About the Season

Our season opens with a work that we commissioned by American composer John Hennecken during the pandemic: Hennecken—Symphony for the Great Return is a work about the return to life with family, friends, and live concerts—something that I am thrilled to have us achieve after two and a half years. 

As part of The Great Return, our museum concerts are back in full swing, complete with our fun and engaging post-concert receptions where mingling amongst patrons and musicians brings joy to everyone who attends. This year’s Museum Concerts feature a performance titled Art of Influence as well as the continuation of our Beethoven Symphony Cycle. Beethoven’s Symphony No.8 will be juxtaposed with a virtually unknown symphony from one of Beethoven’s childhood friends, Anton Reicha, which will have its premiere performance here in Long-mont as a fully restored work after a 200 year wait! 

We are also looking forward to sharing the stage this year with two guest artists who were featured in our virtual series: cellist, Clancy Newman will be performing the epic Dvorak Cello Concerto, and clarinetist, Jason Schafer will be performing the jazz inspired Copland Clarinet Concerto. LSO will also be presenting one of the great modern concerti by an American composer: Michael Daugherty—Trail of Tears with flutist Brice Smith in a program performed during Native American Heritage Month. Later, Indianapolis International Violin Competition Gold Medal Winner, Judith Ingolfsson, joins us in Sibelius’ exceptionally demanding and captivating Violin Concerto. 

Expanding on what has become a local favorite, we have brought back our Portrait of a Composer performance with a portrait of Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. Sibelius, equally known for helping Finland develop its national identity during its struggle for independence from Russia as well as for the composer’s excessive drinking. This program will surely create an exciting “portrait” of his symphonic music that you won’t want to miss! 

The LSO’s holiday musical traditions have become highlights of the season for me. I am thrilled to be continuing our holiday collaboration with our friends at the Boulder Ballet for riveting performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker as well as our exceptionally moving sensory friendly “Gentle Nutcracker” for neurodiverse audience members. Capping off the holiday season, we have brought back Handel’s beloved oratorio, Messiah, to Longmont, and also have added the popular Messiah Sing-along to our holiday schedule! We will also have one of my informative Maestro Talks during the week prior to Handel’s Messiah. These are always a big hit, and enjoyed by all. 

Accompanying some of our performances, LSO is happy to be bringing back several House Concerts this season which will feature flutist, Brice Smith, violinist, Judith Ingolfsson, and our own LSO musicians in intimate settings where you can get to know. 

While each of our programs has a special place in my heart, perhaps the most gripping program of this season is our final masterwork of the season which tackles the important subject of mental health in advance of Mental Health Awareness Month. This program features Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathetique,’—premiered 9 days before the composer’s untimely death—paired with the thematically linked world premiere of Tyler Harrison’s Symphony No. 3. Commissioned by the Music & Moore Foundation, Harrison’s Symphony No. 3 The Garden of Tears, ends in hope. The composer writes: “The garden of life thrives on the tears that water it, but it is laughter that ultimately defines its’ beauty.” Powerful and transformative, this performance will stay with you. 

Join us for a season of moving, engaging and fun musical experiences as we use the music to strengthen the bonds that unite us.