CONCERT SEASON
2025-2026
This season brings four unforgettable concerts — from the timeless beauty of Cherished Orchestral Masterworks to the festive sparkle of Holiday Harmonies, the vibrant spirit of Voices of Hungary, and the grand outdoor 250th Anniversary Patriotic Pops Concert. Each program showcases world-class soloists, beloved masterpieces, and thrilling new discoveries that celebrate music’s power to inspire and connect. Plus, Wallingford children can enjoy a special free children’s concert, making this season a true celebration for the whole community.
10.19.2025
Cherished Orchestral Masterworks | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
Cherished Orchestral Masterworks
Join the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable afternoon of music as we present “Cherished Orchestral Masterworks,” a program celebrating some of the greatest treasures of the symphonic repertoire.
The concert opens with Antonín DvoÅ™ák’s Scherzo Capriccioso, Op. 66, a lively and imaginative work brimming with Bohemian charm and energetic rhythms. This spirited piece showcases DvoÅ™ák’s gift for melodic invention and sets a joyful tone for the afternoon.
Next, the orchestra welcomes violinist Nina Crothers and violist Suzanne Corey-Sahlin for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major, K. 364. This Classical masterpiece is a radiant dialogue between soloists and orchestra. From its majestic opening Allegro maestoso, through the tender and lyrical Andante, to the sparkling Presto finale, the Sinfonia Concertante highlights Mozart’s brilliance and the virtuosity of our guest artists.
After intermission, we travel to the Czech countryside with BedÅ™ich Smetana’s Má Vlast (My Country): “Vltava” (The Moldau). One of the most beloved symphonic poems ever written, The Moldau paints an evocative portrait of the river flowing from its bubbling springs to its majestic journey past forests, meadows, and historic castles.
The program then shifts to America with Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring: Variations on a Shaker Melody. This iconic work captures the hopeful, openhearted spirit of rural America, with the familiar “Simple Gifts” theme unfolding in a series of tender variations.
The concert concludes with a thrilling finale — Maurice Ravel’s Boléro. Famous for its hypnotic rhythm and gradually intensifying orchestration, Boléro builds from a single whispering snare drum to a breathtaking full-orchestra climax, offering a mesmerizing close to an extraordinary program.
11.30.2025
Holiday Harmonies | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
Holiday Harmonies
Celebrate the magic of the season with the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra’s festive Holiday Concert — an enchanting evening of beloved holiday classics and timeless favorites.
This heartwarming concert will fill the hall with timeless carols, joyful anthems, and treasured seasonal music that capture the true spirit of the holidays. From familiar melodies that stir childhood memories to uplifting choral works that inspire peace and goodwill, this festive program promises something for all ages to enjoy.
Enjoy special arrangements like It’s Christmastime with beloved tunes such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Silver Bells.” Relive the magic of the season with Christmas at the Movies, featuring memorable music from holiday film favorites including Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The celebration also embraces the season’s many traditions with the uplifting Festive Sounds of Hanukkah, adding even more warmth and joy to this unforgettable evening.
Gather your family and friends and join us for this beautiful holiday tradition — a night of music, community, and celebration that will leave you filled with cheer and ready to welcome the season with joy.
03.15.2026
Voices of Hungary | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
Voices of Hungary
Step into an unforgettable evening that celebrates the vibrant spirit, rich heritage, and boundless creativity of Hungary’s greatest composers and folk traditions.
This richly textured program brings together legendary composers, brilliant soloists, and dazzling works in an afternoon that blends tradition, virtuosity, and heartfelt passion.
The concert opens with Hungarian Passions, a vivid tapestry of works inspired by the country’s folk traditions and romantic spirit. Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galánta bursts with sweeping melodies and fiery rhythms drawn from his childhood in the Hungarian town of Galánta. Clarinetist Sallai Noémi then takes center stage for Leó Weiner’s Ballad for Clarinet and Orchestra, an evocative and lyrical showpiece that highlights the clarinet’s soulful voice. The first part closes with Franz Lehár’s shimmering Gold and Silver Waltz, followed by Johannes Brahms’ beloved Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 and 6, which capture the exuberance and irresistible pulse of Hungarian folk dance.
In the second part of the program, the spotlight turns to our featured soloists. Internationally acclaimed acoustic violinist Nyári Bernadett presents a thrilling medley of Hungarian and Central European favorites — from Lehár’s dramatic Te rongyos élet to Kálmán’s fiery Komm Zigan. Pianist Tóth Péter performs Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, a dazzling Romantic tour de force that showcases both lyricism and power.
The program culminates in an unforgettable Grand Finale. Nyári Bernadett returns with the orchestra for Suha B. József’s Tüzes Tánc (Fiery Dance), a modern work steeped in folk-inspired energy and dedicated to Hungarian musical heritage. Clarinetist Sallai Noémi, pianist Tóth Péter, and violinist Nyári Bernadett then unite for Béla Bartók’s Contrasts. The concert closes with the exhilarating Rákóczi March by Franz Liszt, a patriotic and triumphant showpiece that has thrilled audiences for generations.
Spanning nearly two hours of unforgettable music, “Voices of Hungary” is more than a concert — it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Hungarian musical culture, from timeless classics to fresh interpretations, featuring some of today’s most exciting performers.
July 2026
July Patriotic Pops | Choate Rosemary Hall Chapel Lawn | TBD
250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
July Patriotic Pops Concert
Join us as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence with a joyful and spirited evening of music that celebrates the enduring spirit, resilience, and boundless creativity of our nation.
This festive outdoor concert brings together iconic American marches, beloved folk songs, timeless movie themes, and dazzling Broadway and jazz standards — all woven together in a vibrant salute to our shared history and culture.
The evening marches proudly forward with the unmistakable sounds of John Philip Sousa, whose rousing patriotic anthems like Stars and Stripes Forever and You’re a Grand Old Flag continue to inspire generations. Classics like Yankee Doodle arranged by Morton Gould and the powerful American Salute remind us of the enduring strength and unity that bind our nation together.
Journey through the American landscape with *Calvin Custer’s The American Frontier, a sweeping tribute to the spirit of adventure that shaped our country, featuring folk favorites like The Girl I Left Behind Me, Chester, Shenandoah, O Susannah, and America the Beautiful.
Celebrate America’s playful side with delightful selections like Raymond Scott’s whimsical Powerhouse and classic Looney Tunes string arrangements. Nostalgic film moments come alive with the romantic themes of Gone with the Wind by Max Steiner, A Summer Place, and *Henry Mancini’s Pink Panther and dreamy Moon River.
Broadway and jazz fans will delight in a tribute to George Gershwin, with favorites like Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me, Shall We Dance, Stiff Upper Lip, and I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise — timeless songs that capture the sophisticated sparkle of the American Songbook.
The concert also features gems like *Don Gillis’s January, February, March and the exuberant Grand Tarantelle for piano and orchestra by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, whose Souvenir de Porto Rico and Columbia Caprice Américain add 19th-century flair to the celebration.
Audiences will be treated to unforgettable melodies from *Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, the lush romance of *Johnny Mandel’s The Shadow of Your Smile, and the dreamy beauty of *Michel Legrand’s The Windmills of Your Mind, Pieces of Dreams, Sweet Gingerbread Man, and What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life.
We honor those who have served with a heartfelt Armed Forces Salute by Bob Lowden, and moving arrangements like Bring Him Home from Les Misérables. The evening builds to a thrilling conclusion with stirring selections from *Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and a grand finale of beloved patriotic standards including God Bless America, I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy, and more.
Bring your family, your friends, your picnic blankets, and your patriotic spirit — and celebrate this historic milestone with an unforgettable night of music under the summer sky!
CONCERT SEASON
2024-2025
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of musical excellence with the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra!
From mesmerizing classics to innovative contemporary compositions, our upcoming season promises to be a feast for your ears and an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars and be part of our anniversary celebration as we continue to make history together. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime musical journey.
10.27.2024
Golden Moments - Magical Memories | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
Join us for a spectacular evening as the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th Anniversary! This concert is a musical journey through time, marking the 200th Anniversary of Johann Strauss II and the 60th Anniversary of The Beatles' worldwide impact. Enjoy a diverse program featuring John Williams' "Sound the Bells," Charles Ives' "Hymn," and Aaron Copland's "Our Town," along with a Beatles tribute like no other! Revel in timeless hits such as "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Yesterday," "Come Together," "Hey Jude," and many more, performed with a unique twist by the Frantic City Rock Band and Wallingford's rising star, Lauren Wiedenmann. Don't miss the special appearance by Wallingford Mayor Vincent Cervoni on guitar.
Celebrate 50 years of music with us and be part of this extraordinary night!
12.01.2024
Golden Bells | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
Celebrate the season with the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra's festive Holiday Concert! Enjoy a magical evening filled with holiday favorites and timeless classics, featuring arrangements like "It’s Christmastime" with beloved tunes such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and "Silver Bells." Relive the magic of the season with "Christmas at the Movies," featuring memorable pieces from Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express, and Nightmare Before Christmas. Delight in the harmonious sounds of "Festive Sounds of Hanukah" and a special performance by Harmony On The Sound, led by Master Director Karen Sweeters, including "The Holly and the Ivy," "O Holy Night," and "Joy to the World." Wallingford's rising star, Lauren Wiedenmann, will also join us for a special vocal performance.
Don't miss this joyous celebration and experience the warmth and wonder of the holidays with us!
04.26.2025
Golden Sounds - Magical Night | Ann and George Colony Hall | Saturday, 5:00 pm
​Wallingford Symphony Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert
Join the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular evening of music, celebrating 50 years of extraordinary performances! This milestone concert will feature an exciting lineup of classical masterworks, Broadway favorites, jazz legends, and cinematic hits, brought to life by our talented musicians and special guest artists.
Pre-Concert Reception
Join us for an elegant pre-concert reception from 5:00 to 6:45 PM, featuring live music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and specialty drinks in the concert lobby. Sip on a Signature Lavender Limoncello Spritz or enjoy a selection of wine, beer, and coffee while savoring a variety of gourmet bites, including artisan cheeses, savory hors d’oeuvres, and decadent desserts.
As you mingle, take a walk down memory lane with a special display of vintage program booklets, posters, and articles celebrating the orchestra’s rich 50-year history. Enjoy archival concert recordings playing in the background, bringing past performances to life.
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Celebration Concert – Begins at 7 PM
Featured Guest Artists
Kariné Poghosyan, Piano
Hayes Greenfield, CRH ’75, Tenor Saxophone
WSO Vocalist Susan Yankee
Wallingford’s Young “Star” Miguel Angel Vasquez
Performance by the 2025 First Prize Winner of the Mitchel Family Fund String Competition
A Grand Musical Journey
The program opens with two powerful fanfares—Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman—setting the stage for an evening of bold and celebratory music. The energy continues with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture and the jubilant Golden Jubilee March by John Philip Sousa, leading into the lively Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka and the timeless beauty of On the Beautiful Blue Danube, celebrating Johann Strauss II’s 200th birthday.
The first half concludes with selections from two of Broadway’s most beloved musicals: The Lion King and Wicked. Audiences will be transported to the African savanna with Elton John’s unforgettable hits, including Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight, followed by the spellbinding melodies of Wicked, featuring Defying Gravity and Popular.
Intermission
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The second half of the concert shines a spotlight on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a timeless masterpiece celebrating its 100th anniversary, performed by the brilliant pianist Kariné Poghosyan. This iconic piece, blending classical and jazz influences, remains one of the most beloved works in American music history.
The celebration continues with a tribute to the golden age of jazz, featuring Duke Ellington! A Medley for Orchestra, arranged by Calvin Custer. The WSO will bring Ellington’s sophisticated swing to life with favorites like Sophisticated Lady and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).
Closing the concert in grand style, A Salute to the Big Bands will take us back to the swing era with classics such as Sing, Sing, Sing and Pennsylvania 6-5000, featuring a standout performance by Hayes Greenfield on tenor saxophone.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening as we celebrate 50 years of the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra with a program that bridges classical brilliance, Broadway magic, and the electrifying sounds of jazz!​​
06.28.2025
Summer Pops | Choate Rosemary Hall Chapel Lawn | Saturday, 7 PM
Join us for a special tribute to Arthur Fiedler as the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra performs Boston Pops classics. Enjoy beloved tunes like “76 Trombones” from The Music Man, Leroy Anderson’s playful “The Typewriter,” and more. This concert captures the charm and energy that made Fiedler’s Boston Pops concerts an American favorite.
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Expect a delightful evening filled with beloved tunes, including the rousing “76 Trombones” from The Music Man and the whimsical fun of Leroy Anderson’s “The Typewriter” and other favorites like "Syncopated Clock" and "Blue Tango." This concert will transport you back to the golden era of Fiedler’s leadership, celebrating the blend of classical and popular music that made his Boston Pops performances a cherished American tradition. Prepare to be entertained by an unforgettable program of spirited, feel-good music that’s sure to leave you smiling.
Spotlight on WSO Performers
2024-25 concert season
Golden Sounds - A Magical Night
April 26, 2025 - Saturday @ 5 PM - 9 PM
Ann & George Colony Hall, Wallingford, CT
Featured Guest Artists
First Prize Winner
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2025 Mitchell Family Fund
String Concerto Competition
Ian Li is a violinist from Waterford, CT. He currently studies with Kyung Yu of the Yale School of Music, having previously studied with Jesse Holstein of Brown University. Ian has served as concertmaster at the 2024 CMEA All-State Orchestra. Not only was he the concertmaster of the 2024 Young Artists Orchestra at Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI), but he also demonstrated excellence at BUTI in his string quartet, which featured in the Tanglewood on Parade festival.
Ian won the 2024 Hamden Symphony Orchestra Young Musicians Concerto Competition and the 2023 AACS National Fine Arts Competition for the small instrumental ensemble category. His other awards include second prize in the 2024 Wallingford Symphony Orchestra Mitchell Family Fund String Concerto Competition, first prize in the 2021 Connecticut MTNA Junior Performance String Competition, and third prize in the 2020 Bellagrande International Music Competition.
Ian is enthusiastic in serving his community with his musical talent by performing at senior centers, weddings, and churches, as well as teaching violin at the Southern Connecticut Chinese School. Aside from violin, Ian contributes to his school’s Science Bowl, math, and cross-country teams.
Golden Bells
​​December 1, 2024 - Sunday @ 2 PM
Ann & George Colony Hall, Wallingford, CT
Featured Guest Artists
Golden Moments - Magical Memories
October 27, 2024 - Sunday @ 2 PM
Ann & George Colony Hall, Wallingford, CT
Featured Guest Artists
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CONCERT SEASON
2023-2024
This year’s concert season 2023-2024 begins with the Spooktacular Halloween concert. WSO performs with the Frantic City Band ACDC’s Highway to Hell, Michael Jackson’s Thriller & Halloween Rock Classics. All performances except for the Summer Pops Concerts will take place in the newly built Ann and George Colony Hall on the beautiful campus of Choate Rosemary Hall. The new building is dedicated to music, dance, and voice; and constructed with acoustics that offer a rich atmosphere for symphony concerts.
10.22.2023
Spooktacular Halloween Concert | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 4:00 pm
Our WSO concert will feature the greatest classical and Hollywood Halloween/Horror film music. WSO will have a rock band, Frantic City Band, perform with them ACDC’s Highway to Hell, Michael Jackson’s Thriller & more Halloween Rock Classics.
12.17.2023
Holiday Concert | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
Our Cherished Holiday Carols and Songs performed by 17 Time Regional Champions, Harmony on the Sound Women’s Chorus Sweet Adelines, including music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and cherished holiday carols and songs, including beloved music from Broadway and Hollywood.
03.10.2024
Broadway Musical Concert | Ann and George Colony Hall | Sunday, 2:00 pm
WSO performs music from Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked & Cats.
Featuring music by America’s beloved composer Aaron Copland and a performance by the First Prize Winner of the WSO Mitchell Family String Competition.
06.30.2024
July 4th Weekend Pops | Choate Rosemary Hall Chapel Lawn | Sunday, 7:00pm
Our annual July 4th Pops features America’s Greatest Pops, Jazz, Broadway, and Hollywood Composers, featuring music by Leroy Anderson, Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, George Gershwin, Morton Gould, Ferde Grofé, Rodgers and
Hammerstein, Alan Menken and John Williams.