symphony can be and takes it a step further.

“The thought behind our Classics Series was to provide a unique experience at every concert. You could come to all of them and have a completely different experience each time.”

And then we come to our second concert where the traditional format is tossed out the window! We’re doing this ‘mixtape’ idea, which in this case, is featuring the Four Seasons. We’ll be playing some of Vivaldi’s “Seasons”—but only one as a matter of fact. Each “Season” is written by a different composer, and each of them has their own voice. Some of the Seasons are inspired by Vivaldi, such as Max Ritcher’s ‘Autumn’, and it’s an exciting way to experience how music evolves.

We pair that “quartet of seasons” with a couple of other pieces that emphasize seasonality: Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream and “La Calaca” by Gabriela Oritz, which I’m very excited about. La Calaca is about Day of the Dead, which is the very weekend that we’ll be having that concert.

Then we come to your feature performance on the Classics Series, Fantasia in Concert, maybe you could talk a little about that, Ryan?

RM: I’m really excited about that, I just conducted it in May 2024 [with the Auburn Symphony], and it’s just an unbelievable show. It’s the greatest moments of classical music with the brilliance of Disney animation. There’s Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, Firebird—it’s exciting music, but it’s an incredibly difficult show for the orchestra and the conductor. I’m looking forward to taking on that challenge again—it’s just a magical, magical thing.

It's going to be great fun to share with our audience in Modesto, in the beautiful Gallo Center, and it’s always nice when you can do a show a second or third or fourth or fifth time, because you find different things in it as a conductor. It’s like you’re starting from level two instead of level one or zero.

A question I get a lot about Fantasia from patrons is: “Is it the original or is it the new one?” It’s actually a mix of pieces from both the original Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 that Disney in Concerts has put together for us.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Dance of the Hours, The Nutcracker Suite, and Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony are from the 1940s version, as well as Clair de Lune, which didn't even make it into the original cut of the film, but was recorded and is also in this concert. Then we have Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Firebird, Pines of Rome, and a few other pieces from Fantasia 2000.

NH: The greatest hits, isn't it?

RM: Yeah, absolutely!

NH: Of course, we finish our Classics Series with two concerts, one featuring the talents of our Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra joining us on stage for a performance of Copland's Rodeo. As well as Carnival of the Animals, which is all about discovery and youth.

We’re finishing off the Series with Verdi's Requiem, which is as epic as it gets. It’s one of the great masterpieces of anything written for orchestra. It features our MSO Chorus in an unbelievably intrinsic way, even more so than Beethoven's Ninth Symphony last year. They’ll have to sing the entire way through, and I’m very much looking forward to working with our fabulous chorus and our chorus director, Daniel Afonso on that. And meanwhile… we have a great Pop Series coming on as well!

RM: We do! The Pops Series this year, in a way, is kind of like a season of second chances because we have some great things that we just slightly missed out on in the past.

Nikki Renée Daniels was going to sing Holiday Pops! with us two years ago but was unable to join us. Now, she's coming back this year, and I'm really excited! Her voice is just unbelievable, and she's been singing everywhere since then—with major orchestras and major Broadway shows and companies.

Then when we head into spring, and Capathia Jenkins will return for her Aretha Franklin tribute show. I was so sad that the audience didn't get the chance to hear her at Picnic at the Pops in 2023 because of the unbelievable torrential rainstorm and lightning. But I can tell you just from the dress rehearsal—she is one of the finest artists I have ever worked with.

Capathia brings this amazing musicianship and subtlety and such incredible colors to her singing, and although it works outdoors—it's going to be even more exciting indoors, where people will be able to intimately hear all the amazing things that she's doing with her voice. It's a fantastic show, it's brilliant music, and I can't wait for Capathia to come back.

We’re finishing off the season with another film, and although we've made our way through the original Star Wars trilogy—we're sticking with John Williams. We're doing Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark! What a fun summer adventure movie with the incredible music of John Williams. It's just going to be another smash hit!

NH: Oh, yeah, that's one I haven't had the pleasure to conduct yet! Is this your first time as well?

RM: Yeah, I haven't done it before, either. It’ll be fun to dig into it. The great thing about John Williams is that every time you open a new score, it’s like visiting an old friend. There are new things, but there is this language he has that is so natural for the orchestra.

"The great thing about John Williams is that every time you open a new score, it’s like visiting an old friend. There are new things, but there is this language he has that is so natural for the orchestra.

NH: That's what it is, isn't it?  It's one of those amazing things with him where when you start rehearsing it, you look at it on paper and it seems very virtuosic, and very, very difficult. But then, it just fits, it just works.

RM: It just clicks, yeah.

NH: You don't have to futz with anything, every dynamic, every timbre is just *so*. It’s challenging and yet fluid at the same time. I can think of very few other composers like him who have that kind of flexibility.

RM: The rhythms are exciting, the melodies are beautiful, and the orchestration—it works brilliantly.

So, it's a great Pops Series with lots of different kinds of music for different audiences.

And of course, our Holiday Candlelight Concert. This is such a special concert in the unbelievable St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. It’s an amazing chance to showcase the traditional music of the holidays, and the incredible ability of our MSO Chorus.

I think it's so fitting and so perfect that Daniel Afonso conducts this concert. He does a beautiful job with it, and it’s a real chance for our audience to get to know him better as the incredible musician that he is, and to meet our chorus on a more intimate level. And paired with the Opus Handbell Ensemble, it's just such a fun and festive event and I always enjoy when I can be there as an audience member too.

NH: I think that ties in beautifully with the concept of the Classics Series. Each of these performances is its own experience. They bring a different kind of energy, and we’ve called this season, the “season of energy.”

Audiences will get to see something new and rewarding from each concert. It's been great fun putting this together with you, Ryan, and our wonderful staff of the MSO.

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A Season of energy!

Plan Your Picnic-Perfect Evening!

Plan Your Picnic-Perfect Evening!

Whether you’re a seasoned Picnic veteran, or this is your first time enjoying Picnic, we know a lot goes into planning your picnic-perfect evening. The MSO has put together a Picnic Planner to ensure that you have an unforgettable night with us!

1. pack for success!

• Bring a comfy blanket, or low sand chairs to sit and enjoy the show (seats lower than 9”, and backs must be lower than 32” from the ground)

• Water, don’t forget to hydrate!

• A cooler for your non-alcoholic beverages, your favorite snacks, or picnic meal.

2. Skip the Line!

• We will have an Express Bag Check for anyone with a clear bag or no bags.

• Pre-orders are now closed. Scrip is available for pre-order online to pick up on the grounds!*

3. leave these at home.

• No outside alcohol please!

• Video and audio recording equipment.

• Grills, cooking devices, or anything with an open flame.

• Pets (Service animals are welcome).

• Please, no fireworks, noisemakers, or items that may disturb the peace.

4. Save a tank of gas!

• Worried about finding parking? We highly encourage you to use a RideApp service (like Uber or Lyft), especially if you plan to enjoy our wine offerings at Picnic.

• There is a designated pickup and drop-off spot for services located in the GREEN Premier Parking Lot 4. Use address 100 Administration Circle and follow the signs to the right for RideApps drop-off and pick-up.

5. pack a picnic!

• Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics, as simple or complex as they like, to Picnic at the Pops!

• Don’t want to worry about the hassle? We got you covered! Pre-order a picnic dinner from Greens on Tenth to have ready on-site for you to enjoy.

6. Add-on to your Picnic Fun!

• Wine generously donated by GALLO will be available to purchase on-site. 100% of wine sales proceeds benefit the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. Skip the line! Pre-order your beverage scrip tickets today and pick them up at Picnic. To pre-order scrip & the full wine & beverage menu, click here.* Pre-orders for scrip are now closed.

• Purchase delicious food from the Sinaloense Food Truck and dessert from Yogurt Mill’s Froyo Truck.

• Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra will be selling Glow Products to help you light up your night. 100% of proceeds go towards MSYO scholarships. (Glow product sales are cash only.)

7. Where can you buy tickets?

If you want to get your tickets today, visit in-person or call the Gallo Center for the Arts at 209-338-2100. Tickets are also now available to purchase from our ticket outlets below:

• Modesto Symphony Orchestra Office:
  911 Thirteenth Street, Modesto, 95354
  Monday – Friday
  10 am to 4:30 pm

• Gather:
  2425 McHenry Ave, Modesto, CA 95350
  Monday – Saturday
  10 am to 5 pm
  https://www.gather2gether.com/

• Carnegie Arts Center:
  250 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380
  Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  www.carnegieartsturlock.org

Groups of 10 or more can save 20% off General Lawn Seating tickets! Call the Gallo Center ticket office at 209-338-2100 for more information.

We hope this quick guideline helps you out and we can’t wait to see you all this September!

*updated 9/4/24

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Dance in the streets with the mso!

Come watch Chester Gregory, Crystal Monee Hall, & Terron Brooks, conducted by Ryan Murray, perform Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown alongside the Modesto Symphony Orchestra this September 7th at the GALLO Grounds!

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Read / MSO's Favorite Motown Stars!

Read / MSO’s Favorite Motown Stars!

Motown, a term derived from Detroit’s nickname, “Motor City”, started as a record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in the late 1950s. The label was instrumental in integrating Black musicians and artists into popular music during the 1960s and 1970s. Motown music became its own genre, blending soul and pop together into one. Berry Gordy was directly involved in auditions for the label – often scouting key talent himself in clubs, or sitting in on auditions. For this year’s Picnic at the Pops, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite Motown artists and their hits that you’ll be able to hear live performed by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra!

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Stevie wonder

Stevie Wonder circa 1973

Stevland Hardaway Morris, better known as his stage alias, Stevie Wonder, is one of the best selling and awarded musicians of all time. Signed to the Motown label at only 11 years old, he was quickly taken under Berry Gordy’s wing. His single Fingertips, released when he was 13, rocketed to the number 1 spot of the Billboard charts, making him the youngest solo artist to receive the number 1! Even if you aren’t an active Motown fan, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard a tune from this legendary artist before. Not only a talented artist, Wonder is a dedicated activist, known for his campaign in the 80s to make MLK Jr’s birthday a federal holiday.

At this year’s Picnic at the Pops, we’ll be performing Superstition, which is probably one of Wonder’s most iconic songs. Even just saying the name probably has you humming the beat and thinking of Wonder’s vocals. Superstition was a number 1 Billboard single, earned Wonder two Grammys, and is #12 on Rolling Stones’ Top 500 songs of all time.

Diana ross

Diana Ross circa 1976

Diana Ross started as an aspiring fashion designer, believe it or not. At age 14, she enrolled in Cass Tech High School, taking classes in design, pattern making, and tailoring. When she turned 15, she took a “side gig” as the lead singer of the Primettes (sister group to the Primes). After receiving success at smaller gigs and sock hops, she approached her old neighbor, William “Smokey” Robinson about auditioning for Motown. Gordy was enchanted by her singing, but after hearing how young the group was, he opted to advise them to finish their education. After being signed on in 1961, Ross’s rise to stardom was just beginning. Her solo career launched in 1970, and she quickly found success in music and film. Her stellar singing and unmatched charisma could not be denied.

One of our favorite Diana Ross songs is Touch Me in the Morning. It hit No.1 on the Billboard 100 chart, and remained on that chart for a consecutive 21 weeks! It came out shortly after her Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in Lady Sings the Blues, and it completely reinvigorated her singing career. No one can deny the power of Ross’s vocals, and they truly shine in this classic.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye circa 1973

Marvin Gaye was a critical part of shaping Motown’s sound in the early 1960s, earning him the nicknames ‘Prince of Motown’ & ‘Prince of Soul’. He’d become known for his success as a solo act, and for his influence on several R&B genres. After a few failed attempts at charting with other groups, Marvin would catch the attention of Berry Gordy when performing at his home for a Christmas party. Gordy was immediately impressed with Marvin, and negotiated him out of his previous contract, to sign on with Motown. Marvin would go on to record many beloved duets with some of Motown’s most iconic female singers, including Diana Ross, Tammi Terrell, and Kim Weston. In the 1970s, he would record two albums, marking him as one of the earliest artists in Motown to produce independently. With his numerous awards and high ranking on Rolling Stones listings and how critical his music is to pop culture, it is without question, that Marvin Gaye is one of the most influential soul artists of all time.

How Sweet It Is is one of Gaye’s most iconic songs from his Motown days. By January 1965, just 4 months after the singles released, it had sold nearly a million copies, making it his most successful single at that point in his career. And it is no question why – his velvet-quality vocals and the piano riff, matched with the rhythmic tambourine make the perfect recipe for a perfect feel-good classic.

Lionel richie

Lionel Ritchie circa 1984

Lionel Richie kicked off his music career in 1968, after deciding to abandon becoming a priest, as he felt he wasn’t exactly “priest material”. Despite not even knowing how to read or write music, he joined the Motown group “Commadores” as a co-lead singer. While originally the group was meant as a support act to the Jackson 5, they quickly stood out on their own, with a combination of funky tunes for dance like Brick House, and Richie’s romantic ballads, such as Still.  1981 marks Richie’s start of his successful solo career, with his duet Endless Love with Diana Ross, which topped international charts. Over the course of his career, he’s sold over 100 million records worldwide, earned four Grammys, an Academy Award and Golden Globe for his song Say You, Say Me, and Congress recognition, making him one of the most successful music artists of all time.

It's really no wonder that All Night Long is such a classic Richie hit. It is the embodiment of “forget your troubles and woes, and just dance the night away!” Richie’s smooth vocals flow effortlessly with the beat of the song, while the music is full of boundless energy that just makes you want to get up and groove!

Martha Reeves

Martha Reeves circa 1974

Martha Reeves, lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, should be praised for her passion for performance. At the age of 19, she was working multiple day jobs, and singing in jazz clubs. While performing one evening, she was scouted by a Motown executive, who invited her to an audition the very next day. Her unique gospel-trained vocals launched the group to quick distinction from other Motown girl groups, producing hit singles such as Heat Wave, Quicksand, and their most popular Dancing in the Street. Martha’s vocal talent, hardworking attitude, and her commitment to improving conditions for musicians in the industry by speaking to Congress in 2007 to increase royalties for artists – she truly is a pinnacle of Motown.

Dancing in the Street is Martha and the Vandellas most popular single, and just listening to it, it’s clear why. The jazzy high energy music, and Martha’s powerful voice rings out, just making you want to get up and dance. It has been the subject of many covers, although there is no denying the original!

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Come listen to these Motown hits and many more performed at Picnic at the Pops! this September 7th at the GALLO Grounds!

Read / Artist Spotlight: Our Picnic Talent!

Artist Spotlight: Our Picnic Talent!

We are so excited for this year’s Picnic at the Pops! It is sure to be an amazing show featuring all of your classic Motown favorites, sung by our iconic guest artists: Chester Gregory, Crystal Monee Hall, and Terron Brooks. All three boasting roles on Broadway, and national tours - this will be a show you won’t want to miss!

Come see these artists groove on stage along with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra at Picnic at the Pops! this September 7th at the GALLO grounds!

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Read / Artist Spotlight: Branford Marsalis

Artist Spotlight: Branford Marsalis, saxophone

The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is delighted to welcome the legendary Branford Marsalis for a special one-night-only performance on October 5, 2024. Branford Marsalis is a multi-talented saxophonist known for his virtuosity and versatility across jazz, classical, and popular music genres. As the leader of the acclaimed Branford Marsalis Quartet, he has earned three Grammy Awards, as well as numerous accolades for his contributions to music.

Branford Marsalis was born on August 26, 1960, to Dolores, a jazz singer, and Ellis Louis Marsalis Jr. , a jazz pianist and music teacher. In 1979, he would attend the Berklee College of Music, and before he even finished his studies, he would land a job with Lionel Hampton Orchestra, a testament to his skills and prowess.

Branford is a popular featured soloist with classical ensembles, having performed with many acclaimed orchestras such as the Los Angeles, New York, and Warsaw Philharmonics, the Chicago, Detroit, Düsseldorf, North Carolina, and Tokyo Metropolitan Symphonies and the Boston Pops, with a growing repertoire that includes compositions by Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, Mahler, Milhaud, Rorem, Vaughn Williams, and John Williams. Branford has also received numerous awards for his composition work, with screen credits including Spike Lee’s Mo Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and Rustin. His original music for August Wilson’s “Fences” would earn him a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music in a Play and a Tony Nomination for Best Original Score Written for the Theater.

Branford previously served as Creative Director of the Ascent Series of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, Branford performed John Williams’ Escapades with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for Tanglewood’s celebration of Williams’ 90th Birthday, the same piece our audiences will enjoy this October.

Join us for an evening of extraordinary music as Branford Marsalis graces the stage with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, performing a captivating program that highlights his exceptional talent. This is a concert you won't want to miss!

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Read / Harmony and Pride: Celebrating LGBT+ Composers

Harmony and Pride: Celebrating LGBT+ Composers

Music has always been a powerful medium for expression and connection, and LGBT+ composers have made remarkable contributions to its vibrant landscape. Their stories resonate through their music, celebrating both individuality and the shared human experience. This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the lives and legacies of LGBT+ composers: their extraordinary talents and their impact on the world of classical music.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

1. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

One of the most well-known composers in classical music, Tchaikovsky left a legacy with works such as Swan Lake, the 1812 Overture, and his Piano Concerto No. 1, which the Modesto Symphony featured during their season opening concert in October 2023. Due to his international acclaim, the Soviet Union made great efforts to censor any mention or reference of Tchaikovsky being anything but heterosexual. However, many biographers do agree that he was gay, citing his long-term connections with men in his social circles, and the fact that he was a bachelor for most of his life, except for a short-lived, failed marriage to Antonina Miliukova.

Francis Poulenc

2. Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)

Francis Poulenc was a French composer and pianist, with a wide catalog of compositions, including piano works, operas, ballets, choral pieces, and orchestral concert music. He was one of the first openly gay composers, having a serious relationship with painter Richard Chanlaire. He was known as a very light-hearted individual within musician circles, which likely contributed to his more sincere & religious works being overshadowed. He was highly celebrated and in 1945, was commissioned by the London Philharmonic by the French government to perform his defiant compositions and works against Nazi rule.

Dame Ethel Smyth

3. Dame Ethel Smyth (1858-1944)

Ethel Smyth was an English composer, and a prominent member of the women’s suffrage movement. As a child prodigy, Ethel studied composition with other well-known Romantic Era composers, including Tchaikovsky, Grieg, and Dvořák. Her compositions were frequently criticized, being labeled as “too masculine” for a female composer. In 1910, she became involved with women’s suffrage and developed a close relationship with leadership. She was inspired to compose her most well-known work, “The March of the Women”, which then became the anthem for the Women’s Social and Political Union and suffragettes. Most of her lovers were women, and on her sexuality, she said that it was “so much easier to love her own sex.”

Samuel Barber and Gian Carlo Menotti

4. Samuel Barber (1910-1981)

Samuel Barber was a highly celebrated American composer, who made little effort to keep his sexuality a close secret. His life partner was opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who he met in 1928 while attending the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. The two stayed together for 40 years, supporting each other’s careers—Barber received two Pulitzer Prizes, and Menotti completed 15 operas—while the two were together.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra, featuring violinist Simone Porter, performed Barber’s romantic Violin Concerto in February 2023.

5. Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Considered a top figure of the French Baroque style, little is known about Jean-Baptiste’s education and early life, although, accounts say that he was employed by a duke of Guise in 1647 to entertain his niece. It was during his time that he honed his skills in instruments and dance. By 1653, Jean-Baptiste caught the attention of King Louis XIV, who made him the royal composer for instrumental music, and would eventually rise to become the superintendent of the royal music and music master of the royal family in 1661. However, his talent and charisma would not prevent Louis XIV’s anger for Jean-Baptiste’s reputation of love affairs with many men and women in the court.

Leonard Bernstein

6. Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Leonard Bernstein was one of the most important conductors and composers in American classical music history, and possibly classical music as a whole. His repertoire is widely celebrated, including the Broadway hit West Side Story—which the MSO performed an arrangement of during their That’s Entertainment! concert in March 2020, his Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, and Slava! A Political Overture, among countless others. He is also widely known for his humanitarian efforts in the civil rights movement, anti-Vietnam war efforts, and his advocacy for AIDS research. One of his most famous humanitarian performances was when he conducted Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall. He was married to actress Felicia Cohn, which was a reality for many gay men, to maintain a good public standing. Felicia was understanding of his sexuality, writing to him, “…If your peace of mind, your health, your whole nervous system depend on a certain sexual pattern what can you do?”

To learn more about Pride and how composers intersect, we encourage you to read more at the sources below!

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Sources:

• https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/great-classical-composers-who-were-gay/

•  https://www.ethelsmyth.org/about/biography/

• https://www.spectrumensemble.org/samuel-barber.html

•  https://www.classicfm.com/composers/bernstein-l/leonard-biography-compositions-family-wife/

Read / 6 Black Artists Who Changed Classical Music

6 Black Artists Who Changed Classical Music

There is a large catalog of talented Black artists who have left lasting impacts on the world of classical music but are overlooked because of their race. We have composed a list of 6 Black Composers and Musicians who influenced and helped shape the orchestral world. Which Black artist would you like to hear their music being performed live today?

Florence Price

1. Florence Price, composer (1887-1953)

Florence Price was born to a music teacher mother, who instilled a love of music in Florence from an early age. At the age of 4, she had her first piano performance, and at 11, her first composition was published. Unsurprisingly, she graduated from the Conservatory of Music in Boston with honors, receiving a teaching certificate and an artist diploma in organ. As a teacher, she influenced many upcoming Black musicians and composers, and received the honor of being the first Black woman to have her composition played by a major U.S orchestra, with Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing her Symphony No. 1 in 1933. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra had the honor of performing her Concert Overture No. 2 in October 2022 and Symphony No. 3 in May 2023.

William L. Dawson

2. William L. Dawson, composer
(1899-1990)

Dawson was a skilled trombonist as a child, and ran away from home as a teenager to pursue a career in music at Tuskgee Institute (now know as Tuskgee University). After graduating with honors, he would go on to receive a master's in composition from the American Conservatory of Music. He would start his career by teaching at Tuskgee, and directing the 100-member choir, recognized internationally and sponsored by the White House. Last February 2024, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra performed his most famous composition: Negro Folk Symphony. It premiered in 1934 by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, and masterfully showed the evolution of American Classical music by incorporating elements of Black culture, blending them masterfully with classical forms.

Chevalier de Saint-Georges

3. Joseph Bologne - Chevalier de Saint-Georges, composer (1745-1799)

Not much is known about the Chevalier’s early music education, other than at the age of 7, he was sent to Paris for his musical studies. He would debut as a solo violinist in one of  Europe’s most renowned orchestras, Le Concert des Amateurs, playing two of his own violin concertos. He was appointed the next conductor of the orchestra, only furthering its renown and reputation across the globe. An accomplished composition writer, performer, fencer, and socialite, it is no surprise that president John Adams is quoted in saying “he is the most accomplished man in Europe”.
The 2022 biographical drama film, Chevalier, is based on his legendary life.

George Walker

4. George Walker, composer, organist and pianist (1922-2018)

George Walker has the distinction of being the first Black composer to receive a Pulitzer Prize in Music for his work, Lilacs in 1996. During his education at Curtis Institute of Music, he studied under many great classical performers and teachers, including Rudolf Serkin, Gregor Piatigorsky, and William Primrose. Perhaps this period, including his own experiences growing up around jazz, contributed to his unique composition style, where he did not tie himself down to one label or genre. Over his lifetime, he composed well over 90 different works, and received commission requests from the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and Philadelphia Orchestra, among many others.

Marian Anderson

5. Marian Anderson, contralto (1897-1993)

Marian Anderson was an important figurehead not only in the opera community, but the civil rights movement in its entirety. Not to be discouraged by the roadblocks that would try and prevent her from a career in singing, she received her first spotlight in a singing competition with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 25, which propelled her onto singing tours across Europe and the United States. After initially being denied to sing at a concert in Washington D.C in 1939, by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Anderson was put into the international spotlight, which was not the norm for a female Black musician. After receiving presidential support from Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor, Anderson would perform an open-air concert on Easter Sunday, 1939 to an integrated crowd of 75,000 people, and a radio audience of millions.

Marian was invited by the MSO in 1956 to perform a recital at the historic Strand Theater (where Brenden Theaters now resides in Downtown Modesto). The audience was at full capacity and according to Pat Morrison of the Modesto Bee, “Her direct and reverent style, deep in feeling and calm in confidence lends a spiritual tone to her voice. To hear Marian Anderson is more than a musical experience.” 

Duke Ellington

6. Duke Ellington, pianist and composer (1899-1974)

Duke Ellington spent most of his early musical years writing one-off compositions while working other jobs. For example, his first composition, entirely written by ear was the “Soda Jerk Rag” at the age of 15. Around 1919, however, Ellington was encouraged by artists around him to pursue his musical career. Finding success as a piano player, Ellington formed his own group that would play around Virginia and Washington D.C. He would gain national recognition, however, in the1920s, with his orchestra’s feature in the Cotton Club at Harlem. He would conduct his jazz orchestra until his last days and received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1999. More recently, you may have heard the MSO perform the Duke Ellington Fantasy arranged by Leroy Anderson at their Great American Songbook concert in March 2023.

To learn more about Black excellence in music, we encourage you to check out the sources below!

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Sources:

• https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/question/2021/december.htm

• https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/black-composers-who-made-classical-music-history/

• https://www.laphil.com/about/watch-and-listen/the-legacy-of-henry-lewis

• https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/History/Carnegie-Hall-Icons/Marian-Anderson

Read / Beethoven's 9: A Symphony of Influence

Beethoven’s 9: A Symphony of Influence

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is not only one of the Beethoven’s greatest compositions, but possibly one of the greatest classical music compositions of all time. A piece full of bombastic sounds and joyous energy, it was completely revolutionary for the time. It’s also the first example of a major composer scoring vocal parts in a symphony.

The story goes that, at the premiere of the symphony, either during the second movement or near the end of the finale, the audience erupted into applause. Beethoven, who was still conducting, was turned around by one of the vocalists to accept the cheers from the audience members. The audience took part in a standing ovation, throwing hats and waving hands, so Beethoven (who was profoundly deaf at this point in his life) could understand the celebration of the audience.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 not only impacted the classical music sphere, but pop culture entirely. His symphony has been referenced time and time again, across many forms of media. We’ve complied a list below; see if you can recognize your favorite films or tv shows!

• European Anthem - In 1972, the Council of Europe adopted Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” theme as it’s anthem, and became official in 1985. There are no lyrics to the anthem, as the universal language of music expresses the ideals of freedom, peace, and solidarity.

• Die Hard (1988) - “Ode to Joy” has a surprising feature in the hit 80’s action film (and Christmas movie!) , during the scene in which the building’s vault is broken into. It seems a strange choice for the genre of film, but director John McTiernan wanted to include it as a reference to the following Kubrick film:

• A Clockwork Orange (1971) - Symphony No. 9 is featured in bits and fragments throughout the film, a favorite symphony of the anti-hero protagonist, that is turned against him in the end.

• NBA ‘I Love this Game’ Campaign (1990s) - ‘Ode to Joy’ was featured in NBA’s commercial campaign, serving as a soundtrack to describe all the emotional highs and lows on the court.

• Muppet’s “Ode to Joy” cover - Another fantastic example in the Muppet’s cover repertoire, featuring Beaker on every part.

• The Compact Disc- It was rumored that the CD was specifically designed to accommodate 74 minutes of music so it could accommodate Beethoven’s symphony.

These are just a few of the many examples of Beethoven’s impact. Whether you’re a long time music fan, or just starting to listen, we hope that this list illustrates just how important music can be to all different aspects of culture.

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Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_No._9_(Beethoven)#Influence

• https://www.kdfc.com/articles/the-many-lives-of-beethovens-ninth-symphony

Meet the MSO: Rob Patterson, clarinet

Meet the MSO: Rob Patterson, clarinet

We’re bringing the stage to you! We asked Rob Patterson, clarinet for the MSO, a few questions about his experience with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra thus far, what he’s looking forward to and more about himself: from his favorite school subject, and his answer to the question: dogs or cats? Read on and learn more about your Modesto Symphony Orchestra!

MSO: Tell us about yourself, and how you came to play with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra?

I came to Modesto in a very round about way. I met Matthew Oshida, the orchestra’s personnel manager, while we were both playing with the Huntsville (AL) Symphony. We both were from out of town and needed rides so we bonded quickly. After that Matthew started asking me to come out to Modesto. It seemed crazy (I was living in Washington DC at the time) but I figured it would be a fun adventure and I’d get to also visit my older brother in San Francisco. I had so much fun that I’ve been coming back ever since!

Rob Patterson (back left), clarinet. circa 2018

MSO: What is your favorite memory playing with the MSO so far?

My favorite memory so far was playing basset horn on the Mozart Requiem last season. I had never played a basset horn before and it was a great adventure. The guy playing second basset horn with me is now in the New York Philharmonic, so it really was a great experience!

MSO: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the 2023/2024 season?

The Copland Concerto will be a season highlight for me, what a treat to play such a beautiful piece of music with my friends.

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Get to know ROB!

Besides music, what was your favorite subject in school?
I love languages, I finished the Spanish program in my high school early so I started up French as well! I have several of Chinese speaking students and am currently working on my Chinese with DuoLingo, boy is that hard…

What sport would you play in the Olympics? I would compete in Squash, which will officially become an Olympic sport in 2028!

Olive, calico cat and Dewey, beagle

Dogs or cats?
Both. I have a beagle named Dewey and a calico named Olive.

Go to the beach, or go to the mountains?
Sorry to dodge the question again, but both! I have a lot of family in Colorado and I love hiking there. When I go to the beach though I love just completely letting go and basking in the sun. If I’m in a good spot for it, I do love to go snorkeling.

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Come see Rob play on stage, and meet him along with the rest of the orchestra at Symphonic Soundtrack this March 15th and 16th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

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Meet the MSO: Don Grishaw, violin

Meet the MSO: Don Grishaw, violin

We’re bringing the stage to you! We asked Don Grishaw, violinist for the MSO and MSYO Concert Orchestra conductor, a few questions about his experience with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra thus far, what he’s looking forward to and more about himself: from his secret talent to his own ‘theme music’. Read on and learn more about your Modesto Symphony Orchestra!

MSO: Tell us about yourself, and how you came to play with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra?

Don Grishaw (circled), violinist, circa 1990s.

I auditioned for the Modesto Symphony when I arrived in Turlock in 1982. The conductor at that time was Sandor Salgo. I have been a member of the violin section ever since. I also conduct the Concert Orchestra division of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra. I am a retired public-school educator. I taught Music and Spanish at the secondary level and bilingual education classes at the elementary level. I am married to my beautiful wife, Angelica, and I have two grown children, Elizabeth and Andrew. We are all musicians.

Don (center), pictured with (left-to-right) daughter-in-law Paige & son, Andrew; wife, Angelica; and daughter, Elizabeth

MSO: What is your favorite memory playing with the MSO so far?

I have many favorite memories of playing with the Modesto Symphony, but I think my favorite memory is when my son Andrew Grishaw performed as a viola soloist with the symphony in 2019. He played the Violet Viola Concerto composed and conducted by David Lockington. It was heartwarming to hear my son play so passionately and to be on stage with him.

MSO: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the 2023/2024 season?

I enjoy every concert. I enjoy performing new pieces and I enjoy performing pieces that I have played many times before. This season I am most looking forward to performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in May. This work amazes me more and more every time I perform it! Beethoven truly speaks to us through music in this great masterpiece.

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Get to know don!

If you weren’t a conductor/musician, what would you want to be?
I have been an educator all my life, so I would choose teaching.

What instrument(s) do you play? Violin, viola, and piano

What would be the theme music to your life? “Gema” sung by Los Dandys.  It is a beautiful love song in Spanish that my wife and I call “our song”.

What are you binge-watching right now? I like crime dramas. S.W.A.T. is my favorite.

Do you have a secret talent? Horses. In my younger days, I worked at a horse pack station in the Sierras guiding summer pack trips.

If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future?
I would go back in time so I could relive the days of the Old West.

Go to the beach, or go to the mountains?
Hard choice, but I would pick the mountains. I love the smell of the mountains and the scenery is always gorgeous.

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Come see Don play on stage, and meet him along with the rest of the orchestra at Symphonic Soundtrack this March 15th and 16th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

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Discovering Dawson's Masterpiece: The Negro Folk Symphony

about the composer

Discovering Dawson’s Masterpiece: The Negro Folk Symphony

William L. Dawson, composer

Born on September 26, 1899, in Anniston, Alabama, William Levi Dawson emerged as a prominent composer, conductor, and educator, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the 20th century. Among his notable works, the Negro Folk Symphony stands as a testament to his artistry and commitment to celebrating Black American musical traditions.

Dawson’s journey in music began at an early age, and he quickly became a skilled trombonist. As a teenager, he ran away from home to pursue a musical education at the Tuskegee Institute, now known as the Tuskegee University. After graduating with honors in 1921, Dawson went on to pursue a Bachelors of Music from Horner Institute of Fine Arts, and a Masters Degree in Composition from the American Conservatory of Music. Dawson’s exposure to the rich heritage of Black American folk music during this time laid the foundation for what would become one of his most celebrated compositions.

After completing his studies, he was given tenure from the Tuskegee Institute, where he conducted the 100-member choir in several nationally recognized broadcasts and performances, including performances at the White House and Constitution Hall. Dawson also went on an international tour with the Tuskegee Choir to the British Isles, Europe, and the Soviet Union under the sponsorship of President Franklin. D. Roosevelt. Beyond his many achievements and honors, Dawson’s symphony is what gave him the most notoriety in the sphere of musical arts.

Composed in 1934, Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony is a groundbreaking work that masterfully blends classical forms with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Black American folk music. Dawson drew inspiration from spirituals, work songs, and other traditional tunes, infusing the symphony with a unique cultural resonance. In a 1932 interview, Dawson said: “I’ve tried not to imitate Beethoven or Brahms, Franck or Ravel…the finest compliment that could be paid to my symphony when it has its premiere that it unmistakably is not the work of a white man.”  

Negro Folk Symphony had its world premiere on November 14, 1934 by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, under direction of Leopold Stokowski, at Carnegie Hall. It was an instant, but fleeting success at first before falling into obscurity until 18 years later. After a several-week tour in West Africa in 1952, Dawson was inspired to revise his symphony and integrate the unique rhythms and musical experiences from his trip. This revised symphony is what is commonly heard today.

The Negro Folk Symphony not only showcases Dawson's compositional prowess but also serves as a significant cultural statement. It is a shining example of the excellence of Black American musicians and composers, once lost to time, getting the recognition that they deserve in the modern orchestral sphere.  .  In a time when racial inequality and discrimination were pervasive, Dawson's work highlighted the beauty and strength inherent in Black American musical heritage. This symphony has endured as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, continuing to be performed and celebrated by orchestras around the world.

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Listen to Dawson’s Legacy Live!

Come hear William Dawson’s Symphony No. 3 this February 9th & 10th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

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Learn more about Dawson (Reference):

• Biography. Alabama Music Hall of Fame. (n.d.). https://www.alamhof.org/williamldawson

• Brown, G. K. (n.d.). Negro folk symphony. BSO. 
  https://www.bso.org/works/negro-folk-symphony 

• Schwartz, E. (n.d.). Negro Folk Symphony, William Dawson. LA Phil. https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/pieces/6227/negro-folk-symphony 

• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, January 5). William L. Dawson (composer). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_L._Dawson_(composer) 

Read / Growing Together with Music

Growing Together with Music

by Nicholas Hersh

Nicholas Hersh & Pitman High School Orchestra

The 21st-century symphony orchestra should have two fundamental missions: presenting musical experiences for the community at the highest possible artistic caliber, and providing opportunities in music education for as many children as possible. The most cynical amongst us might say we're simply preparing the next generation of music lovers to come to the symphony! Of course, anyone who has taken music lessons, or been in a school or after-school musical ensemble, knows that there’s so much more to the experience than simply “how to music.”

Music educators teach a myriad of skills, like cooperation (“open your ears and play together!”), critical thinking (“who has the important line here?”), problem solving (“try this fingering!”), attention to detail (“don’t rush the eighth notes!”), and discipline (“practice!!!”). And there is nothing so satisfying for a student as mastering a piece of music and performing it in front of gathered friends and family.

Nicholas Hersh & Johansen High School Band

My own years in school orchestra and youth orchestra were formative for my life and career, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the symphonic experience that led me to become a conductor. It’s a core tenet of my vision for the MSO to continue to invest in music education, and to expand its reach as far as possible.

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The Future in Action: Interview with MSYO’s Rylan Post

The Future in Action: Interview with MSYO’s Rylan Post

The MSO is proud to announce that Rylan Post, concertmaster of the MSYO Symphony Orchestra, has been appointed the concertmaster of the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra. He will be the fourth concertmaster appointed in the orchestra’s 21-year history, and the youngest at 15 years old. Conductor and Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra founder, Les Mardsen, announced the appointment in early December 2023, emphasizing Rylan’s artistic maturity, technique, and tone quality. We were able to meet with Rylan and go over his musical past, present, and goals for the future.

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MSO: Firstly, we want to talk about you and your musical journey, your time with the MSYO, and any significant influences and inspirations shaping your passion for music?

Rylan Post: I am 15 years old and a junior at El Capitan High School, and was born and raised in Merced. I started taking violin lessons at the age of 3. I’ve also been playing the alto saxophone since I was 9 and am currently playing in both marching band and jazz band at my school.

In 2018 when I was 10 years old, I joined the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, in which I am currently concertmaster. I had already joined the Merced Union High School District orchestra a year before, despite being too young, and was looking for a group that challenged me while staying within my age group. That was when my violin teacher at the time, Caitlin Hunsuck Serpa, informed me of MSYO, which both of her brothers had participated in when they were younger. I enjoyed the opportunity so much that it was worth the drive from Merced every Wednesday.

Rylan Post (pictured, front row, second violin from the left) and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2018.

Being honest, I must accredit most of my achievements in music to Ms. Caitlin, as she’s my biggest musical inspiration and musical mentor to this day. She not only taught me everything I know as a violinist, but also instilled in me a deep love for music and those who play it.  

MSO: Being named concertmaster is an amazing achievement! Could you please tell us more about your history with the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), and how you became concertmaster?

RP: Last May, MYSO’s conductor Les Marsden reached out and asked me if I was interested in the role of acting concertmaster while the current concertmaster was out of state for work. I felt intimidated to be faced with a “real” orchestra at first, but I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I accepted the invitation. When the concertmaster’s move became permanent, I was offered the chance to make my role permanent. I feel very privileged to play alongside the talented, experienced members who I respect and learn so much from.

MSO: What are the differences you’ve experienced between performing with your high school orchestras & bands, Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra?

RP: Over my 12 years of being a part of the music community and the performing arts, I have played alongside many different groups and interacted with many different types of people. That’s my favorite part of my musical variety. Across my school programs, my district orchestra, MSYO, and MYSO, I’ve been challenged in multiple ways and have needed to adapt to different situations and people in order to make the best music possible.

For example, my school programs tend to perform simpler music than my orchestral groups, but are much more competitive due to the nature of band reviews and CMEA competitions. I would consider MYSO my greatest challenge, as we not only play very difficult music, but it is also a group of mostly adults, which adds to the pressure of being concertmaster. Nonetheless, across all of my groups there is a level of respect and camaraderie maintained that is unlike any other.

MSO: Now that you’ve performed in all various ensembles and solo, which do you prefer?

RP: I consider myself a very extroverted person and I like to do things with others in general, so naturally I prefer to play in ensembles than in solo. Since I was little I’ve always been fascinated by the way instruments harmonize with one another, despite differences in appearance, pitch, or method of playing. Seeing a piece come together after weeks of hard work is so satisfying to me, and MSYO has given me that satisfaction countless times over the years. Being able to share this joy with the students and musicians around me is a priceless feeling.

MSO: What have you enjoyed about your experience with the MSYO and what do you look forward to this upcoming season?

RP: I’ve grown up not only as a musician, but as a person as well over the years I’ve been in MSYO. The memories, experiences, and friendships we’ve built here at MSYO are something so unique and precious, and I’m sure I’ll cherish them as long as I play music. As my senior year creeps closer and closer, I’d just like to focus on enjoying every moment, every song, and every concert.

This upcoming concert, I’m so excited to finally be able to perform under the direction of MSO Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray. Lastly, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the parents, music educators, and MSO/MSYO staff for supporting our musical journey. I can’t wait to share our beautiful selections with those who love the music as much as we do.

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See rylan and the msyo perform!

Come watch the MSYO perform Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky this February 10th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

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Get to Know MSO's New Music Director Nicholas Hersh!

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Get to know Nicholas Hersh!

We are so excited for Nicholas Hersh’s to join our Modesto community, and we can’t wait for you to meet him. We asked him to share a bit about himself from what instrument he plays to his favorite pizza topping. Keep reading to learn more about Nicholas!

If you weren’t a conductor/musician, what would you want to be?

Probably an astronomer—I’m fascinated by space and celestial bodies!

Star Wars or Star Trek? Lifelong Star Wars nerd, reporting in

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What instrument do you play?

Cello.

What was the first concert you went to? The first I really remember is The Magic Flute at the Chicago Lyric Opera when I was about 6 or 7.

Besides music, what was your favorite subject in school?
My high school had a fantastic curriculum called Chem-Phys, where you took Chemistry and Physics jointly. I wasn’t great with the Chem, but absolutely loved the Phys!

Dogs or cats?
Love them all, but seeing as I have two cats at home...

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Describe yourself in three words. Curious. Creative. Committed.

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A post shared by Nicholas Hersh (@nicholashersh)

Do you have a secret talent?
Not too secret (see Instagram), but I make sourdough bread.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
Cheese, cheese and more cheese!

What would be the theme music to your life?
John Williams’ “Adventures on Earth” from E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial

Go to the beach, or go to the mountains?
First one, then the other! But I just went skiing for the first time, and I LOVED it.

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Nicholas on joining the MSOA:

“I am beyond thrilled that my first music directorship will be in such a vibrant, music-loving city as Modesto. There was a certain electricity in the Gallo Center when the MSO musicians and I collaborated last year, shared not only onstage but with the audience as well; together we’ll grow that energy, creating bespoke artistic experiences for the entire Modesto community and cementing the role of music education for all ages as a driver of social good.

Orchestral music has endured, and I believe symphonies will continue to serve as a vehicle for great music. You have gathered onstage a group of virtuoso musicians working together toward a unified musical vision, and an audience gathered in the house to take it in. It’s a bit of an odd ritual—this mysterious congregation! But it’s the sense of community the orchestra creates, with every musician and concertgoer participating, that gives an orchestra concert its staying power: when the lights go down and the sound of some eighty acoustic instruments envelops you and those around you...well, there are few words to describe that sensation.”

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Plan Your Picnic-Perfect Evening!

Plan Your Picnic-Perfect Evening!

Whether you’re a seasoned Picnic veteran, or this is your first time enjoying Picnic, we know a lot goes into planning your picnic-perfect evening. The MSO has put together a Picnic Planner to ensure that you have an unforgettable night with us!

1. pack for success!

• Bring a comfy blanket, or low sand chairs to sit and enjoy the show (seats lower than 9”, and backs must be lower than 32” from the ground)

• Water, don’t forget to hydrate!

• A cooler for your non-alcoholic beverages, your favorite snacks, or picnic meal.

2. Skip the Line!

We will have an Express Bag Check for anyone with a clear bag or no bags.

3. leave these at home.

• No outside alcohol please!

• Video and audio recording equipment.

• Grills, cooking devices, or anything with an open flame.

• Pets (Service animals are welcome).

• Please, no fireworks, noisemakers, or items that may disturb the peace.

4. Save a tank of gas!

• Worried about finding parking? We highly encourage you to use a RideApp service (like Uber or Lyft), especially if you plan to enjoy our wine offerings at Picnic.

• There is a designated pickup and drop-off spot for services located in the GREEN Premier Parking Lot 4. Use address 100 Administration Circle and follow the signs to the right for RideApps drop-off and pick-up.

5. pack a picnic!

• Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics, as simple or complex as they like, to Picnic at the Pops!

• Don’t want to worry about the hassle? We got you covered! Pre-order a picnic dinner from The Village Butcher to have ready on-site for you to enjoy.

6. Add-on to your Picnic Fun!

• Wine generously donated by the E. & J. Gallo Winery will be available to purchase on-site. 100% of wine sales proceeds benefit the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. For the full wine & beverage list, click here.

• Purchase delicious food from the Sinaloense Food Truck and dessert from Yogurt Mill’s Froyo Truck.

• Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra will be selling Glow Products to help you light up your night. 100% of proceeds go towards MSYO scholarships. (Glow product sales are cash only.)

7. Where can you buy tickets?

If you want to get your tickets today, visit in-person or call the Gallo Center for the Arts at 209-338-2100. Tickets are also now available to purchase from our ticket outlets below:

• Modesto Symphony Orchestra Office:
  911 Thirteenth Street, Modesto, 95354
  Monday – Friday
  10 am to 4:30 pm

• The Village Butcher:
  1700 McHenry Ave #65, Modesto, CA 95350
  Tuesday – Friday: 10 am to 7 pm
  Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
  www.thevillagebutcher209.com

• Carnegie Arts Center:
  250 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380
  Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  www.carnegieartsturlock.org

Groups of 10 or more can save 20% off General Lawn Seating tickets! Call the Gallo Center ticket office at 209-338-2100 for more information.

We hope this quick guideline helps you out and we can’t wait to see you all this September!

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Light up the night with the mso!

Come watch Capathia Jenkins and Darryl J. Williams, conducted by Ryan Murray, perform Aretha: A Tribute alongside the Modesto Symphony Orchestra this September 9th at the E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds!

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Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin, 1968

Aretha Franklin (born March 25, 1942, died August 16, 2018) was an American singer who was a pioneer of music, and defined the golden age of soul in the 1960s. Her mother was a gospel singer, and her father was a minister, allowing Aretha to perform gospel programs around the country as a young teenager. At age 18, she began recording secular music. While stunningly taleneted, she intially struggled to reach audiences until her 1967 single “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)” became her first million-seller. Success continued to follow with her albums "Aretha Arrives" (1967) and "Soul '69" (1969), to name a few. She was a highly awarded artist: receiving a Hollywood Star in 1979, being the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, a Kennedy Center Honor in 1994, a National Medal of Arts in 1999, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Aretha was a dedicated activist, using her platform to promote civil and women's rights, often covering payroll for activist groups, and performing at various benefits. Aretha Franklin was a pioneer in music for Black women, an icon in soul music, and had a major impact on social justice. Her legacy has and will continue to impact the world of music and the arts.

In celebration for our Picnic theme this year and Aretha Franklin’s impact on music, the MSO has selected our top 5 Aretha Franklin songs:

Chain of Fools

Aretha Franklin’s soulful lyrics and the high rock tempo provide the perfect storm for this R&B classic about being unable to leave an unfaithful lover.

I say a Little Prayer

Already an iconic Dionne Warwick song, Aretha’s version is a transformative version that stands out as not only a classic for her music, but considered one of the top 500 songs of all time, according to Rolling Stones.

Respect

While the original song was written by Otis Redding, Aretha’s cover is a staple of music and pop culture. Her version revamps the original song into a strong declaration from a confident woman that she deserves respect from her man. Show some R ● E● S ● P ● E ● C ● T!

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

A legendary song from a legendary performer, which is the expression of finding someone who makes you feel like you can be yourself.

Think

Allegedly written about Franklin’s troubled marriage to Ted White, the song rapidly became a protest song for civil rights and women’s liberation movements, and is known today as a feminist anthem.

Listen to our picnic playlist!

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Listen to Aretha’s Legacy Live!

Come hear your favorite Aretha Franklin hits this September 9th at the E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds!

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Learn more about Aretha Franklin (Reference):

• A&E Networks Television. (2021, September 15). Aretha Franklin. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/musicians/aretha-franklin  

• Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023, July 12). Aretha Franklin. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aretha-Franklin

• Peterson, K. (2023, June 2). 17 best Aretha Franklin songs: The queen of soul’s greatest. Music In Minnesota. https://www.musicinminnesota.com/aretha-franklin-songs/

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Behind The Podium / The Force Is Strong With The MSO

Behind the Podium / The force is strong with the mso

This May 31st & June 1st, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra returns to a galaxy far, far away when we perform Star Wars: Return of the Jedi live to film!

Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray conducted many of the MSO’s film concerts, including last year’s Star Wars: The Empire A New Hope and in 2022, Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. This year, he will be leading 84 musicians in perfect time as Star Wars: Return of the Jedi plays on a 26’ x 16’ screen (the equivalent of 36 60” TVs!). An impressive feat that is a result of only 5 total hours of rehearsal time together!

Read on for an exclusive look behind the stage to see what goes into preparing for a unique concert like this with an interview with Ryan Murray we did last May 2023! 

MSO: How long does it take for you to prepare for a movie concert and is there any difference compared to preparing for a standard classics or other pops concerts?

Ryan Murray, conductor: It takes anywhere between four to six months to prepare for a movie concert and there are some major differences in how you prepare for these concerts compared to a standard classics or pops concert. The major difference in getting ready for one of these concerts is memorizing and internalizing the tempos of the original movie. Unlike in a traditional concert where the interpretation can vary from orchestra to orchestra and conductor to conductor, in the movie concerts you must play exactly in time with the film! And while I have a special screen in front of me with something called punches and streamers on it to help me line up with the film, the orchestra does not have that information, so it’s my job to really know the score inside and out so that we can make sure everything lines up just right!

Conductor Ryan Murray at the podium, with screen that provides film information in real-time.

MSO: Could you explain the how you use the screen in front of you to help line the orchestra up with what is on the big screen?
RM: Sure, while I’m conducting I have a click track and a special screen in front of me that I use to line everything up with the film. The orchestra does not have that information, so it is really the conductor’s job to make sure that all the tempos line up exactly with the film. Once the movie starts there is no margin for error, and we all must work very hard to make everything match! It is actually a very fun challenge and keeps you on your toes as a conductor!

MSO: Now that you've done a couple Star Wars in Concert performances, what did you learn from that experience and were there any surprises or challenges that come to mind?

RM: I think that the most interesting thing about performing the Star Wars movies in concert is how much freedom you have as a conductor. The score is written in such a symphonic way that you have the room to be slightly flexible with each performance- each performance is unique and exciting! Obviously, there are key moments where you have to make sure everything lines up exactly, but there are other places where you can let the orchestra be a little bit free and that makes for a really incredible musical experience.

MSO: John Williams’ scores are so iconic and each film he works on is distinctive, even when included in a franchise like Star Wars. Are there any differences to the overall musical tone for this movie, The Empire Strikes Back compared to A New Hope?

RM: There are a lot of similarities in the soundtrack including the overall size of the orchestra, the way the music is scored and the iconic opening credits music, but there is a little bit of a darker tone to this movie. The music is a bit more introspective, and I think emotionally a little bit deeper as well. We get introduced to some new characters in this film including Yoda, and the wonderful music that makes up Yoda’s theme. We also see a great character development arch happening with the main players from the first film and the music reflects that beautifully.

MSO: So, who is your favorite character from the franchise and what is your favorite theme to listen to and which is your favorite to conduct?

RM: It would be hard to pick a favorite character from the franchise, probably Yoda or Darth Vader –  talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! They both have such great music!

I really enjoy conducting the opening theme – that classic Star Wars melody. The opening ten minutes of every Star Wars movie features the entire orchestra and some really challenging music– it’s always a lot of fun! I always enjoy listening to the Imperial March – there is such intensity to that music – and such great brass writing!

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The Force is Strong with the MSO

Come join Ryan Murray & the MSO on a trip to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi in Concert this May 31 & June 1 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

This article was updated May 20, 2024.

The MSO Chorus Makes a Classics Comeback!

Chorus chat with Daniel Afonso / May 12 & 13: Mozart Requiem

The MSO Chorus Makes a Classics Comeback

Since returning to in-person rehearsals and concerts last season, the MSO Chorus has been steadily working on returning to its full power. We’ve enjoyed their performances at our Holiday Pops! and Holiday Candlelight Concerts, but this May will mark the first time they’ve performed in a Classics Series concert since 2019.

We chatted with chorus director, Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. to gain more insight into our beloved chorus and their return to stage with Mozart’s Requiem.

MSO: Can you give our audiences a brief background of Mozart’s Requiem?

Daniel Afonso, chorus director: Mozart’s Requiem is certainly one of the composer’s best known works—and there are certainly plenty of reasons for it. The music itself is beautiful and full of expressive elements that have made the work very popular for centuries, but the Requiem has also been shrouded in mystery and the subject of folk tales and much gossip. Everything started with Mozart receiving a commission from a mysterious Viennese patron to write a Requiem for his wife—the patron wanted to remain anonymous, sent a messenger to talk to Mozart. To complicate things further, the composer died (at age 35!) while working on this music and before being able to complete the full work. Although we now know much more about the origins of the Requiem, these “tales” and conflicting stories about the work continue to feed audiences and performers with some extra “drama” that adds to the work’s overall appeal.

Another element that contributed to Mozart’s Requiem popularity was the highly fictionalized movie about the composer’s life that came out in 1984, Milos Forman’s Amadeus. It was while watching the movie that I learned about the Requiem and fell in love with it. Later, in 2012, I had one of the highlights of my music career when I had the privilege of conducting the CSUS Chamber Singers and members of the MSO Chorus in a performance of Requiem at Lincoln Center, in New York City.

MSO: There are many iconic sections to the Requiem, like the “Dies irae” and the “Lacrimosa.” What about these sections of the Mozart Requiem do you think audiences will find most exciting to hear or see performed live?

DA: Yes, these two movements do have the most recognizable music of this entire work. And I believe this is due to Mozart’s ability to write music that perfectly depicts the character and meaning of the text. These two movements are part of a larger section of the Requiem called “Sequence” that describes the “judgment day.” The Dies irae begins this section and the Lacrimosa ends it. In the Dies irae, the words describe judgment day as a “day of wrath” when the world will “dissolve in ashes.” And in the Lacrimosa, the words depict a “tearful day” when “the guilty man will rise from the ashes to be judged.” These are powerful and colorful images that Mozart expertly matches to equally powerful and ingenuously constructed musical ideas. The result is music that is both beautiful and expressive, full of different colors and musical elements that at the same time intrigue and fascinate the listener.

MSO: You’ve been the MSO chorus director since its foundation in 2001, what has it been like working with a diverse group of singers for over 20 years?

DA: I absolutely love working with the MSO Chorus! And the diversity in the group’s membership is one of the most interesting aspects of the work to me. We have singers of all levels of ability and musical experience in the group. We have experienced choral singers and some who have music degrees (music teachers, music ministers, etc.). We also have many singers who don’t read music and some who had never been part of a choir before. The power of collective singing comes exactly from that: different people working together with a common goal, helping each other to overcome any challenges and difficulties during the process. And every time the chorus performs, we are reminded of the importance of working together as a cohesive community, and how music can be a powerful tool to bring people together. Now, add to that learning and performing some of the most exciting music ever written for choir and orchestra, and you have the full picture of how wonderful my job is!

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Hear Mozart Live

Join the MSO Chorus as they perform Mozart Requiem live this May 12 & 13, 2023 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!