Beethoven will open Shreveport Symphony Orchestra's Willis-Knighton Masterworks Series

Maggie Martin, Shreveport Times
The 2024 Season Preview for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra was held at East Ridge Country Club.
The 2024 Season Preview for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra was held at East Ridge Country Club.

Are Shreveport Symphony Orchestra fans wondering what they will be tapping their feet to, applauding for or holding their breath to hear in concerts at the SSO Season 76 Willis-Knighton Masterworks Series?

Wonder no more.

We have the info directly from Music Director Michael Butterman, who announced it for the first time at the 2024 Season Preview at East Ridge Country Club. (Advertised as an "exclusive" first look at the upcoming concert season.)

He outlined the season's program masterfully with visuals. What is on SSO Season 76 Willis-Knighton Masterworks Series? Well. There will be a requiem, Broadway hits, romance, a Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, a holiday celebration, Beethoven on opening night. And on and on.

In addition: "Landslide: A Tribute to the Music of Fleetwood Mac" is a Jan. 11 special event not covered in the subscription package. You must buy a separate ticket.

"It will be a fantastic season. It kicks off Sept. 21," said new SSO Executive Director Morgan Walker. She has just arrived in Shreveport from Kentucky.

In a letter to ticket holders, Walker said she was struck by the legacy of the orchestra.

"I've learned a great deal about this community in my first days here, and I know I still have much to discover," she said. "What is clear is that fans of SSO are generous and steadfast in their support."

She also urged patrons to contribute to SSO's annual fund.

The season sponsor this year is Willis-Knighton WK Health.

"Join us for Light Bites and a (Champagne) Toast to the New season," urged the preview invitation. Joining in: Jennifer Butterman, Art and Margaret Thompson, Sybil Patten, Henry Walker and Laurie Lyons, Gene and Charlotte Bryson, Lois Robinson, Marletta Eddy, Pearla Despot, Sidney and Hollis Ann Kent, Marion Weiss, Cynthia Murray, Barbara Gramling and Berte Muslow,

Highlights of the year:

  • Appearance by Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark.

  • 2023 Wideman Piano Competition Gold Medalist, jazz pianist and composer Marcus Roberts, with a unique take on Gershwin.

  • Legend of the stage and screen Michael Feinstein.

  • Classical blockbusters like Tchaikovsky's Sixth "The Planets."

Mark your calendars for the Season 76-Willis-Knighton Masterworks Series:

  • Sept. 21: Opening Night: Beethoven and Tessa Lark on the violin.

  • Oct. 19: Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique."

  • Nov. 16: Gershwin Plus Marcus Roberts Trio. An all-Gershwin program featuring his "Lullaby" for strings.

  • Dec. 21: "A Holiday Celebration" with Michael Feinstein and SSO.

  • Jan. 25: "The Planets." Heins, "Moons of the Giants"; Holst, "The Planets." Presented with choreographed film visuals.

  • Feb. 15: "Cinematic Romance. The Rose of Sonora." Violinist Holly Mulcahy. Iconic love themes from classic films. Tchaikovsky's "Romeo & Juliet."

  • March 15: "Faure Requiem." Soprano Sarah Jane McMahon and Baritone Timothy Jones.

  • May 3: "The Best of Broadway." Seasoned Broadway stars Elizabeth Southard and Gary Mauer. Hear sounds from "Phantom of the Opera," and "The Sound of Music."

Jan. 11 is a special event, not included in the subscription package. Tickets must be purchased separately for "Landslide: A Tribute to the Music of Fleetwood Mac" with SSO.

All concerts at RiverView Theatre.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport Symphony Orchestra to open Masterworks Series with Beethoven

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