
25 SEASON / 24

25 SEASON / 24
“Both the quality of the individual musicians and their collective experience and musicianship as an orchestra are what drew me to the FSO in the first place; now I find it hard to believe that I have been at the artistic helm of this wonderful institution for 15 years. It has been an honor to provide our audience—subscribers, newcomers and the occasionally musically-curious alike—with the rich spectrum of orchestral music, from the great composers of the past up to those writing at this very moment. The orchestra and I set out to enhance the lives of thousands of people each year through our Masterworks Series, our holiday and pops concerts, and our education concerts.
As well as my 15th season, this is the orchestra’s 67th year of music-making, and you will hear what I hope is a heady mix of favorite symphonic pieces and guest artists that I have presented during my tenure, as well as the new and the striking.
Quite simply, we cannot do any of this without your constant and continued support and, on behalf of the entire FSO team, I thank you for believing in the beauty and critical value of classical music in our community and society, during the past, right now, and I hope far into the future.”
– Christopher Zimmerman, Music Director & ConductorSaturday, October 19 | 8PM
George Mason University’s Harris Theatre
Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor
Bernstein
“Candide” Overture
Elena Kats-Chernin
“Force Majeure” for piano and orchestra (U.S. Premiere)
– Lisa Moore, piano
Copland
Appalachian Spring
Bernstein
3 Dance Episodes from “On the Town”
The celebratory season begins with two dynamic compositions by Bernstein and Copland, masters of American music.
Experience the vibrant rhythms and spirited melodies that capture the essence of New York City through Bernstein’s ears while journeying through the expansive landscapes of America with Copland’s most famous score to Martha Graham’s iconic ballet. Lisa Moore joins the FSO in the U.S. premiere of a new concerto by the innovative composer Elena Kats-Chernin.
Moore’s playing is “Brilliant and searching... beautiful and impassioned... lustrous at the keyboard.”
— The New York Times
Saturday, November 23 | 8PM
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor
Quinn Mason
“She Dreams of Flying”
(Regional Premiere)
Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.4
– Jeremy Denk, piano
Rachmaninoff
Symphonic Dances
Experience the genius of Beethoven through one of his most lyrical and profound piano concertos, brought to life by the extraordinary pianist, Jeremy Denk.
Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances” is the composer’s final masterpiece and a testament to his lifelong dedication to music. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies to the thrilling rhythmic interplay, “Symphonic Dances” is a tour de force of orchestral writing that continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and brilliance.
Emerging composer Quinn Mason describes his newest composition as a tribute to persistence and inspiration, and the FSO is honored to give the regional premiere.
“An artist you want to hear no matter what he performs.” — The New York Times
This special performance is a co-presentation with the Center for the Arts at George Mason University.
Saturday, December 21 | 4PM
Sunday, December 22 | 4PM
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Christopher Zimmerman, FSO Music Director and Conductor
Andrea Cook, Fairfax Ballet Artistic Director
The Fairfax Symphony joins The Fairfax Ballet in a special collaboration to present the timeless holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. This unique production in the Washington metropolitan region features live musical accompaniment!
The Fairfax Ballet Company performs the magical dance to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score performed live by the Fairfax Symphony.
Enjoy a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, candy canes, sugar plum fairies, and epic battles between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice. It’s the perfect holiday treat for the entire family!
Saturday, February 8 | 8PM
George Mason University’s Harris Theatre
Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor
Maurice Jarre
“Dr. Zhivago” orchestral suite
Clarice Assad
“The Unstruck Heart”—“Anahata” (Regional Premiere)
– Boyd Meets Girl, guitar and cello
Mascagni
“Love and Loss” Intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana”
Puccini
“A Mother’s Love” Intermezzo from “Suor Angelica”
Mahler
“Love letter to Alma” Adagietto from Symphony no.5
Bizet
“Obsessive Love” Selections from “Carmen” Suites
“That’s Amore!” Engaging duo, Boyd Meets Girl, features two acclaimed soloists in their own right. Guitarist Rupert Boyd is described as “truly evocative” by The Washington Post and as “a player who deserves to be heard” by Classical Guitar Magazine. Cellist Laura Metcalf, who has also toured as a member of the popular chamber ensemble Eighth Blackbird, has been called “brilliant” by Gramophone. Together, they bring the regional premiere of GRAMMY-nominated composer Clarice Assad’s newest concerto, which she describes as a “musical reflection on the complex nature of love.”
Boyd Meets Girl is “beguiling... fascinating... enchanting.”
— Gramophone
Saturday, March 8 | 8PM
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor
Elgar’s deeply personal work gained iconic status through the legendary recordings of Jacqueline du Pré, whose story of the concerto was made famous in the 1998 Academy Award-nominated film Hilary and Jackie. GRAMMY-nominated cellist Sergey Antonov, renowned for his expressive playing and technical mastery, follows in this great tradition, capturing the concerto’s intricate blend of loss and hope.
Pictures at an Exhibition brings you on a musical tour through an art gallery, depicting various pieces by artist Viktor Hartmann, who was a personal friend of Mussorgsky. From the playful “Ballet of Unhatched Chicks” to the majestic “Great Gate of Kiev,” the FSO will bring these pictures to life in a program that will move and inspire you.
Dvořák
3 Slavonic Dances from Op.72
Elgar Cello Concerto
– Sergey Antonov, cello
Mussorgsky
Pictures at an Exhibition
“...big, vibrant tone, very warm and textured... technical perfection.”
— The Washington Post
Saturday, May 31 | 8PM
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor
Elgar
Introduction and Allegro for Strings
Leshnoff Concertante for Two Violins and Orchestra (East Coast Premiere)
– Chee-Yun and Kit Zimmerman, violin
Shostakovich Symphony No.10
The special anniversary season culminates in a heartfelt program that pays tribute to Maestro Zimmerman’s debut concert as Music Director with the FSO in 2009, where the Elgar and Shostakovich works were performed for the first time with the FSO. The evening opens with Elgar’s vibrant “Introduction and Allegro for Strings,” a masterful display of string virtuosity. Next you will hear the regional premiere of Jonathan Leshnoff’s “Concertante for Two Violins and Orchestra,” featuring violinist Chee-Yun, an FSO audience favorite, and Maestro Zimmerman’s son, Kit Zimmerman, a distinguished member of the 1st violin section of the storied Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Switzerland. The program concludes with Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 10.
Join us for this special tribute concert celebrating Maestro Zimmerman’s remarkable leadership and vision!
a Donation with Your Order!
Enjoy benefits reserved only for FSO donors including, complimentary parking, free beverages, and more! Less than 50% of the Orchestra’s operating expenses are covered through ticket sales. Support the music you love, while enjoying the benefits of giving! SERENADE CIRCLE
First notice of concert and program news
Exclusive Presales to secure your favorite seats
Acknowledgment in the concert playbills
Special offers and announcements
Lobby Bar Vouchers for a concert of your choice
Complimentary garage parking
Invitation to the FSO “Artists in Conversation” receptions
Receive all benefits from the Serenade, Sonata, and Rhapsody levels, plus the following:
Two free tickets to the concert of your choice
Lobby bar vouchers for all FSO concerts at GMU
Exclusive invitation to Conductor’s Circle reception
Opportunity to meet FSO musicians & guest artists
Private lunch with Maestro Chris Zimmerman
Prominent recognition as FSO Conductor’s Circle Benefactor
Private dinner with Maestro Chris Zimmerman
$1,500 - $2,499
- $4,999
or more
Thank you for your generous support of the Fairfax Symphony music and education programs.
Ways to Order!
Order online at www.FairfaxSymphony.org
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Call us at 703-563-1990 or email us at info@fairfaxsymphony.org
Visit our website to print your Order Form and mail to: Fairfax Symphony, PO Box 2019, Merrifield, VA 22116