Main Concert Series:
- High Impact, October 19, 2019, 7:30 p.m. Chris Brubeck’s Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra; Dave Brubeck’s Unsquare Dance; Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. Guest artist: Grammy nominated composer and trombonist, Chris Brubeck.
- Bianco Natale, December 7 & 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. Favorite holiday music including special vocal arrangements of “Ave Maria,” “White Christmas,” and many more. Plus singalong carols, selections from The Nutcracker and Frozen, and other special treats. Guest artist: Internationally acclaimed tenor, Pasquale Esposito.
- Swept Away, February 15, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Smetana’s The Moldau, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Ravel’s Pavane and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Guest artist: Van Cliburn winner and internationally featured pianist, Jon Nakamatsu.
- The Planets, April 4, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole; Holst’s The Planets. Guest artist: South Korean violinist Ji in Yang, performing on her 1723 Petrus Guarnerius violin.
- Opera Meets Broadway, June 6 & 7, 2020, 7:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. Treats from the opera and Broadway, including The Barber of Seville, Carmen, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera. Guest artists: Shana Blake Hill, soprano and Roberto Perlas Gomez, baritone.
Special Community Outreach Concerts:
- Symphony al Fresco, September 5, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Enjoy blockbuster hits from the worlds of jazz, stage, and screen in the symphony’s annual free outdoor performance under the stars in the Steven Young Amphitheater, El Dorado Hills Town Center.
- Musical Engine, March 14, 2020, 11:00 a.m. Maestro Jaffe explores how catchy rhythms propel music forward, irresistibly! In one of the hottest tickets of the year, this educational and entertaining family concert with instrument “petting zoo” welcomes listeners of all ages to the Harris Center for a performance of musical adventure and imagination. Please note: This concert is not included with season subscription.
- Twilight Delight, May 2, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Returning by very popular demand, new listeners and friends of the symphony will enjoy upbeat selections from Broadway and the movies performed alongside themes of their favorite superheroes in this open-air free concert event at the Folsom Historic District Amphitheater. Plus, the Star Wars tradition continues!
2019-20 Meet the Artist Reception and Dinner Series
The Folsom Lake Symphony invites patrons to enjoy an exclusive reception and dinner with our guest artists on Thursday evenings before each of our five regular-season concerts.
These “Meet the Artist” events, held at the elegant Italianate estate of board member Marie Mitchell in El Dorado Hills, feature a musical recital in a small-group setting along with a gourmet dinner, fine wines and delectable desserts. You’ll meet Maestro Peter Jaffe, board members and other symphony patrons.
Reception schedule for the 2019-2020 season:
Oct. 17, 2019: Chris Brubeck, composer and bass trombonist: Grammy-nominated composer and trombonist Chris Brubeck is a multifaceted performer and creative force. He has created an impressive body of symphonic work for some of the world’s premiere artists and orchestras. His highly acclaimed Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra has been played by many of the world’s top bass trombonists and was recorded featuring him as soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Dec. 5, 2019: Pasquale Esposito, tenor: Pasquale Esposito is an internationally acclaimed tenor. Since his last appearance with our symphony, he has completed a 2nd PBS special, debuted with the San Francisco Opera, and just completed a North American concert tour. He is also currently working on a 3rd PBS special set to release in December 2019.
Feb. 13, 2020: Jon Nakamatsu, piano: Van Cliburn winner Jon Nakamatsu first performed with our symphony in 2017. He continues to draw unanimous praise as a true aristocrat of the keyboard, whose playing combines elegance, clarity, and electrifying power. He has performed widely in North and South America, Europe, and the Far East, collaborating with many internationally acclaimed conductors. Featured appearances include Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
April 2, 2020: Ji in Yang, violin: South Korean violinist Ji in Yang regularly appears with ensembles in the United States and all the major orchestras in Korea, including the KBS Symphony Orchestra, Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Ulsan Philharmonic Orchestra and collaborates with some of the world’s leading musicians. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Julliard School and graduated from Yale University with an Artist Diploma. Currently she’s pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at City University of New York. She plays a Petrus Guarnerius violin made in Venice in 1723.
June 4, 2020: Shana Blake Hill, soprano and Roberto Perlas Gomez, baritone: Soprano Shana Blake Hill is known for creating and premiering new roles and contemporary works, as well as bringing a thoughtful and modern perspective to the heroines of the standard repertoire. Critics have described her as a “fearless actress” and as “visually and vocally voluptuous.” She has sung principal roles with: the Los Angeles Opera, Savonlinna Festival Opera, Dayton Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Long Beach Opera, Santa Barbara Opera, and many others.
With over one hundred roles to his credit, baritone Roberto Perlas Gomez has performed extensively throughout the United States. He has performed leading roles with most of the regional companies in California as well as supporting roles with the Michigan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and San Francisco Opera. He solos frequently with the Verdi Chorus. In addition, he has performed internationally with the Shanghai Opera and at the Kennedy Center with the Philippine National Opera.
Visit our Guest Artists page to read a full biography of each of our 2019-20 guest artists.
Receptions begin at 6:00 p.m. Individual tickets are $95 (does not include concert tickets). Season series are $400 ($475 value). Tickets may be purchased by phone at 916-357-6718 or online. Seating is very limited, so purchase your tickets early.