Music Director Rei Hotoda and the Fresno Philharmonic present a dazzling season of concerts in the William Saroyan Theatre featuring classical masterpieces, exciting new works, internationally renowned guest artists and a special concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
The Fresno Philharmonic and Music Director Rei Hotoda announced the orchestra’s 2022-2023 season Ignite & Inspire!, which explores the rekindled energy of the human spirit through compelling musical experiences in a wide range of genres. From jazz legend Wynton Marsalis to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, the Fresno Philharmonic’s season celebrates the perseverance, diversity and creativity of our community.
Season Opener | Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The season launches with a special concert by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) led by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, Managing & Artistic Director, and comprised of 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today. This remarkably versatile orchestra performs a vast repertoire ranging from original compositions and Jazz at Lincoln Center-commissioned works to rare, historic compositions and masterworks by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and many others. The Fresno Philharmonic is proud to bring this amazing group of musicians to Fresno for the first time in a special event to kick off the 2022 -2023 season in style.
“In challenging times, music can offer opportunities for respite, renewal and reinvention.”
Stephen Wilson, President & Ceo
The Daniel R. Martin Masterworks Series
The Fresno Philharmonic’s Daniel R. Martin Masterworks Series offers five incomparable concert experiences. Maestro Hotoda will continue her multi-year survey Mahler Here & Now, performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. Highlights of the season include Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, Respighi’s Fountains of Rome, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and Dvořák’s Symphony #9 (New World).
The Fresno Philharmonic also introduces the audience to music by six of today’s leading contemporary composers: Juan Pablo Contreras (MeChicano), Siamak Aghaei and Colin Jacobsen (Ascending Bird), Jessie Montgomery (Rounds for piano and string orchestra), Jared Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Clans), and Damien Geter (The Justice Symphony), demonstrating the diverse range of styles and influences in 21st century orchestral music. Renowned pianist Awadagin Pratt, cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, and violinists Chee-Yun and Julian Rhee lead the season’s guest artist roster.
The season concludes with Beethoven’s majestic Symphony No. 9 (Choral) paired with Mr. Geter’s The Justice Symphony, performed on the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s nationally televised address on civil rights. This concert features guest vocalists Karen Slack (soprano), Sarah Mesko (mezzo-soprano), Adam Diegel (tenor), Damien Geter (bass-baritone), and the Fresno Master Chorale.
This Season’s Pops Series
The 2022-2023 Pops Series commences with Ivan Reitman’s Ghostbusters, with the Fresno Philharmonic performing Elmer Bernstein’s beloved soundtrack live to film. Guest conductor Chelsea Tipton leads the annual Home for the Holidays concert in December, featuring the Fresno Master Chorale, directed by Anna Hamre. The Pops Series concludes with the genre bending “little orchestra” Pink Martini in special concert with the Fresno Philharmonic conducted by Rei Hotoda. Pink Martini has performed repeat sold out engagements at Carnegie Hall, L.A.’s Disney Concert Hall, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco and at major venues around the world. Since a March 2020 performance with the Fresno Philharmonic was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be Pink Martini’s first appearance in the William Saroyan Theatre.
“The 2022-2023 season marks a rebirth of
Rei Hotoda, music director
the Fresno Philharmonic.”
“The pandemic has taught us so much about ourselves both personally and artistically. We have learned to adapt and be nimble, we have also embraced exploration, going in different directions with outcomes that have been extraordinary, and the 22/23 season is a prime example of this. This season, we are not only presenting diverse and expansive programming with innovative works featuring world renowned artists but striving to reach for new artistic growth that is relevant and inspiring. We will be igniting our audiences and our community through music.”
Stephen Wilson, President & CEO of the Fresno Philharmonic, said, “In challenging times, music can offer opportunities for respite, renewal and reinvention. The Fresno Philharmonic’s 2022-2023 season taps the power of creativity to bring people together for musical experiences which we believe will move them in profound ways.
Under Rei Hotoda’s inspired leadership, the Fresno Philharmonic’s watchword is music for all.”