The Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Inc. is thrilled to announce their 2021-2022 season. All performances take place at the Reilly Arts Center, located at 500 NE 9th Street in Ocala. The season kicks off November 20, 2021 with an opening weekend of concerts. The OSO will open the season with the full orchestra, expanded facilities and an exciting repertoire complete with world-renowned guest artists, multi-media performances, timeless masterpieces, and works by new composers.
For more information about season subscriptions, important dates and tickets for individual concerts visit reillyartscenter.com/symphony/orchestra/. Here you will also find information about the OSO Open Rehearsals for students and families and Coffee with the Conductor events. These events are free, open to the public and serve to give audiences a behind-the-scenes-look at how a concert comes together, learn more about the composers and music that you will hear during concerts and connect with the orchestra outside of a formal concert setting.
“There were some bright musical moments in the last year: rare live concert experiences here and there, the opportunity to connect with our audiences in new and innovative ways, and the time to reflect on each of our own individual reasons for making and appreciating music, says Matthew Wardell, music director and conductor of the OSO. “For me though, absence certainly did make the heart grow fonder. The time away confirmed my feeling that there is an innate importance to experiencing live music together. Whether the music is 200 years old, or still warm to the touch, it just feels plain good to experience it together. I know I speak for the entire orchestra when I say we dearly missed performing for our regular audiences.”
2021-2022 Ocala Symphony Orchestra Concert Season
Variations on Opening Night
Saturday, November 20 – 7:30pm & Sunday, November 21 – 3pm
Your full orchestra returns to the stage in epic fashion as we unveil the Reilly’s historic expansion and welcome a new season of great music. Pianist Jasmin Arakawa joins the OSO for Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and the variation theme continues with music from Ives and Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
Pops! Goes the Holidays
Saturday, December 4 – 7:30pm & Sunday, December 5 – 3pm
Back by popular demand, the OSO will bring Howard Blake’s score to the animated short film, The Snowman, to life, along with the film itself! You can expect sleigh rides and sing-alongs, and hopefully a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, too!
The Four Temperaments
Saturday, January 29 – 7:30pm & Sunday, January 30 – 3pm
Raymond Chobaz leads the orchestra through a psychological tour with Nielsen’s incredible Symphony No. 2 “The Four Temperaments.” A new work by award-winning composer Paul Richards and Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with special guest Kevin Sharpe will kick off the energetic program!
90 Years of John Williams
Saturday, February 19 – 7:30pm & Sunday February 20 – 3pm
Join the OSO in celebrating John Williams’ 90th birthday with a review of his extensive film catalogue including scores from Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Patriot, Superman, Memoirs of a Geisha, Indiana Jones, Jaws, and more.
The Unfinished
Saturday, March 19 – 7:30pm & Sunday, March 20 – 3pm
The winners of our Young Artist Competition take the stage with the OSO along with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade and Schubert’s incredible B minor symphony, The Unfinished.
21st Century Anthology
Saturday, April 9 – 7:30pm & Sunday, April 10 – 3pm
The OSO maestro is often asked, “What works written today will be played in 100 years?” This concert is his answer! Missy Mazzoli’s tribute to the city of Detroit, River Rouge Transfiguration, and Michael Daugherty’s piece in memory of his father, Reflections on the Mississippi for Tuba and Orchestra, will leave you in awe during the first half of the concert. For the finale, Mason Bates’ The Anthology of Fantastic Zoology will showcase every section of the orchestra as he musically illustrates the fantastical creatures of Jorge Luis Borges’ 1957 “Book of Imaginary Beings.” This music is unforgettable and an instant masterpiece of our time.
Special Events
Symphony Under the Lights
Presented by Jenkins Auto Group
Friday, December 3 – 7pm
Hot chocolate, family, friends, and festive music! What more could one ask for? The OSO and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony bring this joyful annual free concert to the community under the incredible oaks of Tuscawilla Park. Bring a blanket or chair! This concert is free and open to the public.
Bowie and Glass Return
Saturday, March 5 – 7:30pm
The return of one of the OSO’s favorite collaborations in the history of the OSO: The indelible music of David Bowie and composer Philip Glass. The OSO and the Voltron Collective team up to bring you Glass’ Symphony No. 4 Heroes juxtaposed with the Bowie songs that inspired it (and all of us!) Originally presented in spring of 2019, this has been our most requested repeat concert – don’t miss it!
Handel’s Messiah
Sunday, April 24 – 3pm
OSO’s wonderful choir master and conductor Joshua Mazur returns to lead the combined orchestra and choir through Handel’s Messiah and selections from Handel’s Water Music!
Check out more local entertainment like this at 352preview.com.
