Message 2024-25 CONCERT SEASON75The 75th Concert Season Presented by:
I hope you are well and full of excitement for the celebratory 75th Concert Season of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. As Music Director, I am thrilled to present and welcome you to this landmark anniversary. This season will be one to celebrate and to remember. Together, we will welcome world-renowned guest musicians to the stage, hear new and familiar compositions, and appreciate works by classical and contemporary composers.To begin, this is sadly my last season with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. I cannot express how immensely proud I am of the growth that the WSO board, staff, musicians, and myself have achieved together. A heartfelt thank you goes to you, our audience, for being on this journey with us. I look forward to celebrating my nal season as well as the milestone of the orchestra’s 75th anniversary with you! Your support of the orchestra and love of music has truly helped to keep symphonic music alive in Wyoming.Opening the 75th concert season is “Prelude,” our lively fundraising launch party on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the elegant M Building in Casper. After immersing ourselves in an evening of merriment, featuring delightful music, delectable cuisine, and the opportunity to connect with fellow lovers of symphonic art, we can ofcially embark on the 75th season. Your attendance and contributions support our talented musicians, bring world-class live orchestra concerts to the community, and keep the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra alive and thriving. This season, we will enjoy big, splashy performances with enthralling guest musicians and compositions of Haydn, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, and Wyoming composer, Anne Guzzo. A few special surprises are also in store for you, our concertgoers, donors, and supporters. Each concert will be a unique experience, full of excitement, celebration, and festivity as we commemorate 75 years of rich and euphoric classical music concerts in Central Wyoming. Although I will no longer be Music Director after this 75th season celebration, I remain a steadfast supporter of the orchestra and believe it's only at the beginning of its full potential and I will continue to help the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra in any way that I can. Yours sincerely, Christopher Dragon, Music DirectorWelcome to the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s 75th Concert Season…
All concerts begin at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7)and take place at Natrona County High School's John F. Welsh Auditorium, 930 S. Elm St., Casper, WY, except for Pops in the Park wich is performed at Washington Park, Casper, WY.Pops in the Park: Bond & BeyondAugust 24, 2024Featuring Morgan James, Soloist PreludeSeptember 19, 2024Featuring Host and Performer, Devin DeSantisWith Special Guests, The Four C-NotesCelebration Overture October 12, 2024 With Courtney Hershey Bress, harp MUSSORGSKY, GopakDAUGHTERTY, Harp of the Ages Concerto SAINT-SAËNS, Symphony No. 3 “Organ”Holiday Celebration December 7, 2024 With Jerry Hou, guest conductor Devin DeSantis, Soloist Concert in memory of Susie McMurryClassical SerenadeJanuary 18, 2025 With Pat Patton, guest conductorFeaturing the W inds and Strings of the WSO GRIEG, Holberg SuiteDVORAK, Serenade for WindsHAYDN, Symphony No. 45 “Farewell” Rhapsody 75April 5, 2025With Steven Lin, pianoFeaturing Anne Guzzo, composerSUPPE, Pique Dame OvertureGUZZO, World Premiere Concerto Commemorating 75th SeasonRACHMANINOV, Piano Concerto No. 3Epic HorizonsMay 3, 2025With Aubree Oliverson, violinBEETHOVEN, Gratulations-Menuet, WoO 3TCHAIKOVSKY, Violin Concerto SIBELIUS, Symphony No. 5Concert Season Supported in part by:The 75th Concert Season Presented by:
Enjoy a night in the park, shaken not stirred. Immerse yourself in “Bond and Beyond” with captivating performances of James Bond theme songs by the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, with vocals by soloist, Morgan James. From Goldnger to Goldeneye (and more), enjoy a daringly good time with music from decades of Bond lms, featuring iconic songwriters like Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, and Adele.AT WASHINGTON PARKGATES OPEN 5:30 PM CONCERT STARTS AT 7:30 PMTICKETS: $15 INDIVIDUAL $50 FAMILY PASSPRESENTED BY:8.24.2024GUEST ARTIST SPONSORED BY:the Belcher Family
PreludePresenting “Prelude,” an evening of merriment, featuring toe-tapping live music, delectable cuisine, and more. Join the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and fellow music acionados for a memorable night with exciting entertainment, a live auction, and an unforgettable celebration that serves as both the Symphony’s 75th season launch party and a vital fundraiser to support the organization's mission to enrich Wyoming's cultural landscape. We will welcome back host and performer, Devin DeSantis along with special guests, The Four C-Notes (Devin also happens to be one of the four)! Plus, enjoy a special 75th season surprise by Backwards Distillery.9.19.2024AT THE "M" BUILDING234 E. 1ST ST., CASPER6:00 PM – 8:30 PMTICKETS: $150 EACHOR A DISCOUNTED RATE OF $125 FOR SEASON AND PICK 3 TICKET HOLDERS
With Courtney Hershey Bress, harpCelebration Overture is exactly that, a celebration! Enjoy a big and splashy program to open the 75th season with guest musician, Courtney Hershey Bress on the harp. The evening will open with Mussorgsky’s Gopak, a rhythmic and energetic Ukrainian folk dance. Guests will enjoy Daugherty’s Harp of the Ages, a concerto divided into seven movements, with each movement inspired by a memorable gure associated with the harp. Following the concerto will be Camille Saint-Saëns' captivating Organ Symphony, a powerful and uplifting nale.Special Thanks to Ann Becker and Janet Rodgers for sponsoring our opening concert.CelebrationOvertureGopakMUSSORGSKYHarp of the Ages Concerto DAUGHERTYSymphony No. 3 “Organ Symphony”SAINT-SAËNS10.12. 2024
12.7. 2024HolidayCelebrationWith Guest Conductor Jerry HouFeaturing Devin DeSantis, soloistArguably our most popular concert of the season, Holiday Celebration, will be unlike any other in honor of our 75th season and in memory of Susie McMurry, a true friend of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a festive evening with the WSO and friends for seasonal favorites to usher in the holiday season. We are thrilled to welcome back guest conductor Jerry Hou to lead us through a family-friendly evening featuring traditional Christmas classics and winter melodies that will ignite a holiday tradition for you and yours. SPONSORED BY:In memory ofSusie McMurry
With the Winds and Strings of the WSO Introducing a classical-inspired program that builds up the 75th season’s theme of romantic and contemporary pieces. Classical Serenade will separately feature the winds and strings of the WSO in the rst half, including a string quartet with Concertmaster, Megan Karls, violin; Jennifer DePaolo, violin; Gary DePaolo, viola; and Ernie Glock, bass. To round out the evening’s concert, the full orchestra will come together on stage in the second half to perform Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 “Farewell.” ClassicalSerenadeHolberg SuiteGRIEG Serenade for WindsDVORAKSymphony No. 45 “Farewell” with Guest Conductor Pat PattonHAYDN1.18. 2025
With Steven Lin, pianoFeaturing Anne Guzzo, composer Aptly named Rhapsody 75, this is the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s ofcial 75th anniversary concert! The evening will begin with Suppe’s Pique Dame Overture, which tells the story of the tribulations of young lovers and one’s fortune teller mother. The piece is widely known for its vivid, melodic overture. Then, we are thrilled to present the world premiere of Guzzo’s, a new orchestral work commissioned by the WSO to celebrate this momentous season. To end the anniversary concert, guests will hear Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, which is renowned for its technical demands and emotional depth. Steven Lin will join us to perform what is considered one of the most virtuosic and challenging piano concertos ever written.Pique Dame OvertureSUPPEWorld Premiere Concerto Commemorating 75th SeasonGUZZOPiano Concerto No. 3RACHMANINOV4. 5. 2025Rhapsody 75SPONSORED BY:and Ann Becker
With Aubree Oliverson, violinEpic Horizons will close out our 75th concert season and feature guest violinist, Aubree Oliverson. Joining the WSO to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, young American violinist, Oliverson, is proving to be one of the most compelling artists of her generation, distinguishing herself with clear, honest, and colorful performances, which have been described as “powerful… brimming with condence and joy” by the Miami New Times. Guests will enjoy a ashy concert utilizing our large orchestra full of reworks to end on a high note and close the season. EpicHorizonsGratulations-Menuet, WoO 3BEETHOVENViolin ConcertoTCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5SIBELIUS5.3. 2025
In a spirited effort to commemorate the 75th concert season, we have partnered with Backwards Distilling Company to create a unique liqueur. Bottled up in a moody, elegant bottle is a black currant bourbon ready to sip on ice or enjoy in a craft cocktail created by Backwards. You may purchase your bottle at Backwards Distilling Company. Available September 19, 2024.The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra has been stirring up something special with Backwards Distilling Company! ®
The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (WSO) began its journey in 1920, originally formed to provide quality music to the community. It was ofcially incorporated in 1948, marking the beginning of a treasured and enduring presence in Wyoming's cultural landscape. Through dedication and passion, it has grown into an established and notable institution, offering remarkable musical experiences.
Join Us in Celebrating Our 75th Anniversary! We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us and our community partners by attending various events, including Pops in the Park, Prelude, Pop-up concerts, a brunch crawl, and our 75th Anniversary Celebration in April.Support the WSO Your generous donations ensure the WSO continues to thrive for another 75 years. Please consider contributing extra this season to support our mission.Stay updated with event details and announcements on our website, newsletters, and social media.
Music is for Everyone!Through the education and outreach program, Music on the Move, the WSO offers opportunitiesfor Wyomingites of all walks of life to experience and participate in music. • WSO musicians perform for 4,000+ students in the community.• Guest artists offer masterclasses and workshops for students.• Music Director Christopher Dragon visits and rehearses K-12 student band & orchestra programs.• WSO musicians perform for folks with decreased access to concerts at:Music on the Move is the umbrella term for tailored programs such as:Children’s Program · Young Artist Competition · Seniors to the SymphonyMusicon the MOVEWhere music comes to you!Music on the move creates a strong network of musicians and music supporters that will sustain music and the arts in Wyoming for generations to come.Sponsored by: Dr. Mark & Caryn Dowell, the Natrona County Joint Powers Recreation Board, HF Sinclair, First Interstate Bank Foundation, the Wold Foundation & the Wyoming Arts CouncilAssisted Living Homes in Natrona CountyBanner HealthCentral Wyoming Hospice and TransitionsCasper Senior CenterTitle I Schools
SEASON TICKETSOctober, January, April & May Concerts Regular / Senior (65+) or StudentSection A - $177/$159Section B - $155/$141Section C - $126/$115Section D - $100/$93POPS IN THE PARKAugust 24, 2024Washington Park, 7:30 pm$15 - Individual$50 - Family PassFamily pass includes 2 adults and up to 3 kids under the age of 18. Children 10 and under are freePICK 3 PACKAGEPick any three concerts: October, December, January, April & May ConcertsRegular / Senior (65+) or StudentSection A - $133/$119Section B - $116/$105Section C - $95/$86Section D - $75/$70INDIVIDUAL/HOLIDAY TICKETSRegular/Senior (65+) or StudentSection A - $49/$44Section B - $43/$39Section C - $35/$32Section D - $28/$26Tickets are non-refundable. Unused tickets may be returned at least one working day before the performance as a tax deductible contribution. Programming is subject to change without notice. All performances begin at 7:30 pm.All performances except Pops in the Park and Prelude are held atJOHN F. WELSH AUDITORIUM, NATRONA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL.Ticket InformationFAMILY PASSConcert dress rehearsal only: Saturdays at 11 AM $45/Season, $10/ConcertFor more information, call the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra office at 307.266.1478WYOMINGSYMPHONY.ORG225 S. David Street, Ste. 1 | Casper, WY 82601PRELUDESeptember 19, 2024The "M," 234 E. 1st St., 7:30 pm$150 per person$125 when purchased as part of a Season Ticket or Pick 3 packageScan for ckets:SEATING CHARTAA ABBBCDCDCDDBALCONYFLOORDDABCCCABBADDDNatrona County High SchoolSTAGE
Wyoming Symphony Orchestra 307.266.1478WYOMINGSYMPHONY.ORG225 S. David Street, Ste. 1 | Casper, WY 82601