Fort Collins Symphony Begins 100th Season with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”

The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS), led by Maestro Wes Kenney, invites audiences to join in the celebration of its 100th anniversary with the first of a blockbuster concert season at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center and via livestream.

The “Brilliant Beethoven” concert features Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9, “Ode to Joy.” According to Maestro Kenney, “Beethoven’s 9th is the first choral symphony featuring four soloists and chorus, singing Schiller’s homage to brotherhood, the Ode to Joy. This anthem of freedom and peace sets the stage for our celebration throughout the season.” The orchestra will be joined on-stage by vocalists Tiffany Blake, Nicole Asel, John Lindsey, Graham Anduri, and the Larimer Chorale, Michael Todd Krueger, Director.

The “Brilliant Beethoven” concert also includes William Grant Still’s shortest composition, the delightful Miniature Overture. Ottorino Respighi’s Ancient Airs & Dances No. 2 reflects the magic found in Baroque dances and music. The concert’s first half concludes with the Colorado premiere of Vince Oliver’s dynamic Las Vistas Doradas (Golden Views). This work received its world premiere this past June in Los Angeles at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with Maestro Kenney conducting.

Week-of-Concert Events:
Composer Talks: Join CSU professor Dr. K. Dawn Grapes for an entertaining and informative lecture about the upcoming featured composers. Hosted by the Friends of the Symphony. Light refreshments provided.

• Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
• Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Venue: Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
• Admission: Free

Open Rehearsal: Attend an open rehearsal to learn firsthand what it takes for an orchestra to bring live music to the stage.

• Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
• Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
• Admission: Free

Maestro’s Musings: Join Maestro Wes Kenney for a pre-concert lecture about the music to be performed.

• Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
• Time: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
• Admission: Included with ticket purchase

Single, season, bundled, student, and live-stream tickets are now on sale at LCTix.com or by calling the Lincoln Center Box Office at  970.221.6730.

The Fort Collins Symphony 2023-2024 Season is dedicated in memory of John E. Roberts. FCS Season sponsors are Arts Without End, City of Fort Collins Fort Fund, Colorado Creative Industries, National Endowment for the Arts, Dr. Ed Siegel, and Dr. Peter Springberg. “Brilliant Beethoven” sponsors are Bob and Diana Graziano and Gisela Hobman.

For more information, please contact Jeremy D. Cuebas, Marketing and Communications Director, at 970.482.4823 or via email at [email protected].