2022-2023 Concert Schedule
SATURDAY CLASSICS
The Saturday Classics concert series welcomes newcomers and established symphony enthusiasts alike. Held at the elegant yet inviting Bradley Symphony Center at 212 W Wisconsin Ave in Milwaukee, this concert series makes high-quality classical music accessible to all. Admission to Saturday Classics concerts is FREE with suggested donation.
Before the concerts, families can enjoy a Children’s Program Notes presentation by music educator Lynn Roginske beginning at 1:45pm in the Gallery. Then at 2:00pm, concertgoers will be inspired by masterpieces of renowned composers presented by the professional musicians of Festival City Symphony led by Music Director Carter Simmons. The recommended age for children to best enjoy this concert series is grade 2 and above.
Saturday Classics tickets will be available to reserve online in early August.
Price, Strauss, and Brahms: Listen to the Spirit
Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:00pm
Bradley Symphony Center
Festival City Symphony opens its classical season offering a glimpse into the genius of three of the finest composers to have ever lived. On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Bradley Symphony Center, FCS will present music by the first prominent and celebrated African American woman composer in her poetic piece, The Oak. Then, the audience will hear the depiction of an artist remembering the rich experiences of his life before ascending to heaven in Richard Strauss’ ravishing tone poem, Death and Transfiguration. The afternoon will conclude with Johannes Brahms’ First Symphony in a concert full of life, poignant memories, and passion.
- Florence Price – The Oak
- Richard Strauss – Death and Transfiguration
- Johannes Brahms – Symphony no. 1, op. 68 in C minor
Beethoven’s Debut: with Pianist Jeannie Yu
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00pm
Bradley Symphony Center
Concert pianist Jeannie Yu returns to perform Beethoven’s extraordinary Second Piano Concerto on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Bradley Symphony Center. Ms. Yu has enchanted audiences throughout the country and around the world, including her 2019 performance of Chopin’s First Piano Concerto with Festival City Symphony. Music Director Carter Simmons will lead a special afternoon performance of the piece Beethoven used to introduce himself to Vienna. The orchestra will also perform Beethoven’s powerful Coriolan Overture and his beloved Seventh Symphony, a piece that radiates joy and light.
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Coriolan Overture, op. 62
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Concerto no. 2, op. 19 in Bb
- Jeannie Yu, Piano
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony no. 7, op. 92 in A major
Grand Passions and Tales: The Music of Italy and France
Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00pm
Bradley Symphony Center
March in Milwaukee is about the time we could all use a trip to warmer places! On March 4, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Bradley Symphony Center, come take a musical tour of Italy and France led by Music Director Carter Simmons as Festival City Symphony performs beautiful music of the Italian masters Giuseppe Verdi and Pietro Mascagni, along with visions of four Fountains of Rome by Ottorino Respighi. The orchestra will close with French genius Georges Bizet’s lovely music to the play L’Arlesienne, which recounts a tumultuous love tale. Written just before his wonderful opera, Carmen, this music is treasured by all who hear it.
- Giuseppe Verdi – Ballabile from Act III “Otello”
- Pietro Mascagni – Intermezzo from “L’Amico Fritz”
- Ottorino Respighi – Fountains of Rome
- Georges Bizet – L’Arlésienne Suites no. 1 & 2
His Greatest Symphony: Music of the Ballet and Antonin Dvořák
Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 2:00pm
Bradley Symphony Center
On Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 2:00pm, Festival City Symphony and Music Director Carter Simmons will celebrate the end of the 2022-2023 classical season with Dvořák’s greatest symphony, his Seventh. The concert will open with a piece that is among the most beautiful music ever written, the Adagio from the Spartacus Suite, followed by another incandescent ballet score by French composer, Francis Poulenc. FCS invites you, your friends, and your family to experience this marvelous music in the glorious confines of the Bradley Symphony Center!
- Aram Khachaturian – Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia
- Francis Poulenc – Suite from “Les Biches”
- Antonin Dvořák – Symphony no. 7, op. 70 in D minor
PAJAMA JAMBOREES
This series of FREE, one-hour pops concerts held in the Bradley Pavilion of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St, is geared towards children and their families. Each concert has narration and music selections that are lively, tell a story, or demonstrate the colors of the orchestra. The programs often feature guest artists such as local dancers, costumed actors, and children’s performing groups. Sometimes audience members even get to conduct the orchestra!
Dress is casual, and there is both open floor seating in front of the orchestra and traditional seating in the rear of the hall. Pajamas, teddy bears, and blankets are welcome! Pajama Jamborees are best suited for children in K4 through fifth grade, but they are fun for young and not-so-young audience members alike!
Fiesta de Orquesta Para Niños: A Pajama Jamboree for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 7:00pm
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Festival City Symphony lifts up the beautiful and diverse Latin culture throughout our community with music inspired by Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Bring your family and friends for this lively concert of amazing music by great composers including Arturo Marquez, Leonard Bernstein, and Zequinha de Abreu, and don’t forget your PJs!
A Shining Star: Holiday Pajama Jamboree
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 7:00pm
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Bring your family, friends, and little ones to a fun holiday concert of music celebrating the festive season of light with holiday, Christmas, and Hanukkah music from throughout the centuries and from around the globe. The orchestra will perform Joy to the World, Frosty the Snowman, music from The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, and other holiday favorites. Festival City Symphony will get your whole family in the spirit of the season as we usher in the most festive time of the year!
A Springtime Galop: Spring Pajama Jamboree
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7:00pm
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Festival City Symphony will conclude its concert season with a rousing rendition of John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever featuring young audience members conducting the orchestra! The concert will also include performances of Lift Every Voice and Sing, uplifting favorites by John Williams, music from The Sound of Music, and the William Tell Overture. Bring your PJs and blankies and help FCS welcome springtime!
Contact us if you have questions about the concert schedule or need help ordering tickets for the Saturday Classics.