The West meets Scheherazade

The West meets Scheherazade

Saturday, April 12, 2025, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 3:00 PM

Experience the grand finale of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 49th season, a spectacular concert that promises an unforgettable blend of humor, fantasy, and exotic tales. We’ll begin with Michael Daugherty’s “Rio Grande,” a vibrant work that captures the spirit, breadth, and energy of that great river. We’ll get a purview glimpse at the emotional world of Scheherazade, told through the lens of her perspective in Leanna Primiani’s 1,001. Then, steel yourselves as Eric Whitacre’s Godzilla Eats Las Vegas takes the stage, featuring Joshua Mazur and the Ocala Symphony Chorus in a playful depiction of the iconic monster on a romp through Sin City. After intermission the orchestra will transport you to the magical world of Scheherazade. In Rimsky-Korsakov’s four captivating movements, you’ll sail with Sinbad, venture with the Kalendar Prince, and fall in love with the Young Prince and Princess, culminating in the dramatic Festival at Baghdad. Don’t miss this thrilling conclusion to the season, where music brings legends to life!

Matthew Wardell, Music Director and Conductor