The Sonoma State Symphony Orchestra enters its 2023-2024 under the direction of Alexander Kahn. Four exciting concerts are planned throughout the year with special guest performers to include:
- SSU Brass Ensemble, Dan Norris, conductor
- Jason Whitney, soloist and 2023 Concerto Competition winner
- Young People's Chamber Orchestra
- Valley Vibes Youth Orchestra
- Santa Rosa Symphony Youth
- Charlie Whitaker, soloist and 2023 Concerto Competition winner
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Symphony Orchestra: Season Opener
Please join us for our opening concert of the 2023-24 concert season! The concert opens with a performance of Sibelius' Little Suite by the SSU Brass Ensemble, under the direction of Dan Norris. Next it's on to the Gordon Jacob Concerto for Horn and Strings, featuring soloist and 2023 Concerto Competition winner Jason Whitney. After the intermission we will proudly present Brahms Symphony No. 4, a towering achievement of late-Romantic symphonic writing.
Jean Sibelius, Little Suite (SSU Brass Ensemble, Dan Norris, conductor) Gordon Jacob, Concerto for Horn and Strings (Jason Whitney, soloist and 2023 Concerto Competition winner) Johannes Brahms,...View Event Details
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Symphony Orchestra: New Wine in Old Bottles – Side by Side with Young People's Chamber Orchestra
Handel, Overture to Agrippina (YPCO only) Márton Levente Horvath, Arcus for string orchestra (2019) (YPCO only) Ernest Bloch, Concerto Grosso no. 2 for string quartet and strings (collaboration) Michael Abels, Delights and Dances (2010) (collaboration) Stravinsky, Pulcinella Suite (SSU only)
Soloists Tammie Dyer, violin Anna Washburn, violin Aaron Westman, viola Alexa Haynes-Pilon on celloView Event Details
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Orchestra Conducting Workshop
January 16–18, 2024 Green Music Center Sonoma State University
Workshop Overview
This workshop, led by world-renowned conducting pedagogue Markand Thakar , focuses on developing essential physical control and building musical understanding. Participants will work with the Vintner's Chamber Orchestra - Sonoma County’s professional string orchestra - on the following repertoire:
Mozart, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (K. 525)
Elgar, Serenade for Strings
Holst, St. Paul Suite
All ensemble sessions will be captured on digital video, which Fellows are free to use without...View Event Details
Sunday, April 7, 2024
SSU Concerto Competition
How to Apply to the Concerto Competition
In consultation with your private teacher, please fill out the Concerto Competition Application Form and submit it to Dr. Kahn via email by Friday, March 1, 2024, at 5pm. Participants should provide 1 copy of the score (piano reduction acceptable) to Dr. Kahn along with their application form, in the form of a pdf attachment or a link to an online score.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Symphony Orchestra Season Finale: Perspectives on America
Student composition winner TBD Aaron Copland, Old American Songs (Charlie Whitaker, soloist and 2023 Concerto Competition winner) Aaron Copland, Appalachian Spring Suite Valerie Coleman, Umoja View Event Details