York Symphony Orchestra Sets 2015-16 Season

York Symphony Orchestra announces their 2015-2016 Season, In Nature's Realm, a series of ten performances, which will include: a classical series, inspired by nature's beauty and power; two Pops performances, featuring music audiences will know and love; two family-focused presentations; and the first fully-staged opera in the history of York. Music Director and Conductor Lawrence Golan returns on the heels of a noteworthy inaugural season to lead the Orchestra in presenting a symphonic force of nature. Season subscriptions are on sale beginning Monday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m., and single tickets will be available beginning Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m.

"Our record-breaking first season together included numerous sold-out performances, and I personally wish to thank the York community for a genuine and kind-hearted welcome that made my family and me feel very much at home," said Lawrence Golan, York Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor. "For our second season, I invite you to join us as we travel into the eye of the storm, through the sounds of Birdland and beyond the water's edge."

Classical Series

In Nature's Realm
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
The classical series begins with Vivaldi's best-known work, which sets the stage for this season's musical journey through the wonders of our natural world. Music Director and Conductor Lawrence Golan joins the York Symphony Orchestra for the first time as a guest violinist for a special presentation of Vivaldi's "Autumn," and two vocal standouts take the stage to share the rapture and beauty of Mahler's "The Song of the Earth." Featuring a special visual presentation of real-time program notes.

A Stormy Night
Musical Depictions of Shakespeare's "The Tempest"
Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Shakespeare's magical storm, filled with mischief and intrigue, comes to life as the York Symphony Orchestra presents a series of compositions inspired by "The Tempest." This musical whirlwind will feature a special performance by master pianist Haochen Zhang, Gold Medal Winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The journey into the eye of the storm will also feature local Shakespeare actor Jack Hartman, presenting some of the most popular scenes from the tale filled with wizards, fairies and monsters.

Beethoven in Buenos Aires
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.

Beethoven's heartfelt ode to a day in the country collides with the passionate sounds of the Tango in this special performance. Two modern works by Piazzolla and Golijov present the sounds of the Argentine Tango. The musical representation of the seasons of Buenos Aires, both natural and cultural, will include a special appearance by David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, on violin. The evening concludes with Beethoven's "Pastorale," which will take the audience on a wistful journey through the European countryside. Real-time visual program notes will offer a guide through the performance.

Lullaby of Birdland
Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

From the heart-pounding overture of Rossini's "La Gazza Iadra" (The Thieving Magpie) to Stravinsky's iconic "Firebird Suite," this performance takes flight with pieces focused on nature's aviators. This must-see concert will also feature the Pennsylvania premier of Locklair's "Phoenix for Orchestra," a 2007 composition with strong brass, organ and percussion parts. The York Symphony Orchestra's own John Eaken, Concertmaster, will be showcased as violin soloist during Vaughan Williams' pastoral romance, "The Lark Ascending."

All Rivers Run to the Sea
The York Water Company's Bicentennial Celebration
Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
All rivers run to the sea in this water-inspired performance commemorating the 200th anniversary of The York Water Company. Take a musical journey down the Vltava River, from its source in the Bohemian Forest to the city of Prague, with Smetana's "The Moldau." Next, take a trip "On the Beautiful Blue Danube," one of the most widely recognized and beloved waltzes of all time. The concert will conclude with Vaughan Williams' epic Symphony No. 1 "A Sea Symphony" with a special performance by the York Symphony Chorus and outstanding guest soloists. Throughout the evening, a visual presentation, featuring real-time program notes, will guide the audience on their sojourn.

Pops Series

Holiday Pops Spectacular
Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand on Thanksgiving weekend! Kick off the holiday season with a special performance the whole family will love. This heartwarming holiday concert will feature the sounds of the season you know and love with an appearance by the York Symphony Chorus and a special all-star gospel choir.

The Piano Men:
Music of Billy Joel & Elton John, starring Jim Witter
Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Take a trip down memory lane with legendary '70s classics from Elton John and Billy Joel. Singer and pianist Jim Witter and his four-piece band will take the stage with the York Symphony Orchestra for performances of favorites, including "Piano Man," "Your Song," "Daniel" and more. Get ready to sing along with the songs you know and love in this ultimate tribute to the piano men who defined a decade.

Special Performance!

York's First Fully-Staged Opera!
Così Fan Tutte (Women are like that)
Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Mozart's comic masterpiece "Così fan tutte (Women are like that)" will come to life with all of the pageantry and glory of a fully-staged opera. The York Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the York Symphony Chorus and classically trained vocalists from the University of Denver's Lamont Opera Theatre for this special presentation, complete with professional opera sets, costumes and wigs, brought to York for this special one-night-only performance. The opera is underwritten by BonTon and the Grumbacher family.

Family Series

Saturday Morning Symphony
The Constellations
Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
The annual family-favorite returns with an out-of-this-world performance, featuring music, dance and performances the entire family will enjoy. Presented in partnership with DreamWrights Youth & Family Theatre and Greater York Dance, Peters' "The Constellations" highlights Greek myths to explore the stars around our solar system (represented by different instruments) and culminates with the beauty and wonder of the night sky showcasing the entire orchestra. Featuring the popular York Symphony Orchestra Instrument Petting Zoo.

Young Person's Concert
Gershwin's Magic Key
Wednesday, Nov. 4 & Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10:00 a.m.
This family-friendly performance will feature a special presentation by Classical Kids and will offer an educationally entertaining concert that magically weaves the music of one of the greatest American composers of all time into an engaging, dramatic performance for all ages.

"On behalf of the entire York Symphony Orchestra organization, we would like to welcome the community to the 2015-2016 season," said Golan. "Whether you are new to symphony performances or a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss this historic season right here in York."

A variety of flexible season subscription packages are available beginning Monday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased by calling 717-846-1111. Subscriptions are available beginning at $36 and $10 for students. New this year, guests have the option to select a "Build Your Own" subscription that allows them to mix and match five performances (Classical, Pops or the Opera) to create a custom season experience.

Single tickets, starting at $9 for adults and $5 for students, will be available beginning Saturday, Aug. 1 and will be available by calling 717-846-1111 or visiting www.yorksymphony.org.

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