2026-2027 Concerts Series
The Program
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet
Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 7
Featuring Young Artist Competition Winner
“Love and Death” explores the range and intensity of human emotion. Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” captures the brooding tension, emotional conflict, and passion of the iconic love story. A testament to its timeless appeal, the works’ Love Theme has been used in modern day productions as varied as “The Jazz Singer”, “A Christmas Story,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Tapping into the other end of the emotional spectrum, Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 7” reflects the inner drama and the restless energy of the composer, who was grieving the death of his mother while writing this masterpiece. Completed in 1885, the music captures the struggle, longing and ultimate resilience of the time.
The PSO will also be joined by the 2027 Young Artist Competition winner, who will perform their winning concerto.
What Makes This Concert Special?
- This program explores the emotional extremes of love, grief, longing, and resilience. From the soaring passion of young romance to the restless intensity of personal loss, the concert reveals how composers transform deeply human experiences into music of extraordinary emotional power. At the same time, it celebrates the next generation of artistry through the appearance of the 2027 Young Artist Competition winner.
- Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy captures the tension between violence and tenderness at the center of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Dark, brooding themes collide with one of the greatest love themes ever written, a sweeping musical expression of longing and devotion that has remained deeply embedded in popular culture for generations.
- Written during a period of profound personal grief, — even including a footnote in the 2nd movement “For the sad years” — Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 channels struggle, mourning, and perseverance into music of remarkable intensity and emotional immediacy. Composed while grieving the death of both his mother and eldest child, the symphony moves between turbulence and hope, balancing restless energy with moments of warmth and lyricism. Its dramatic contrasts and sweeping orchestral writing make it one of Dvořák’s most powerful and deeply personal works.
What You'll Hear
Take a Closer Look
The Details
- The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including a 15 minute intermission.
- Join us at 1:45 PM for a pre-concert talk by Music Director John Page.
- We recommend arriving 30 minutes in advance to allow ample time for parking and finding a seat.
- Is this your first time joining us? Welcome! Visit our Before You Arrive page to learn more!
