Bangor Symphony Orchestra Announces an Exciting 2024-25 Season
Bangor, Maine — The Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is pleased to announce their 2024-25 season, continuing its long-standing tradition of presenting world-class musical experiences to the Greater Bangor area. Under the artistic direction of GRAMMY award winning Music Director Lucas Richman, the upcoming season promises a wide array of performances blending classical masterpieces with innovative presentations, featuring renowned guest artists and exciting collaborations.
“We are excited to kick off our 129th season and bring these amazing programs to Bangor,” said Lucas Richman. “Some of these pieces have never been performed before in this area, and it’s a treat to be able to bring them to our City.”
Masterworks I: Jon Kimura Parker plays Beethoven
The season opens on September 22, 2024, with “Jon Kimura Parker plays Beethoven.” World-renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker, a distinguished professor from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5, “Emperor.” The concert will also feature Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 2 and Schumann’s Symphony No.3, Rhenish.
Masterworks II: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Lun Li
On November 17, 2024, rising star violinist Lun Li will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, an event made possible through a collaboration with Young Concert Artists, Inc., out of New York. During Lun Li’s visit, he will work with the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra, offering local young musicians an opportunity to work directly with a concertizing violinist. Opening the concert will be Berlioz’s Beatrice and Benedict Overture, and closing the concert will be the romantic Franck Symphony in D minor.
Masterworks III: Mozart’s Jupiter
January 26, 2025, will see GRAMMY award-winning electric-violist Martha Mooke in a groundbreaking performance featuring her piece “Invisible Hands” for 5-string electric viola and orchestra. The concert, themed around composers honoring composers, will also include Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Ibert’s Hommage à Mozart, and Mozart’s Symphony No.41, Jupiter.
Masterworks IV: Pride to Prejudice: Shostakovich 5
The fourth Masterworks concert on March 23, 2025 highlights the fifth symphony of Shostakovich and also presents a world premiere by Keith Fitch, winner of the Ellis Beauregard Foundation 2024 Composer award. This concert will also feature a unique “Side-by-Side” performance for the BSYO Philharmonic, fostering a direct connection between young musicians and professionals. “We are thrilled to be able to have our Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra perform onstage for our Masterworks series,” said Richman.
Masterworks V: Reverence: Brahms Requiem
In the BSO tradition of a grand finale, the fifth Masterworks concert on April 27, 2025, “Reverence: Brahms Requiem” features the powerful voices of soprano Aundi Marie Moore and baritone Isaac Bray, alongside the 100+ piece choruses made up of the UMaine Singers and Oratorio Society Chorus with Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem. The afternoon begins with Lucas Richman’s arrangement of Hildegard von Bingen’s O Filie Israhel, promising an unforgettable finale to the Masterworks series.
Special Events
Join the Bangor Symphony Orchestra as we present the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, with the Robinson Ballet and Bangor Area Youth Choirs at the Collins Center for the Arts on December 21 & 22 this winter. An annual event featuring a live symphony orchestra led by the BSO GRAMMY award winning Conductor Lucas Richman is not to be missed! You can purchase hot cocoa and warm cookies at the Miller Cafe, and be sure to visit our Nutcracker Store for your holiday shopping needs, just in time for the holidays.
And there’s a new experience coming to Bangor! On May 3 and 4, 2025, Star Wars fans can enjoy a one-of-a-kind event with: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. This unique show allows fans to watch the film while John Williams’ iconic musical score is performed live by the BSO in a truly memorable presentation.
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The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s oldest continually operating professional orchestra, dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Bangor, Maine, through exceptional live performances, music education, and community engagement. Join us as we continue to perform and celebrate the transformative power of music.
Subscriptions are now on sale through the Collins Center for the Arts Box Office, and include all five Masterworks Concerts plus add-on ticket options for Nutcracker and Star Wars. Nutcracker and Star Wars single tickets will go on sale July 16, 2024. Single tickets for Masterworks concerts will go on sale August 14, 2024. Visit bangorsymphony.org or call (207) 581-1755 to subscribe.
For more information about the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, please visit our website at bangorsymphony.org. Follow us on social media to join our vibrant community and engage with our musicians and fellow music enthusiasts.