Fall represents many things: the start of a new school year, changing foliage, cooler weather and—perhaps the most exciting—the opening of Folsom Lake Symphony’s thirteenth season, which officially begins October 22. Music Director and Maestro Peter Jaffe has planned a diverse and engaging repertoire for their “Lucky 13” season, including five seasonal concerts at the Harris Center and two free/low-cost community concerts (one of which was last month). “We have a dynamite season with different nationalities from around the world,” says Jaffe. “To see and hear all those hearts, minds and souls coming together—live at that moment—that’s synergy in action, and it just can’t be beat.”   

Rhythmic Heat

October 22, 2016, 7:30 p.m. 

With guest soloist, Sacramento pianist Natsuki Fukasawa, the orchestra astounds with renditions of Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, Ravel’s Piano Concerto, and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. An International Steinway Artist, Fukasawa has won rave reviews, as well as the honor of receiving the Danish Music Awards’ “Best Chamber Music Recording of the Year.” 

Holiday Cheer

December 3, 2016, 7:30 p.m.; December 4, 2 p.m.

The annual holiday concert features the American River College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers with Director Ralph Hughes. Heartwarming choruses with guest soloist, mezzo-soprano Alexandra Schenck include excerpts from Messiah, Chichester Psalms, The Nutcracker, Die Fledermaus, operas Carmen and The Barber of Seville, as well as traditional favorites and sing-along carols. 

Russian Romance

February 18, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a ravishing Russian evening with guest soloist, violinist Jessica Linnebach, and the eclectic music of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

It’s About Time! Family Concert

March 11, 2017, 11 a.m.

The Symphony’s low-cost family concert—geared toward youth and classical music newbies—is back this year, complete with an instrument “petting zoo” after the show. Hear the delights of Strauss’ Thunder and Lightning Polka and Voices of Spring Waltz, Prokofiev’s The Love of Three Oranges, Lalo Schifrin’s Mission Impossible theme and Tchaikovsky’s Tarantella from Capriccio Italien.

Organ Symphony

April 22, 2017, 7:30 p.m. 

Guest soloist, organist Elizabeth Forsyth leads this unusual, organ-focused symphonic evening with the following highlights: Handel’s Organ Concerto in B-flat major, Op. 4, No. 6; Saint-Saens’ Symphony No. 3, and Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture. 

Festa Italiana

June 3, 2017, 7:30 p.m.; June 4, 2 p.m.

For their concluding concert of the season, the Symphony brings the Italian amore with a Rossini overture, traditional Neapolitan songs and popular movie themes from Italian composers—featuring guest soloists, soprano Yelena Dyachek, lyric tenor Eric Margiore and tenor Bradley Wisk.

THE BOX OFFICE

Season Tickets 

$90-$265, depending on seating choice. Enjoy the entire 2016-2017 concert series at the Harris Center, for a 20-percent discount over individually priced tickets.

Individual Performance Tickets 

$26-$65, depending on seating choice. 

Purchase tickets online, in person at the Harris Center’s ticket office, or by calling 916-608-6888.

Article by Heather L. Becker // Photos by Dante Fontana. Harris Center photo courtesy of Harris Center. 

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