artist spotlight

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.


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.


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 / 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!


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!