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.
The Canton Symphony’s 2023-24 season opens with Ode to Freedom. 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.
Long-time Canton Symphony piccolo player, Julie Sarver, is featured on Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto in C Major. Rameau is Maestro Zimmermann’s favorite composer from the Baroque period. For this concert, he has assembled an original suite of selections from Rameau’s ballets and operas, which will be performed together for the first time. Also on this concert is the Overture in C Major by Marianna Martinez, a little-known 18th-century female composer who was an acquaintance of Mozart and Haydn.
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 history-making 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.
The Canton Symphony is humbled and honored to welcome 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 19th century French, female composer Louise Farrenc makes its first appearance in Canton with her Overture No. 2. The concert is rounded out by the Fourth Symphony of Robert Schumann.
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. Composers old and new have tried their hand at completing it, though what Mozart had in mind will never be known. 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.
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.
This concert invites families to experience the full power of the Canton Symphony Orchestra at an affordable price and a sensible time of day.
Many people think that Gustav Mahler was German or Austrian, but in fact, he was born in Bohemia, the western part of modern-day Czech Republic! We conclude our season with his 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.
The Pops series exists to introduce audiences to orchestral programming with music that may be more familiar to them. Whether the full orchestra accompanies a rock band for nostalgic classics or to feature an amazing local band, you are sure to experience the full power of a symphony in a way that will keep you coming back for more.
These concerts can be purchased as a package at 20% off, or can be added to your MasterWorks subscription a la carte.
The Labra Brothers are a squad of musical siblings that create groovy and instrumentally diverse songs that share the beauty of the human condition.
This concert will be performed at the Canton Palace Theatre a few days after Día de los Muertos. In partnership with the Canton Latino Festival, a shrine will be constructed that will be on display to the public before the performance.
Join us for a seasonal celebration! Enjoy your favorite yuletide music performed by the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. This concert is a family tradition year after year, as we share in the spirit of the holidays.
The sleigh bells will ring! Will you be listening?
Featuring the Canton Symphony Chorus
Jeans ‘N Classics returns to Umstattd Hall for RUMOURS: The Music of Fleetwood Mac! This concert will explore this iconic, era-defining band’s expansive repertoire from their greatest hits to their forgotten favorites.
Reserve your tickets to RUMOURS while you can. Rumor has it: they will go quickly.
Returning this year is the ever-popular and powerful Gospel Joins Symphony! Add this concert to your subscription for a 10% discount.
Gospel Joins Symphony is a partnership between the CSO and EN-RICH-MENT of Stark County. We welcome Dr. Henry Panion, III, multi-award-winning and internationally renown conductor, composer, arranger, and producer. Dr. Panion will joint conduct this concert with CSO music director designate, Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz.
Gospel Joins Symphony will welcome several area church choirs to join the full orchestra, and soloists will be needed.