The MasterWorks series is the main reason why the Canton Symphony Orchestra exists as a nonprofit performing arts organization. Exploring the vast orchestral music canon, we perform traditional favorites, contemporary and new works, and showcase composers previously undiscovered or under-appreciated throughout history.
Classical music is a rich, vibrant genre that spans centuries, continents, and cultures. There is so much to appreciate and to discover.
We hope you will join us!
These concerts can be purchased as a package for 20% off.
Saturday, October 7, 2023 || 7:30PM
Based on America the Beautiful, Joan Tower’s Made in America evokes a familiar melody in a modern setting. Following, we will feature 14-year-old Cooper Violin Competition winner, Seohyun Kim, who will perform the world premiere of Jeff Scott’s (previously of the Imani Winds), Song of the Uirapuru, and Ravel’s Tzigane. Finally, we will conclude with the epic Fifth Symphony of Shostakovich, which was inspired in response to the oppressive Soviet propaganda machine.
Saturday, November 11, 2023 || 7:30PM
Long-time Canton Symphony piccolo player, Julie Sarver, is featured on Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto in C Major. Also on this concert is the Overture in C Major by Mariana Martinez, a little-known 18th-century female composer who was an acquaintance of Mozart and Haydn.
Saturday, January 20, 2024 || 7:30PM
Grab a wee dram o’ Talisker and prepare yeself for a voyage across the pond as we bring you two symphonies inspired by the sights and sounds of Scotland. Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony was the first symphony ever composed by an American woman. The landscape of Scotland inspired several works by Mendelssohn, most notably his Third Symphony, which bears the nickname, Scottish. Both pieces are inspired by the pentatonic sound of Scottish folk music.
Sunday, February 18, 2024 || 3:00PM
The CSO welcomes revered, world-renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson to Umstattd Hall. Ohlsson will perform Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, a true tour de force for the soloist and attempted by only the most virtuosic of performers. The music of Louise Farrenc makes its first appearance in Canton with her Overture No. 2. The concert concludes with the Fourth Symphony of Robert Schumann.
Saturday, March 23, 2024 || 7:30PM
On the eve of Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, the CSO presents one of the most significant pieces of classical music ever written. Mozart’s beloved “Requiem” was left unfinished at the time of his death, leaving many questions unanswered about the true intention of the work. This dramatic work is paired with George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings,” dedicated in memory of the composer’s grandmother who passed away during its composition.
Saturday, April 13, 2024 || 3:00PM
Performing with the CSO on the first half is the Canton Youth Symphony Advanced Orchestra, our premiere youth ensemble made up of students from six surrounding counties. All adult tickets to this concert are $15. Children, youth, and college students attend at no cost.
Saturday, April 27, 2024 || 7:30PM
We conclude our season with Gustav Mahler’s epic First Symphony, appropriately nicknamed, The Titan. The first movement is like a musical sunrise. The third movement features a spooky, minor key setting of Frère Jacques. Finally, the fourth movement crescendos into a celebratory wall of sound that will bring the season to a soaring conclusion.
Programs and Artists Subject to Change Without Notice