The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and Music Director Kayoko Dan launch the organization’s 22-23 Season and the beginning of their 90th Anniversary on Thursday. This season, the CSO is thrilled to return to a robust program of symphonic concerts, and educational and community events. This season features a new program - Evenings with Ismael, a unique institution-wide project focused on the music of Bessie Smith, and the return of opera to Chattanooga.
Here are just a few of the programs (and reviews) the CSO is presenting this season:
Opening Night
French Impressions
Thursday
The CSO opens its 90th season with a mesmerizing performance of Ravel's masterpiece Boléro and his dynamic Alborada del gracioso. British composer Anna Clyne rounds out an exciting program that also features the unique Poulenc Concerto in D minor for Two Pianos and Orchestra.
New Family Concert Series
Programs for families featuring Ferdinand the Bull and Peter and the Wolf
CSO musicians are joined on stage by Playful Evolving Monsters as they bring stories to life. More than just music, this hour-long show is sure to captivate even the youngest audience members. Be sure to arrive early for crafts, and the instrument petting zoo. As part of the Read 20 initiative, all families in attendance will leave with a free book. CSO Family Concerts are free to attend, reserve a ticket today at ChattanoogaSymphony.org.
Evenings with Ismael
Oct. 7, March 10, 2023, April 14, 2023
Chattanooga Symphony Assistant Conductor and CSOYO Music Director Ismael Sandoval presents a series of intimate pre-dinner Evenings with Ismael at ArtsBuild, seeking to entertain, enlighten and inform.
Bessie Smith: Orchestrating the Blues
Feb. 27, 2023
Honoring the legacy of Blues legend Bessie Smith, who stood up for herself, her love, and her people when the voices were few: the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, CSO Youth Orchestras, and a multitude of community choral groups team up to celebrate the Empress of the Blues on our annual Side-by-Side Concert.
In this historic performance, the CSO and CSOYO will perform full orchestral arrangements of Bessie's music, commissioned by the CSO as part of the Bessie Smith: Orchestrating the Blues project. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a powerful performance highlighting the soulful voice, relatable music, and vibrant career of Bessie Smith.
Opera Extravaganza
March 18, 2023
Opera makes a comeback in Chattanooga. Laura Brooks Rice, the artistic advisor for the CSO Opera, and conductor Pierre Vallet (making his Chattanooga debut) have curated a fantastic evening of Opera favorites, sure to delight and entertain opera lovers of all ages. From classic works like Puccini’s Nessun Dorma to musical theater favorites, this evening will mark the long-awaited return of opera excellence to our wonderful city.