Christopher Wilkins conducts Beethoven’s towering Ninth Symphony with its famous finale, the “Ode to Joy.” Cleveland Institute of Music-trained composer and pianist Jerod-Tate leads his own work, Clans, drawing on the culture of his Chickasaw heritage. University of Akron’s Dr. LaDonna Blue Eye, citizen of the Choctaw Nation, narrates the story.
Join Akron Symphony Music Director Christopher Wilkins and Principal Keyboardist Bob Mollard as they talk about all things Organ Symphony in preparation for our upcoming Classics Concert!
Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony stars the king of instruments, and it packs a powerful punch. The work is part spiritual journey, part sonic theater. Perkinson’s Worship, an orchestral fantasy on the familiar hymn tune, Old 100th, moves between jazz, gospel, and classical styles. Brilliant, sumptuous, and transcendent, Respighi’s Church Windows takes its title from celebrated Italian stained-glass artwork.
A Night at the Races is the Akron Symphony's fall fundraising event! Join us as we bet on real horse races, enjoy a catered buffet dinner by Old Carolina BBQ, and see what's on tap at R.Shea Brewing! All funds raised at this event will benefit the Akron Symphony Orchestra's 2023-2024 activities, including concerts, educational […]
William Grant Still’s spirited and sophisticated "Festive Overture" exhibits traditional architecture, but exudes Hollywood style. It lies halfway between jazz and classical music. Dvořák’s warm-hearted, ecstatic, and deeply lyrical "Cello Concerto" is a showcase for both soloist and orchestra. The brooding intensity of Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony—his final work—wields an inexorable power over audiences.
Don’t Miss the Merriest Concert of the Year! Sing along to your favorite holiday tunes, enjoy dazzling musical performances, and create magical memories this season with the Akron Symphony and a very special guest all the way from the North Pole!
Arvo Pärt borrows from the sound of ancient chants to create a style of purity and austerity. Mozart’s 29th Symphony is among his earliest masterpieces: imaginative, unpredictable, balanced, and perfect. Jazz musician-composer-arranger Mary Lou Williams holds a unique place in the development of jazz, especially through the incorporation of classical music into her work. Akron’s EarthQuaker Devices soars to new heights in a sequel to 2022’s live ASO recording.
Concerts are free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.
Jonathon is in his fourth season as Choirmaster of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir, which serves as the inspirational voice of the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gospel Meets Symphony concert.
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of Northeast Ohio’s proudest and most enduring musical traditions—Gospel Meets Symphony!
Lohengrin’s Prelude paints a picture of the descent of the Holy Grail, “radiating fiery beams and shaking the soul with emotion,” in Wagner’s own words. No symphonies surpass those of Bruckner for sheer magnificence of sound. He called the Fourth his
“Romantic” Symphony, for its connection to the spirit of medieval legends. The melodies resound with echoes of Schubert, but the magisterial drama comes from Wagner.
Composer Clarice Assad and trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden introduce a work co-commissioned by the ASO, based on paintings by surrealist Gertrude Abercrombie. The evening takes inspiration from folk song and popular music, in Higdon’s "Reel Time" to American folk traditions at the heart of Montgomery’s "Strum." Tchaikovsky echoes of Mozart and Brahms in "Souvenir de Florence" but in his own deeply personal voice.