Orchestra

This concert traces a musical journey across continents and cultures, beginning with Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s sparkling Upbeat! Written in 1998 by the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, this four-minute fanfare is witty, energetic, and brimming with optimism—a brilliant opening burst of sound. The program continues with George Gershwin’s Concerto in F, composed in 1925 at the height of the Jazz Age. Fully orchestrated by Gershwin himself, the concerto is a genre-blending masterpiece that fuses blues, jazz, and classical form. Its driving rhythms, bluesy lyricism, and Charleston flair capture the vitality of New York City in the Roaring Twenties. The evening concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s radiant Symphony No. 6 in D Major. Written in 1880, this work combines the grandeur of Germanic tradition with the lively rhythms of Czech folk dance. Joyful, lyrical, and brimming with national character, it brings the program to a triumphant close.   From New York to Bohemia is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

From pixel to podium, experience the thrill of video game music like never before with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra! Once considered novelty, video game scores have become a global sensation, celebrated for their sweeping melodies, immersive harmonies, and cinematic power. Video Games in Concert is an unforgettable multimedia event that combines live orchestral performance with synchronized video on the big screen. Beloved titles such as Halo, Skyrim, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid, and Castlevania come alive in a powerful blend of music and visuals, transporting audiences into the worlds they love. For gamers, it’s a chance to relive favorite adventures in a new way. For classical fans, it’s proof of the orchestra’s versatility and modern relevance. Above all, it’s a celebration of the power of play and the artistry of symphonic music. Don’t miss this unique night of sound, story, and imagination! Video Games in Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Spanning three centuries of orchestral brilliance, beginning with Henry Purcell’s Rondeau from Abdelazar. Composed in 1695, this elegant Baroque dance is built on a repeating bass line and noble rhythms. Its enduring charm made it famous when quoted by Britten in his Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Britten’s 1946 masterpiece follows, transforming Purcell’s theme into a dazzling set of variations that spotlight each orchestral family—strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Culminating in a grand fugue, the work is both a brilliant showpiece and an engaging introduction to the orchestra, full of color, wit, and unity. The concert concludes with Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, a work he labored over for more than a decade. From its dramatic opening to its radiant finale, complete with a chorale theme often compared to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, the symphony affirms Brahms’ mastery and emotional depth.   Orchestral Wonders is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.