2024-25 in Review: "A Meaningful Step Forward"

LCCO's thirty-seventh season, titled Symphonic Gallery, invited our musicians and audiences alike to explore vivid musical landscapes through programs inspired by visual art, film, national identity, and holiday tradition.

For Music Director Vincent Povázsay, the season was a meaningful step forward for the orchestra artistically, technically, and communally. "It was a dynamic season," said Povázsay. "We have grown individually and collectively and I believe we've given our audience performances worthy of their patronage."

The season began in October with Vision of America, a program that reflected on

America's rich musical heritage. Aaron Copland is America’s quintessential

composer, so it was only natural to begin with his famous Outdoor Overture. Filling

out the program were pieces by Leonard Bernstein, Morton Gould, Richard Rodgers,

Alan Silvestri, Samuel Ward, and John Williams.

"I was particularly proud of the orchestra’s performance of Morton Gould’s rarely performed piece The Revival, which we were able to receive on loan from the Fleisher Collection–a vast collection of orchestral music, including many out-of-print titles. This performance set a high standard for the season’s concerts to come," said Povázsay.

In December, the annual holiday program titled A Holiday Portrait provided a warm and festive celebration of the season. The program featured familiar carols and arrangements, but the true achievement of the concert was the orchestra’s performance of the complete First Suite from Tchaikovsky’s Ballet, The Nutcracker.

"Tchaikovsky’s music is familiar and friendly to the listener, but no small task to perform," said Povázsay. "The musicians recognized and rose to the challenge, presenting spectacular performances of this audience favorite."

The March concert, Scenes from Hollywood, was a favorite of audiences and musicians alike. The music of composer John Williams was on full display including Povázsay's personal favorite Williams score, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. The orchestra also performed music from the Star Wars and Harry Potter franchises with gusto. " Film concerts are always popular, but the energy in the room for these concerts was palpable, which helped drive the orchestra to perform at its absolute best."

The closing concerts of our 2024-25 seasonPictures at an Exhibition, featured Wagner’s Good Friday Spell from Parsifal and Ravel’s famous arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Wagner’s music was new to the orchestra, pushing the musicians to trust

themselves and explore a new dynamic range as a unified ensemble.

"The path to our final performance was not without its challenges," said Povázsay. "But it was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our musicians. I rate those two performances among the finest since I have been conducting this orchestra."

LCCO thanks everyone who attended our concerts and supported the orchestra throughout the 2024-25 season. We are so grateful for our musicians and for Povázsay's leadership as we look to carry our momentum forward to another year of great music-making.