For close to four decades, the Santa Fe Symphony & Chorus has been a cultural treasure of the City Different. Made up of world-class orchestral and choral musicians and complemented by award-winning guest artists from around the world, the concerts presented are made up of the very best classical music from all eras, for all ages. The 39th season of the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus kicks off on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.
September 11, 2022: A Thousand Nights
This year’s first offering is conducted by multi-Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnn Faletta. This spectacular concert opens at 4 p.m. with the vibrant and energetic D’un matin de printemps by notable French composer Lili Boulanger. Violin virtuoso Nikki Chooi then takes center stage with the symphony for Ernest Chausson’s lush and evocative Poéme for Violin and Orchestra, and Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane for Violin and Orchestra. The evening closes with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s brilliant Scheherazade, based on the Middle Eastern folk tale One Thousand and One Nights.
October 9, 2022: Firebird
The season continues with principal conductor Maestro Guillermo Figueroa taking up the baton for Firebird. 2021 American Pianists Award-winner and Classical DeHaan Fellow Kenny Broberg brings his virtuoso skills to two different works: César Frank’s enchanting Symphonic Variations and Ernst von Dohnányi’s delightful and witty Variations on a Nursery Tune. The afternoon is rounded out by Igor Stravinsky’s magical Firebird Suite.
November 19 and 20, 2022: Messiah
Next up is George Frederic Handel’s glorious Messiah, conducted by Maestro Figueroa, and featuring the full symphony orchestra and chorus. Soprano Devon Guthrie, Mezzo-Soprano Daryl Freedman, Tenor Joshua Dennis, and Baritone Joseph Buetel figure prominently in the event.
December 11, 2022: Sounds of the Season
The Santa Fe tradition Sounds of the Season returns, under the direction of Maestro Figueroa, and is packed with winter favorites. The whole family will enjoy this concert, which also features the Santa Fe Youth Symphony, under the direction of Associate Artistic Director William Waag. Selections include Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, Jule Styne’s Christmas Waltz, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, and many more.
December 24, 2022: A Night at the Opera
The year is brought to a rousing finish with a show that is back by popular demand. In this annual collaboration with the Santa Fe Opera, the symphony tackles operatic favorites sung by the Santa Fe Opera’s 2022 apprentice singers. Internationally recognized as one of the finest programs of its type, the Apprentice Program for Singers gives voice to up-and-coming stars of tomorrow. Tickets for this popular performance sell out fast, so make sure to get your tickets early.
January 15, 2023: American Legacies
The new year begins with a program of all American favorites, kicking off with George Gershwin’s all-time favorite Lullaby for Strings. Then, guest performer Jon Boen – widely recognized as one of the most technically commanding performers of the horn – takes center stage for the world premiere of his fabulous arrangement of Jan Bach’s Concerto for Horn and Orchestra. The finale comes with William Grant Still’s Symphony No, 1 in A flat Major “Afro American,” a traditional symphony infused with blues progressions and rhythms.
February 19, 2023: Roméo et Juliette
Valentine’s Day is celebrated, alongside Maestro Figueroa’s 70th birthday, as he conducts the full orchestra and chorus, along with a hand-selected cast of renowned soloists: Mezzo-Soprano Rebecca Robinson, Tenor John Tiranno, and Baritone Adrian Smith. Come out and celebrate the season of love with the maestro!
March 26, 2023: Bartók Meets Beethoven
The year continues with a fusion of masterworks written by two of the most notable composers in classical music history. On the docket are Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, Sz 116, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, in A Major, op 92. Tickets for this event are also expected to go fast.
April 16, 2023: One Love, One Planet
The symphony teams up with WildEarth Guardians to present an event featuring Robert Frederick Smith Prize 2021 Sphinx Competition winner Samuel Abraham Vargas Teixeira performing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s charming nocturnal Violin Concerto in G Minor, op. 80. Also on the docket are Haydn’s Symphony No. 6 “Le Matin,” and Debussy’s La Mer.
May 7, 2023: Fate and Finale
The season comes to a close with a spectacular concert that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The program features Emilie Mayer’s Faust Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No, 5, and Elgar’s brilliant Cello Concerto in E Minor. Cello virtuoso Zlatomir Fung – XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medalist and the first American in four decades, and the youngest musician ever, to win first prize – takes center stage as the last guest artist of the season.
All concerts are performed at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $22 and are available at the website, or through the Symphony Box Office at 505-983-1414. For more information, visit the website.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
