STOCKTON, CA (September 9, 2024) – The Stockton Symphony announces its 2024/25 season, led by Music Director and Conductor Peter Jaffe. Subscriptions and subscription tickets for the season are on sale now.
“The Stockton Symphony is thrilled to announce its exhilarating lineup for the 2024/25 concert season, and we believe our patrons and subscribers will be just as excited to see what is in store for the upcoming season,” explained Scott Watkins, CEO of the Stockton Symphony. “We have combined well-loved classics, high-end pops, and a lineup of highly talented guest artists that will provide unforgettable musical experiences for all ages.”
CLASSICAL AND POPS SERIES
The 2024/25 season marks Peter Jaffe’s 30th year as the Stockton Symphony’s Music Director and Conductor, and he will lead the orchestra in five (5) classical and four (4) pops concerts.
“I’m going into my 30th year of this musical partnership with the incredible musicians at the Stockton Symphony,” said Peter Jaffe, Music Director and Conductor of the Stockton Symphony. “We are playing at a high artistic level, and I look forward to building upon that and sharing beautiful music with our audiences in the 2024/25 concert season.”
Featured Artists
The Stockton Symphony will welcome to the stage some of the most in-demand performers today, including Gabriele Martinez (piano), Cedric Berry (baritone), Ava Pakium (violin), Monica Danilov (mezzo-soprano), and Blake Hill (soprano). Many other incredible artists will grace the stage for the first time this season, including Chee-Yun (violin), Natalie Cordone (soprano), Shayna Steele (mezzo-soprano), Ana Vidovic (guitar), Omari Tau (dynamic narrator), and Chris Head (light show designer).
The 2024/25 season will also see the celebrated conductor Herb Smith, who will lead the Symphony in the Queens of Soul concert (February 16, 2025), in his first appearance in Stockton.
Several Stockton Symphony principal musicians will take center stage this season as featured performers in a concert entitled Tunes & Fables on March 16, 2025, including Principal Clarinet Sara Marsh, Principal Bassoon Daniel Shifren, Principal Trumpet John Freeman, Principal Trombone Esther Armendariz, Concertmaster Christina Mok, Principal Double Bass Patrick McCarthy, and Principal Percussion Tennison Watts.
Mahler Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection:”
Prepare to be transported to new heights of emotion and transcendence as the symphony performs one of Mahler’s greatest works on April 5, 2025. This epic masterpiece will match orchestral brilliance with beauty of the soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, whose voices will soar above the orchestra and choir, echoing themes of life, death, and eventual redemption.
Other Season Highlights
- Symphonic Dances from West Side Story:
The audience will be swept away by the pulsating rhythms and vibrant melodies that define this iconic work. The symphony will bring Bernstein’s dynamic score to life, capturing the essence of the streets of 1950s New York City with every note. From the fiery energy of the Mambo to the poignant beauty of “Somewhere”, this performance on September 21, 2024 promises to be a thrilling showcase of musical virtuosity and theatrical flair.
- Beethoven Symphony No. 5:
One of the greatest classical works ever written, audience members will experience a dramatic journey of fate and triumph encapsulated in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. From the unforgettable opening bars, with their resolute motif echoing through the ages, to the triumphant finale, the audience will be captivated with its raw power and emotional depth on November 17, 2024. - Steppin’ Out:
For over 25 years, the Steppin’ Out concerts have inspired hundreds of thousands of youth with educational programs exploring music’s building blocks. Now, for the first time, this children’s concert extends its magic to adult audiences on January 31, 2025. This concert performance promises both entertainment and educational insight. - Queens of Soul:
February 16, 2025 will be an evening featuring hits made famous by the reigning divas of Soul and R&B: Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys and Adele. Features three female singers (including leading vocalist, Sacramento native, and Broadway star, Shayna Steele) performing popular hits made famous by these powerful and soulful singers. - Star Wars Galaxy Blowout:
The audience will be transported to a galaxy far, far away as the music from the Star Wars movies is brought to life on May 10, 2025. From the triumphant “Main Theme” to the sinister “Imperial March,” music will be taken from the original trilogy, the sequels, the prequels, and even some spinoffs like the Mandalorian. Prepare to be immersed in the epic sounds of John Williams’ legendary scores. But that’s not all – this extraordinary event will also feature a light show, specially designed to enhance the experience. - Cherished Classics:
An incredible selection of popular symphonic works spans the entire season, including Marquez Danzon No. 2 and Lalo Symphonie espagnole (September 21, 2024), Grieg Piano Concerto and Frank’s Concertino cusqueño (November 17, 2024), Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez (March 16, 2025) - Traditional Favorites
The season will include two traditional favorites for the entire family. October 20, 2024 will bring Heroes and Villains to Stockton. The concert will include music such as Harry Potter, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and the Incredibles. The audience is encouraged to attend in costume. December 15, 2024 the audience will Celebrate the Season in a Holiday Pops concert featuring two incredible voices, a choir, and traditional holiday favorites.
For more information about the Stockton Symphony’s 2024/25 Season go to www.StocktonSymphony.org or call the Box Office at (209) 951-0196.
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About the Stockton Symphony
The Stockton Symphony, based in Stockton, California, is a prominent cultural institution renowned for its rich musical heritage and vibrant performances. Founded in 1926, the symphony has a long-standing tradition of bringing classical music to the community through its engaging concerts and educational outreach programs.
Led by esteemed conductors and featuring talented musicians from the region and beyond, the Stockton Symphony presents a diverse range of repertoire, spanning from beloved classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Their performances often showcase renowned guest artists, soloists, and composers, enriching the musical experience for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Beyond the concert hall, the Stockton Symphony is deeply committed to music education and outreach. Through initiatives such as youth concerts, school programs, and community partnerships, they strive to inspire the next generation of musicians and foster a greater appreciation for the arts throughout the Stockton area.
With a dedication to artistic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, the Stockton Symphony continues to serve as a cultural beacon, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike through the transformative power of music.
About Peter Jaffe
Peter Jaffe has been the dynamic music director of the Stockton Symphony since 1995, infusing his tenure with a blend of outreach, education, and exceptional musicianship. Recognized by esteemed organizations like the Association of California Symphony Orchestras and the Brubeck Institute, Mr. Jaffe has received numerous awards for his innovative educational programming and cultural contributions countywide. His engaging preview discussions, complete with symphonic renditions at the piano, coupled with advocacy efforts through radio broadcasts, television appearances, and web videos, underscore his dedication to promoting orchestral music and the Symphony.
With a fervor for introducing new repertoire alongside established masterworks, Mr. Jaffe has led the commissioning of numerous world premieres, including Avner Dorman’s “Uzu and Muzu from Kakaruzu,” earning national recognition for community engagement. A fruitful collaboration with the Brubeck family has yielded acclaimed compositions like Chris Brubeck’s “Time Out Suite” and “Mark Twain’s World,” further broadcasted nationally on NPR. Additionally, Mr. Jaffe’s conducting prowess extends beyond Stockton Symphony, encompassing appearances with notable orchestras like the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Stanford Symphony, among others. With a diverse instrumental background and a penchant for arrangement, Mr.
Jaffe’s contributions to the orchestral landscape are as multi-faceted as they are influential.