Hartford Symphony Orchestra

We’re rolling out the red carpet for Opening Night! Two of the most famous works in the organ repertoire, Saint-Saëns’ massive Symphony No. 3 and Bach’s glorious Toccata and Fugue, will be played on The Bushnell’s historic, Hartford-made Austin pipe organ. Matched with the delicacy of the pipa – a Chinese lute – played by virtuoso Wu Man, recently named Musical America’s 2013 Instrumentalist of the Year.

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is paired with Piazzolla’s tango-inspired Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, featuring violinist Peter Winograd, son of HSO’s esteemed former music director Arthur Winograd.  Plus, hear the ballet score Fancy Free – the first work in the HSO’s season-long tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein.

Connecticut’s own violin sensation Sirena Huang returns with guest conductor Joel Smirnoff.  This festive program includes Vaughan Williams’ gorgeous setting of Greensleeves and Sibelius’ virtuosic Violin Concerto.

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the Hartford Stage Company will join during our respective 70th and 50th anniversary seasons to present a new concert staging of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, combining a theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s timeless story with Mendelssohn’s incidental music.

This romantic Valentine features several moving love stories told through music, including Richard Strauss’ comic opera, Rachmaninoff’s balletic interpretation, and Bernstein’s theatrical retelling of Romeo and Juliet.

Michael Lankester makes a triumphant return to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra to lead two pieces of expressive personality.  Lankester’s fellow Englishman Edward Elgar dedicated his Enigma Variations to “my friends pictured within” – and made each variation an affectionate portrayal.  This is followed by Bruckner’s grand, dramatic, and brassy Third Symphony.

Hear music inspired by faith in its full glory!  The HSO is joined by the Hartford Chorale and soloists to perform Bernstein’s setting of the moving biblical story of the prophet Jeremiah, along with Mozart’s final work, a Requiem Mass known for its melodic beauty and fiery evocations of the composer’s own mortality.

Edward Cumming conducts music that defined his signature style. Slavonic Dances catapulted Dvorák to fame – while Symphony No. 6 showcased his experimental technique. Brahms combined violin and cello for the solo portions of his final orchestral work to create a “super” instrument of sonority and range.

The 70th season finale is a not-to-be missed, blockbuster celebration!  Join the HSO as we perform musical selections both new and timeless, grand and intimate to highlight the versatility and power of the HSO’s musicians to unite our community through live performance.