The Valley Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 2021-22 concert season. After more than a year without full orchestra performances, the VSO will return to the McAllen Performing Arts Center for its 70th anniversary with a five-concert subscription series and other special events, all under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowksi.
It has been nearly two years since the entire orchestra has performed together – making this anniversary even more special. This has been the longest the ensemble has ever gone without performing since its founding in 1952.
“We know now that we cannot take any of this for granted,” said Maestro Peter Dabrowski. “And knowing this adds another layer of excitement and reverence to the music.”
The masterworks concert season begins on November 12 with the presentation of Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, also known as the “New World Symphony.” Dvořák wrote the work to herald the coming of a new era – a most appropriate selection for the beginning of this season. The piece is also known as the New World Symphony, and Dvořák wrote it to herald the coming of a new era, a most appropriate selection for the beginning of this season.
“Between this being our 70th year as an ensemble and it also being our return to live performances, the energy is high,” said Katy Coy, executive director. “We are so grateful that the community sustained us so well through last year and also that they are ready to come back out and safely enjoy one of the most beautiful evenings the RGV has to offer.”
The November 12 performance is the first of a five-concert masterworks series, which also includes other Valley favorites.
On December 10, the VSO will present the annual holiday tradition “A Touch of Frost,” with the return of the Symphony Chorale under the direction of Dr. Sean Taylor. The annual VSO holiday tradition will feature seasonal music from The Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, and more.
On February 25, “Dances of the Americas” will showcase dance music from across North and South America, featuring selections by Leonard Bernstein, Astor Piazzolla, and Richard Rodgers.
The March 25 concert will be a 70th anniversary celebration, as the VSO welcomes returning soloist Daniel Saenz, a lauded cellist who began his music career with the Symphony and now teaches and performs across the country.
Finally, the VSO will present the music of Star Wars in an April 29 season finale concert event. Music will also include the Hungarian March from “The Damnation of Faust” and Rahpsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Returning subscribers may renew their season tickets through August 25, 2021. New subscriptions are on sale and can be purchased online at www.valleyorchestra.org or by calling the VSO’s office at (956) 661-1615. Single tickets for all concerts will go on sale in early September. Patrons can receive the latest information and sign up for the VSO’s email list at valleyorchestra.org, or by calling the VSO office Monday – Friday, 12 noon – 5 pm.
For more information, visit their website at https://www.valleyorchestra.org/. Their website also includes links to last year’s virtual performances.
