MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org

For Immediate Release: December 12, 2024

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(Pictured from left to right: Ryan Murray, conductor; Modesto Symphony Orchestra)

Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film

Concert features selections from Fantasia (1940) and Fantasia 2000

February 7 & 8, 2025 – Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film
February 8, 2025 – The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra to perform Mozart, Greig, and more in Spring Concert.

MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents highlights from two of Disney’s most extraordinary and groundbreaking animated features, Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000 in concert live to film on February 7 and 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, scenes from each of the two iconic films will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections including Beethoven’s “The Pastoral Symphony,” Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours,” Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” and Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and more.

“Disney’s Fantasia in Concert is going to be great fun to share with our audience in Modesto, it’s just an unbelievable show,” says Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray. “It’s the greatest moments of classical music with the brilliance of Disney animation. There’s Beethoven’s Fifth & Sixth Symphonies, Stravinsky’s Firebird, Clair de Lune, Dance of the Hours, Carnival of the Animals, and of course The Sorcerer’s Apprentice! It’s challenging but exciting music for myself and the orchestra to take on.”

Released to great acclaim in 1940, Walt Disney’s Fantasia was his boldest experiment at the time and culminated in the creative visionary’s desire to blend animated imagery with classical music. The original film score was conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra, recorded in stereophonic sound, which was still an experimental medium at the time. What had begun as a vehicle to develop Mickey Mouse’s career with an animation short titled “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” went on to become a genuine cinema classic.

Walt’s dream in 1941 was to turn Fantasia into an ongoing event with new segments. This was finally realized in 1999 with Fantasia 2000, a spectacular follow-up spearheaded by Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney. The music from Fantasia 2000 was conducted by James Levine and performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film is presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ryan Murray and will be performed at Gallo Center for the Arts on February 7 & 8, 2025. For tickets and further information visit www.modestosymphony.org or call the Gallo Center Ticket Office at 209-331-2100.

This weekend also includes the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) with their Spring Concert on February 8, 2025 at 2 pm at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The MSYO is comprised of two orchestras with students grades 5 through 12 from schools throughout the Central Valley and is led by MSYO Music Director Elisha Wells and a deeply engaged leadership team. This concert will feature works by Mozart, Greig, and more. Learn more about the MSYO at ModestoSymphony.org/about-msyo.

Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film

Friday, February 7, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm

Ryan Murray, conductor

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia in Concert Live to Film. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Experience iconic moments and childhood favorites as you never have before!