Chattanooga Symphony & Opera 2017/2018 Season: Full Schedule and Highlights
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) presents an exhilarating 2017/2018 season, blending timeless classics from Mozart and Vivaldi with Swing Era standards and innovative contemporary works like Béla Fleck's newest concerto. Enjoy these masterful performances at the historic Tivoli Theatre in downtown Chattanooga.
Opened in 1921 and dubbed "The Jewel of the South," the Tivoli Theatre has long been a regional hub for silent films and Broadway shows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, it offers an unparalleled entertainment experience.
CSO subscriptions start at $90 and can be purchased online at www.chattanoogasymphony.org, at the box office (701 Broad Street), or by calling 423.267.8583. Benefits include reserved seating for Tivoli series, free exchanges, no preservation fees, a 3-payment plan, ticket discounts, and early access to special events.
2017/2018 Season Concert Schedule
Kayoko Dan, Conductor: Kayoko Dan joined the CSO in the 2011-2012 season as its 8th Music Director. Her passion for music began at age three in Japan, leading her to study at the University of Texas. A dedicated advocate for music education, particularly for youth, she brings extensive experience and remarkable talent to the podium.
Bob Bernhardt, Conductor: Bob Bernhardt served as Music Director and Conductor of the CSO for 19 seasons. He now holds positions as Principal Pops Conductor for the Louisville Orchestra and Grand Rapids Symphony, and leads the Lee Symphony while in residence at Lee University.
Opening Night! Mahler 1 - The Titan, Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Sept. 28, 2017
Featuring over 100 artists, this performance highlights Tan Dun's concerto from the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Benjamin Karp, Cello: Renowned chamber musician, Professor of Music and Director of Chamber Music at the University of Kentucky, Principal Cellist of the Lexington Philharmonic, and faculty at Brevard Music Center. Yale philosophy graduate with a Master of Music from Indiana University; performs worldwide.
BRITTEN: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
TAN DUN: Crouching Tiger Concerto
MAHLER: Symphony No. 1 (The Titan)
Music City Hitmakers, Luken Holdings Pops Series
Oct. 7, 2017
Top chamber musicians join Grammy-winning Nashville songwriters Brett James (24 No. 1 hits including "Jesus, Take the Wheel") and Hillary Lindsey (collaborations with Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and Oscar-nominated work on Country Strong).
Musical Tales | Conversant Group Chamber Series
Oct. 15, 2017
The Chattanooga Ballet partners with CSO for Stravinsky's The Soldier’s Tale, a captivating narrative of adventure and folly.
Chattanooga Ballet: Founded in 1973, one of Tennessee's premier dance companies.
STRAVINSKY: The Soldier’s Tale Suite
STEPHENSON: The Devil’s Tale
Poulenc and Rachmaninoff | Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Oct. 19, 2017
Celebrating Poulenc's joyous Gloria and Rachmaninoff's vibrant Symphonic Dances.
Kathryn Frady, Soprano: General & Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Marble City Opera; versatile performer.
CSO Chorus, Darrin Hassevoort, Director: Acclaimed choral leader and Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at Chattanooga State.
Southern Adventist University Bel Canto and Die Meistersinger Ensembles, Genevieve Brown-Kibble, Director: Globally experienced educator with degrees from Andrews, Indiana, and Arizona Universities.
POULENC: Gloria
RACHMANINOFF: Symphonic Dances
Béla Fleck | Classical Special Event
Oct. 26, 2017
15-time Grammy winner Béla Fleck showcases his innovative banjo concerto Juno, blending genres.
GERSHWIN: An American in Paris
DEBUSSY: Children’s Corner
FLECK: Concerto No. 2 – Juno
Gems from the CSO Principals | Conversant Group Chamber Series
Nov. 5, 2017
Intimate showcase of principal musicians' favorites.
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons | Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Nov. 16, 2017
De Falla's dramatic Three Cornered Hat ballet suite pairs with Vivaldi's iconic violin concertos and Stravinsky's Petrushka.
Soovin Kim, Violin: Johannes String Quartet member; founder of Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival.
FALLA: Three Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2
VIVALDI: The Four Seasons
STRAVINSKY: Petrushka
Home for the Holidays | Luken Holdings Pops Series
Dec. 16 & 17, 2017
Holiday favorites with jazz and gospel flair, plus special guests.
Neshawn Calloway, Vocalist: 2013 Hamilton County Teacher of the Year; blues enthusiast honoring Bessie Smith.
CSO Chorus, Metropolitan Bells, Center for Creative Arts Concert Choir.
Mozart & Schubert | Conversant Group Chamber Series
Jan. 14, 2018
Timeless chamber works praised by Dvořák.
Gordon James, French Horn: CSO and Huntsville Principal Horn; teaches at multiple universities.
KUHLAU: Magic Harp Overture
MOZART: Horn Concerto No. 4
SCHUBERT: Symphony No. 6
Movie Masterworks | Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Jan. 25, 2018
Cinematic scores including Wagner's Tannhäuser Overture.
Cahill Smith, Piano: International performer; Lee University faculty.
WAGNER: Overture to Tannhäuser
MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 22
PROKOFIEV: Lieutenant Kijé Suite
KORNGOLD: Overture to The Sea Hawk
Big Band Fever | Luken Holdings Pops Series
Feb. 16 & 17, 2018
Swing classics from Sinatra, Miller, and more.
Sibelius Symphony No. 5 | Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Mar. 3, 2018
Grieg's lyrical flute feature and Nielsen concerto.
Kristen Holritz, Flute: CSO principal; Juilliard graduate and award winner.
GRIEG: Lyric Suite
NIELSEN: Flute Concerto
SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 5
European Tour | Conversant Group Chamber Series
Mar. 11, 2018
19th-century gems from across Europe.
Holly Mulcahy, Violin: CSO Concertmaster; Peabody Institute alum, Chicago-based author.
WAGNER: Siegfried Idyll
SIBELIUS: Suite for Violin and Strings
MASSENET: Meditation from Thaïs
WHITACRE: Five Hebrew Love Songs
BRITTEN: Simple Symphony
Women Rock | Luken Holdings Pops Series
Mar. 17, 2018
Tribute to icons like Carole King, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin.
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II | Pops Special Event
Mar. 24, 2018
Relive Looney Tunes magic with classic scores.
George Daugherty, Conductor: Emmy winner; conducted Julie Andrews internationally.
Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev | Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Apr. 5, 2018
Romantic piano concerto and Romeo and Juliet suite.
Timothy Muffitt, Guest Conductor: Baton Rouge Symphony Music Director; collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma.
Geoffrey Duce, Piano: World-renowned soloist; award winner in Europe.
TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No. 2
PROKOFIEV: Suite from Romeo and Juliet
Bob Bernhardt’s 25th Anniversary | Luken Holdings Pops Series
Apr. 21, 2018
Favorites from TV, film, and pops curated by Bernhardt.
Michael Chertock, Piano: University of Cincinnati Conservatory Chair.
Shannon Kessler-Dooley, Soprano & John Dooley, Baritone: Dynamic duo praised for crossover versatility.
Symphonie Fantastique | Barnett & Company Masterworks Series
Apr. 26, 2018
Season finale with Berlioz's epic symphony.
Frank Almond, Violin: Milwaukee Symphony Concertmaster; Paganini Competition youngest winner.
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
BERNSTEIN: Serenade
BERLIOZ: Symphonie Fantastique
