Upcoming Performances
All concerts are held in the RCU Theatre at Pablo Center at the Confluence. Programming is subject to change.
Transatlantic Impressions
Peer through the looking glass and explore American identity through four distinct voices. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Hiawatha Suite draws on Longfellow’s American epic tale, while George Gershwin’s Concerto in F, featuring pianist Nicholas Phillips, captures the “young, enthusiastic spirit of American life.” Music of Frederick Delius and Ethel Smyth reflect transatlantic ties to America’s musical culture.
Joys and Heartbreak: The Wayfarer’s Journey
From radiant brass to aching reflection and vibrant dance, this program journeys through shifting emotional landscapes. Dukas’ brilliant “Fanfare” from La Peri and Dvořák’s sunlit Symphony No. 8 frame Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer, performed by mezzo-soprano Christine Amon. Gershwin’s colorful Cuban Overture brings the evening to an exuberant, rhythmic close.
A Classical Christmas
Ring in the holidays with music that captures the warmth and wonder of the season. From the elegance of Bizet’s L'Arlésienne Suite and Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” to beloved holiday favorites like White Christmas and Sleigh Ride, this festive program invites the whole family to share in the joy and beauty of Christmas.
Concert Sponsor: Jeanne Foust
Stories in Sound
Each piece weaves its own tale in this program of vivid musical storytelling. Humperdinck’s “Prelude” from Hänsel und Gretel sweeps us into a fairy-tale realm, Price’s Symphony No. 4 journeys across an American identity of struggle and resilience, and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, featuring Christine Harada Li, soars with passion in a thrilling, triumphant finale.
Cosmic Connections - Relaxed
This short performance is welcoming to patrons of all ages with sensory sensitivities, young children, and others to appreciate an informal concert environment. Come as you are, be yourself, and enjoy selections from The Seven Heavens featuring The Chippewa Valley Festival Choir and The Master Singers.
Cosmic Connections - Traditional
Enter a world of curiosity and wonder with music that explores our place in the universe. The Chippewa Valley Festival Choir and The Master Singers join CVSO for the soaring, celestial The Seven Heavens by James Whitbourn. Also featuring the Young Artist Competition winner and a premiere by the Young Composer Competition winner.
Maestro’s Finale
Celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Maestro Nobuyoshi Yasuda in his final concert with CVSO. The program reflects his journey, from Sibelius’ Finlandia, the first piece he ever conducted, to selections from Mahler’s Symphony No. 9, known as his “Farewell Symphony”. The evening also features Rhapsody for Orchestra by Japanese composer Yuzo Toyama, honoring Nobu’s roots as he prepares to return to his native Japan. Featured on the Rhapsody will be the Peaceful Forest taiko ensemble, led by world champion taiko drummer Takumi Kato. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to a maestro whose 33 years of transformative leadership have shaped CVSO into the outstanding ensemble it is today.
Concert Sponsors: Jennifer and Samir Murty
Peter and the Wolf - Traditional
Join us for an engaging, family-friendly concert filled with color, character, and creativity! Narrator Annie Jackson leads a captivating journey through the orchestra with Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Plus, enjoy an appearance by CVSO’s Young Artist Competition winner and student artwork in the Music Moves Me exhibit.
Concert Collaborator: Annie Jackson
Concert Sponsor: Visit Eau Claire
Peter and the Wolf - Relaxed
This short performance is welcoming to patrons of all ages with sensory sensitivities, young children, and others who appreciate a more informal concert environment. Come as you are, be yourself, and enjoy Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.
Concert Collaborator: Annie Jackson
Concert Sponsors: Pablo Center at the Confluence and Visit Eau Claire
The Magic of Christmas
Celebrate the season with music that captures the warmth, wonder, and magic of Christmas. From the charm of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker to modern hits from Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra to timeless favorites like White Christmas and Sleigh Ride, this festive program invites the whole family to share in the joy and beauty of the holidays.
Music Under Moonlight
Enter an enchanted world where witches gather in Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, skeletons dance in Saint-Saëns’ Danse macabre, and trolls scamper through Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. With Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration and evocative works by Liadov and Sibelius, this hauntingly beautiful program will leave you spellbound. Costumes welcome!
Concert Sponsor: Eau Claire Community Foundation
Beethoven’s Fifth
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5—the first symphony ever conducted by Maestro Yasuda—is one of the most iconic works in classical music, its famous four-note opening beginning the journey from struggle to triumph.