2024 SEASon performances

with guest artist Patrick Owen, cello

Sunday, October 6, 2024 | 4 p.m. | Benzie Central High School Auditorium

The Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra (BASO) will perform its final concert of the 2024 season on Sunday, October 6 at 4 p.m. in the auditorium at Benzie Central High School, in Benzonia. The concert will feature cellist Dr. Patrick Owen performing Dvorak's Cello Concerto,

"The Dvorak Cello Concerto is like a concerto for orchestra," said BASO Conductor Tom RIccobono. "All of the instruments of the orchestra play an important part, and the icing on the cake is that the cello solo part is incredibly beautiful, engaging, and startingly original." 

Owen has taught cello at Interlochen Arts Academy since 2019 and continues to perform as a recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestra player. He is founding member of the Ellipse Trio, based in Cambridge, Mass., and has degrees from Eastman School of Music, The Juilliard School, and Boston University.

"Patrick plays with enormous power and passion, but also with beautiful sensitivity," said Riccobono. "He has played all over the world, and we are looking forward to making music with him as members of the Benzie Symphony."

In addition to Dvorak's Cello Concerto, the orchestra will perform "Slavonic Dances No, 8" by the legendary Czech composer, and "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Modest Mussorgsky, arranged by Ravel. 

Donations to the orchestra are gratefully accepted at the door to help support the orchestra's continued operations in Benzie County and beyond. There is a suggested donation of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for anyone 17 and under. 

This activity is support by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

with guest artist Hyemin Kim, piano

Sunday, August 18 | 4 p.m. | Corson Auditorium at Interlochen

Experience the raw power and grace of Sergei Rachmaninov's genius as special guest Dr. Hyemin Kim, piano, joins the orchestra to present Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (1901).

Finally, be swept away with The Pines of Rome (I Pini di Roma), Ottorino Respighi's most famous and soaring score. Through colorful orchestration and memorable melodic lines, Respighi's masterpiece takes us on a journey through four picturesque landscapes under the backdrop of these majestic pines. 

Although this concert will be performed at Interlochen's Corson Auditorium, your entrance donations will benefit the BASO as always. Suggested Donation: $15 adults, $10 seniors, FREE for those 17 and under.

Chamber music performed by the musicians of the BASO

Sunday, July 21 | 4 pm | St. Ambrose Cellars

Join  us for an afternoon of light and intriguing  chamber music selections brought to you by the musicians of the Benzie  Area Symphony Orchestra.

You'll  hear the various instrument families (strings, woodwinds & brass)  each shine in their own spotlight, featured in imaginative combinations.  An excellent opportunity to learn the different instruments of the  orchestra and their unique personalities!

Suggested  donation is $10. Lawn seating will be provided. As always, the crew at  St. Ambrose is on-hand to offer food and beverage for purchase.

with special guests Laura Osgood Brown, Soprano, Kyle Ferrill, Baritone

Sunday, July 14 | 4 pm  | Benzie Central High School Auditorium

The  Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Thomas  Riccobono, opens its 2024 season by setting sights on the night sky in a  program filled with with wonder and wonderful music.

Join  the orchestra on an expedition through the cosmos with selections from  Gustav Holst's The Planets! Inspired by the personalities attributed to  these heavenly bodies in astrology, Holst's colorful and expansive  orchestration brings new worlds to life.

The  program also features guest soloists soprano Laura Osgood Brown &  baritone Kyle Ferrill who will join with the orchestra in a glittering  procession of favorite opera arias including Mozart's "Là ci darem la  mano" [Don Giovanni], "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" &  "Papagena, Papageno" [Die Zauberflöte]; and Puccini's "O mio babbino  caro" [Gianni Schicchi].

Suggested Donation: $15 adults, $10 seniors, FREE for those 17 and under.