The Lakeside Symphony and Chorus is an integral part of the vibrant cultural and artistic landscape of the Lakeside community. Together, we offer transformative musical experiences that inspire audiences and cultivate artistic excellence across generations.
The Lakeside Symphony is renowned for its dynamic performances, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary works that resonate with diverse audiences. Comprised of skilled musicians from across the region, the symphony presents a season of concerts that celebrate the richness of orchestral music while fostering an appreciation for the arts.
Complementing the symphony, the Lakeside Chorus brings together passionate professional and volunteer singers dedicated to choral excellence. Performing everything from sacred masterworks to modern compositions, the chorus enriches the community with its powerful and emotive sound. Through collaborations with the symphony and other artistic groups, the chorus provides an unparalleled choral experience.
And, the Lakeside Performing Arts Academy is a vibrant educational program offering high-quality music and arts instruction for all ages. With expert faculty, engaging workshops, and performance opportunities, the academy nurtures creativity and excellence, enriching the community through dynamic arts education and cultural enrichment.
REQUIEM ART: Still Life with Bouquet and Skull (1642). Adrian van Utrecht
MESSIAH ART: The Nativity (1872). William Bell Scott
ELIJAH ART: Elijah the Prophet (1931). Nicholas Raerich
SPRING ART: The Embarkation for Cythera (1717). Jean-Antoine Watteau
Photo credit: Jayden Li
Welcome to a Season of Music and Inspiration
We are delighted to welcome you to a breathtaking season of music, where some of the greatest masterpieces ever composed will come to life. For our third season, we celebrate the depth, beauty, and transformative power of choral and orchestral music with a repertoire that spans the sacred, the triumphant, and the profoundly expressive.
We begin with Fauré’s Requiem, a luminous and tender work that offers comfort and peace. Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate radiates pure joy, while his Symphony No. 40 captivates with its stormy intensity and elegant lyricism. The warmth and depth of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 will transport listeners through its waves of passion and reflection.
Handel’s Messiah remains a cornerstone of choral music, its soaring Hallelujah Chorus a moment of pure exultation. Mendelssohn’s Elijah brings biblical drama to life, blending grandeur and heartfelt expression. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 dazzles with its graceful melodies and virtuosic brilliance. Finally, Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons bursts forth with vibrant energy, painting nature’s renewal in music.
Each performance is an invitation to experience the profound emotions that music can evoke—joy, serenity, triumph, and introspection. Whether you are a devoted classical music enthusiast or a newcomer, this season promises to inspire and uplift. We are honored to share this extraordinary musical journey with you. Let us come together in the spirit of harmony and celebration!
Photo credit: Erick Palafox
Requiem
September 23, 2025, 4 pm
Fauré | Requiem
Mozart | Exultate, Jubilate
Mozart | Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
Cheryl Cain, soprano
Julio Ferrari, baritone
Lakeside Symphony & Chorus
Don Scott Carpenter, conductor
Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, composed between 1887 and 1890, is one of the most beloved settings of the Requiem Mass. Unlike the dramatic and fearsome settings by composers like Verdi or Mozart, Fauré’s version is known for its gentle, serene, and comforting nature. He described it as a “lullaby of death,” emphasizing rest and peace rather than judgment. The Requiem omits the Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) except for a brief section in the Libera Me, reinforcing its meditative tone. Highlights include the ethereal Pie Jesu, often performed as a soprano solo, and the transcendent In Paradisum, which closes the work with a vision of heavenly peace. The orchestration is lush but restrained, featuring a prominent use of strings, harp, and organ.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Exsultate, Jubilate, K. 165, is a virtuosic motet for soprano and orchestra, composed in 1773 when he was just 16 years old. Written for the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini, the piece is a radiant expression of joy and praise. Its three movements culminate in the famous Alleluia, a dazzling and exuberant vocal showcase. The motet is characterized by elegant melodies, lively rhythms, and brilliant ornamentation, making it a favorite among sopranos and audiences alike.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, is one of his most recognizable symphonies. Composed in 1788, it is one of only two symphonies Mozart wrote in a minor key, reflecting a deep emotional intensity. The opening theme, with its restless and melancholic quality, is instantly recognizable. The symphony is marked by its dramatic contrasts, lyrical beauty, and masterful orchestration, making it a cornerstone of the Classical symphonic repertoire.
Messiah
December 14, 2025, 4 pm
Handel | Messiah
Part I (Christmas Portion)
Plus music from parts II and III
Macy Mullins, soprano
Kyle Tingzon, countertenor
Alexander John Perkins, tenor
Corby York, bass
Lakeside Symphony & Chorus
Don Scott Carpenter, conductor
George Frideric Handel’s Messiah (HMV 56) is one of the most celebrated choral works of all time. Structured in three parts, it tells the story of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection through a series of biblical texts, primarily from the Old Testament. Part I, often associated with Advent and Christmas, focuses on prophecy and the birth of Christ.
Part I begins with the instrumental Sinfony, setting a solemn yet expectant tone. This is followed by the tenor aria Comfort Ye, My People, a lyrical passage that introduces the central theme of redemption. The famous Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted follows, with its bright melismatic runs reflecting the imagery of valleys rising and hills being made low. The chorus And the Glory of the Lord is a jubilant proclamation of divine majesty, a hallmark of Handel’s energetic choral writing. Other highlights include For Unto Us a Child Is Born, a joyful depiction of Christ’s birth, and Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion, a virtuosic soprano aria celebrating the coming of the Messiah.
Though Part I focuses on Christ’s birth, later sections of Messiah contain some of its most famous movements. The Trumpet Shall Sound, from Part III, is a triumphant bass aria proclaiming the resurrection of the dead. The interplay between the voice and solo trumpet creates a regal, celebratory effect. The Hallelujah chorus, closing Part II, is the most iconic movement, with its powerful declaration of Christ’s triumph over death. The final chorus, Worthy Is the Lamb, concludes the oratorio with a majestic affirmation of divine glory, building to a grand Amen fugue.
Handel’s Messiah remains a masterpiece of dramatic storytelling and musical brilliance, beloved by audiences and choirs worldwide.
Elijah
March 1, 2026, 4 pm
Mendelssohn | Elijah
Mary-Hollis Hundley, soprano
Leandra Ramm, alto
Elliott James-Ginn Encarnacion, tenor
Andrew Thomas Pardini, bass-baritone
Lakeside Symphony & Chorus
Don Scott Carpenter, conductor
Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Op. 70, is one of the greatest oratorios of the 19th century, often compared to Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s The Creation. Premiered in 1846 at the Birmingham Festival, Elijah showcases Mendelssohn’s mastery of choral writing, dramatic intensity, and lyrical beauty. The work, sung in English, recounts key episodes from the life of the prophet Elijah as described in the Hebrew scriptures, particularly from 1st Kings.
The oratorio opens with the commanding proclamation As God the Lord of Israel Liveth, where Elijah (sung by a baritone) declares a drought upon Israel as divine punishment. The Overture sets a dark and ominous mood, leading into the dramatic chorus Help, Lord!, which expresses the people’s desperation. One of the most striking sections is Baal, We Cry to Thee, where the priests of Baal frantically call upon their god to no avail. This is followed by Elijah’s triumphant Is Not His Word Like a Fire?, showcasing the prophet’s unwavering faith.
Another highlight is the lyrical He Watching Over Israel, a comforting chorus that demonstrates Mendelssohn’s gift for flowing, expressive melodies. The tender soprano aria Hear Ye, Israel serves as a moment of introspection, reinforcing the work’s spiritual depth. The oratorio reaches its dramatic climax with Elijah’s ascension into heaven, depicted with brilliant orchestration and choral grandeur. The final chorus, And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth, brings the work to an uplifting conclusion, echoing themes of faith, renewal, and divine justice.
Blending Baroque influences with Romantic expressiveness, Elijah remains a favorite among choral and orchestral ensembles, captivating audiences with its dramatic storytelling, rich harmonies, and powerful choral writing.
Spring April 19, 2026, 4 pm
Brahms | Symphony No. 3 in F Major
Mozart | Piano Concerto No 21 in C Major
Vivaldi | Spring from Four Seasons
Franz Zhao, piano
Gail Hernandez Rosa, violin
Lakeside Symphony
Don Scott Carpenter, conductor
Johannes Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90 in 1883, a work that balances passion and restraint. Often described as Brahms’ most personal symphony, it reflects his inner conflicts and deep sense of nostalgia. The symphony is filled with rich harmonies, lyrical themes, and intricate counterpoint, embodying Brahms’ mature orchestral style. The famous third movement, Poco Allegretto, is especially beloved for its melancholic beauty, often used in film and television. The entire symphony explores contrasts—between light and dark, triumph and reflection—making it a deeply expressive and moving experience for audiences.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 is one of his most famous and frequently performed works. Composed in 1785, it showcases Mozart’s unparalleled ability to blend virtuosic brilliance with effortless grace. The second movement, Andante, is particularly well-known, often referred to as the “Elvira Madigan” theme after its use in the 1967 Swedish film. The concerto features a lively interplay between the solo piano and the orchestra, with a bright, energetic first movement and a jubilant finale. It is a masterpiece of elegance, charm, and expressive depth.
Antonio Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons, Op. 8, RV. 269 is one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music. Composed in 1723, this violin concerto is part of a set depicting the changing seasons. Spring captures the rebirth of nature with bright, uplifting melodies and lively rhythms. The first movement, Allegro, paints a picture of birds chirping and brooks flowing, while the second movement, Largo, contrasts with a peaceful scene of a sleeping shepherd. The final movement, Allegro, brings back the joy of dancing nymphs and shepherds. This work epitomizes Baroque energy and vivid musical storytelling.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026, 7 PM
Welcome to the city’s newest hub for music education, where passion meets excellence! Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore your musical potential or an advanced musician looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. We have programs from elementary school students to retired seniors.
At the Lakeside Performing Arts Academy, our mission is to inspire and empower individuals of all ages through exceptional artistic education and performance opportunities.
We are committed to fostering creativity, excellence, and personal growth in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through comprehensive training in music, we strive to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts while enriching our community with meaningful artistic expression.
Piano, Voice, Guitar, Music Theory, and more
Support
Gifts in any amount ensure that the Lakeside Symphony and its Chorus and Arts Academy thrive. Your support allows first-class arts programming and education to remain on the west side of San Francisco for years to come. Please consider making a gift that is meaningful to you.
Sponsor
Season Lead Sponsor
$25,000 or more
Become the lead sponsor of the 2025-2026 concert season.
Season Sponsor
$15,000 or more
Become a sponsor of the 2025-2026 season.
Concert Lead Sponsor
$10,000 or more
Become the lead sponsor of a single concert of the 2025-2026 season.
Concert Sponsor
$5,000 or more
Become the lead sponsor of a single concert of the 2025-2026 season.
Sponsor a Guest Artist
$2,500 or more
Sponsor a guest instrumental or vocal soloist.
Support an Orchestra Chair or Choral Section Leader
$1,500 or more
Have a favorite instrument or voice type? Support one or more of our leaders in their roles.
LakesideSymphony.org/sponsor
Photo credit: Jayden Li
Concert Tickets
STAGE
Single Tickets | One Concert
$12-$35 recommended
Subscription Tickets | Four Concerts
$40-$128 recommended
Pay What You Can at Lakeside Symphony & Chorus
At Lakeside Symphony & Chorus, we believe music should be accessible to all. Our Pay What You Can model ensures that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, can experience the beauty of live symphonic and choral performances. Your contribution—whether large or small—helps sustain our mission and supports the musicians, production, and future concerts. Those who can give more help make it possible for others to attend. This approach fosters a welcoming and inclusive community where great music is for everyone. Join us, give what you can, and share in the transformative power of music.
