Fresno’s own Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received the National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. She won Tonys for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, which also served as the vehicle for her Olivier-nominated West End debut, and in 2025 she became the acting categories’ most decorated individual in Tony history after earning an unprecedented eleventh nomination, for Gypsy. This …
Carmina Burana
Our season finale celebrates Fresno’s classical music community in collaboration with Youth Orchestras of Fresno and the Fresno Master Chorale. Rei Hotoda and YOOF Music Director Thomas Loewenheim share the podium on the first half leading the combined Fresno Philharmonic and YOOF Philharmonic in Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari and Franck’s Le chasseur maudit. On the second half the Fresno Philharmonic, the Fresno Master Chorale, and soloists Celena Shafer, Brian Giebler and Benjamin Taylor perform Orff’s ode to spring Carmina Burana. Season Subscriptions on sale now, Single Tickets will be available in August. …
Sibelius, Mozart & Kouyoumdjian
The Armenian immigrant experience and the words of William Saroyan provide inspiration for our latest Cultural Crossroads commission by composer Mary Kouyoumdjian. Cultural Crossroads is a multi-season series of commissions celebrating the diverse cultures of the Central Valley. This concert also features married couple Qing Hou and Lawrence Neuman of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing Mozart’s delightful Sinfonia Concertante. Rei Hotoda then leads the orchestra in Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. Season Subscriptions on sale now, Single Tickets will be available in August. …
Mendelssohn Reformation Symphony
The Fresno Philharmonic visits Sunnyside for this community concert in the intimate Warkentine Culture & Arts Center on the Fresno Pacific University campus. The program opens with a new work by FPU Professor Emeritus Walter Saul. Rei Hotoda serves as conductor and soloist for Dinuk Wijeratne’s mesmerizing Gajaga Vannama. The program concludes with Mendelssohn’s dramatic Symphony No. 5, Reformation. Subscriber presale available now. Tickets go on sale to the general public in August. …
Home for the Holidays 2026
The Fresno Philharmonic’s annual holiday musical tradition returns. Conductor Scott Seaton (Music Director North State Symphony) leads the Fresno Philharmonic, the Fresno Master Chorale and mezzo-soprano Laurel Semerdjian in a concert of seasonal music, including music from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frozen, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Sleigh Ride and more. Come early for hot chocolate and photos in front of the Christmas tree. Subscriber presale available now. Tickets go on sale to the general public in August. …