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The concert opens with the fiery Hungarian March (Rakoczy March) from Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust, a thrilling curtain-raiser brimming with energy and drama. The journey continues with Borodin’s exotic and exuberant Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor, transporting audiences to the steppes of ancient Russia.  From the Shakespearean world of Henry V comes Two Pieces for Strings by William Walton — the solemn Passacaglia: Death of Falstaff and the tender Touch Her Soft Lips and Part, showcasing the orchestra’s lyrical warmth.  Debussy’s shimmering Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune invites listeners into a dreamscape of sensual color and impressionistic beauty.  The program also features our young artist competition Senior String Division winner, Abigail Eddy, who will performed the the first movement of the Samuel Barber violin concerto No. 1,  

  

The evening concludes with a very special moment: Jim Ogle’s final performance at the podium, leading Stravinsky’s luminous Firebird Suite (Berceuse and Finale). This powerful and poignant farewell will bring the concert — and Maestro Ogle’s distinguished tenure — to a radiant close.