Start Time
- 7:30p on Friday, September 18
- 7:30p on Saturday, September 19
conductor
Michael Sanderling
violin
Hyun Jae Lim
Copland
Fanfare for the Common Man
BARBER
Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5
CONCERT DETAILS
The 2026-27 season opens with bravura to the tune of Copland’s stirring Fanfare for the Common Man. Since returning to the stage in 2024, violinist Hyun Jae Lim has captivated audiences and made waves the world over; in her hands, Barber's fiercely expressive concerto becomes a thing of wonder. Guest conductor Michael Sanderling concludes this dramatic opening concert with Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony, full of patriotic meaning for the composer — “I am Russian in the fullest sense of the word,” he declared.
How you’ll feel: energized, inspired, and excited to begin a phenomenal season.
What to listen for:
- To put it simply, listen for fate — after all, that’s who comes knocking throughout Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony in a recurring motif.
- The very first notes of the entire season are the opening to Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, which you’re likely to recognize. Hear a version here.
- Experience the MSO debut of violinist Hyun Jae Lim. Following a major accident in 2020, Hyun Jae was unable to play the violin for four years. It was only in June 2024 that she picked up her violin again, finding a new routine that allowed her to reconnect with her instrument. Since that time, she has had tremendous success performing around the world, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Bradley Symphony Center for the first time to open the season.
ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE
Friday, September 18
MEET THE MUSIC
Please join us at the Bradley Symphony Center one hour before the concert for a free Meet the Music pre-concert talk. Enjoy an engaging, informative look at the works you'll experience live at the performance.
Sound Bites
Enhance your pre-concert dining with Indulge Catering Company - A Bianchini Experience at the Bradley Symphony Center. Begin your evening with an elevated meal in the Ellen & Joe Checota Atrium and delight in a delicious selection of appetizers, salads, entrées, sides, and desserts. Located steps away from your evening’s MSO performance, this curated dining option allows for a seamless evening at the Symphony. Click here to reserve.
Food & Beverage Service featuring Staccato Bites
Don't miss a beat! Beginning 90 minutes before each performance enjoy tasty soups, sandwiches, quick bites, and cocktails ahead of the concert with Staccato Bites. Inspired by the brisk, articulate sound of a staccato note, Staccato Bites provides a convenient and delicious offering prior to all MSO performances.
Saturday, September 19
MEET THE MUSIC
Please join us at the Bradley Symphony Center one hour before the concert for a free Meet the Music pre-concert talk. Enjoy an engaging, informative look at the works you'll experience live at the performance.
Sound Bites
Enhance your pre-concert dining with Indulge Catering Company - A Bianchini Experience at the Bradley Symphony Center. Begin your evening with an elevated meal in the Ellen & Joe Checota Atrium and delight in a delicious selection of appetizers, salads, entrées, sides, and desserts. Located steps away from your evening’s MSO performance, this curated dining option allows for a seamless evening at the Symphony. Click here to reserve.
Food & Beverage Service featuring Staccato Bites
Don't miss a beat! Beginning 90 minutes before each performance enjoy tasty soups, sandwiches, quick bites, and cocktails ahead of the concert with Staccato Bites. Inspired by the brisk, articulate sound of a staccato note, Staccato Bites provides a convenient and delicious offering prior to all MSO performances.
Support
Start Time
- 7:30p on Friday, September 18
- 7:30p on Saturday, September 19
conductor
Michael Sanderling
violin
Hyun Jae Lim
Copland
Fanfare for the Common Man
BARBER
Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5
