All-Star Orchestra

When he died in 1828 at age 31, Franz Schubert left behind an unfinished symphony that was discovered only years later. Musicians and the public were stunned by the beauty and profundity of this mysterious work, and its magic continues to enthrall. Also featured are the folkloric Rounds by David Diamond and the Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman by one of America’s great living composers, Joan Tower.

Hungary’s greatest composer Béla Bartók moved to New York during World War II, and he overcame serious health problems to create a musical masterpiece showing off all the instruments of the orchestra in unique and unforgettable style. His Concerto for Orchestra is truly one of the peaks of the 20th century repertoire. Also featured are Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D Major by Ottorino Respighi.

The splashy, colorful Symphonic Metamorphosis was composed for American audiences by the great Paul Hindemith after he fled Nazi Germany in 1940, and it has been a concert favorite ever since. Catchy themes are transformed by the orchestra into constantly changing shapes and colors. Also featured are the romantic masterpiece Les Preludes by Franz Liszt and Anton Webern’s Slow Movement.

The ultimate romantic pairing: a full symphony orchestra with a magnificent organ. French composer Camille Saint-Saëns created his “Organ Symphony” in 1886, and it has thrilled audiences worldwide ever since! The program opens with Mexican composer Carlos Chávez’ Sinfonía india from 1931 featuring authentic melodies of indigenous peoples and native percussion instruments of Aztec heritage.