KSO News

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Nov. 14, 2018 – On Saturday, November 17, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra continues its exploration of fifth symphonies with the “Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82,” by Jean Sibelius. To conclude the concert, Russian-American cellist Nina Kotova joins the orchestra for Antonín Dvořák’s “Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104.” 

You know him from David Letterman's show! Join Letterman sidekick and musical director, Paul Shaffer, for his world-premiere concert with the KSO. Shaffer will share symphonic renditions of his favorite pop, R&B, and jazz tunes, taking you on a fascinating journey with his stories, reminiscences, and anecdotes.

Your Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra explores the music of Hollywood and Vienna during its second Symphonic Series concert on October 27 at Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo. Guest artist Pablo Sáinz Villegas, known as the "Soul of the Spanish Guitar," joins the orchestra for this intimate program.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 10, 2018 – The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will present “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” on October 11 and 12, with Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ musical scores performed live to the full-length feature film. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Star Wars attire and to arrive early. Local Star Wars groups and costuming organizations will be available for photos and conversation beginning at 7 p.m. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Miller Auditorium.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 10, 2018 – The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) launches its 2018-19 season when its newly installed music director, Julian Kuerti, leads Van Cliburn Competition-winning pianist Di Wu and the KSO on groundbreaking French and French-inspired music by Frédéric Devreese, Maurice Ravel, and Hector Berlioz on Friday, September 14, at 8 p.m., at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. 

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 4, 2018 – Schirmer Theatrical, LLC, and Greenberg Artists are proud to present the world premiere of “Revolution: The Beatles Symphonic Experience,” with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) on Dec. 1, at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. “Revolution” is the first authorized, symphonic experience for The Beatles, featuring never-before-seen photos from the official Beatles Book Photo Library in London, alongside stunning new video and animation created by award-winning creative video designer Charles Yurick.

KALAMAZOO, MI– June 27, 2018 - The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and President & CEO, Peter H. Gistelinck, are pleased to announce that internationally renowned conductor Julian Kuerti has been appointed as its new Music Director. Mr. Kuerti will assume the title of Music Director beginning with the 2018-2019 season, succeeding Raymond Harvey, who ended his eighteen-year tenure with the orchestra in 2017, and has since then become the Orchestra's first Music Director Emeritus.

Kalamazoo, MI May 3, 2018 – The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is proud to present the final concert in their three-year exclusive partnership with Disney - Disney's original The Jungle Book, in concert. Families are invited to join the KSO as they present this classic, animated film in high-definition on the big screen while the charming and delightful score, by composer George Bruns, is performed live by symphony musicians under the direction of Maestro Daniel Brier.

Kalamazoo, MI May 2, 2018 - The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, with guest conductor Julian Kuerti, close the 2017-18 symphonic season with the music of Beethoven and Prokofiev. The Eroica Trio, the most sought-after trio in the world, perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto. After intermission, Maestro Kuerti conducts Prokofiev's thrilling Symphony No. 5. The American premiere of this symphony was so popular, a portrait of Prokofiev was featured on the cover of Timemagazine in November 1945.

Kalamazoo, MI April 13, 2018 – The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra proudly announces its upcoming 2018-19 season. In this 98th season, the KSO will “take note” of great masterworks, with an emphasis on French and female composers, feature famed guest artists, present two blockbuster film concerts and welcome a new music director to the podium.