Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
53rd Season 2024|2025
Venue: GW Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria VA
In its 53rd Season, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic boldly champions the power of unity, forging profound connections within our diverse communities through the spirit of collaboration. This Season is a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and innovation, spotlighting groundbreaking compositions by women and American composers alongside timeless masterworks of the classical canon. Through this dynamic fusion of tradition and exploration, the 2024|2025 Season not only celebrates the depth of musical expression but also illuminates the boundless resilience and creativity of the human spirit. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and moved as we embark on a journey that embodies the essence of what makes the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.
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GRACE-EVANGELINE MASON: The Imagined Forest
DUKE ELLINGTON: Nutcracker Suite (after Tchaikovsky) SELECTION OF HOLIDAY CHORAL WORKS featuring the Alexandria Choral Society including: Sankta Lucia, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Balulalow from Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, Diana Saez' Temporal, The Sleigh, and A Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas |
AfterChats with Anna is Back 🥂AfterChats are relaxed, post-concert conversations with Music Director Anna Binneweg, moderated by Executive and Artistic Planning Director Caroline Mousset, and featuring our guest artists. Grab a glass of bubbly, bring your questions, and join us for these engaging sessions! You'll gain insight into the music you've just experienced and have the chance to meet the artists. Best of all, AfterChats are free for all ticket holders. |
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Things That'll Make You Listen Differently:
- A Forest of Imagination: The Imagined Forest by Grace-Evangeline Mason invites listeners to picture a winter wonderland. This piece doesn’t tell a story in words but uses the orchestra to create a magical landscape—imagine walking through a peaceful, snow-covered forest filled with glimmers of light and mystery.
- Ellington Meets Tchaikovsky: Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite is a jazz take on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet music. Ellington, a jazz icon from Washington, D.C., transformed Tchaikovsky’s original work into something playful and rhythmic, giving holiday favorites like "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" a lively, swinging feel that’s sure to surprise and delight listeners.
- A Global Holiday Experience: The choral portion of the program, presented by the Alexandria Choral Society, includes songs from a variety of holiday traditions, creating a global feel. Santa Lucia is a traditional Swedish carol, Go, Tell It on the Mountain brings the sounds of African American spirituals, and Temporal by Diana Saez reflects a vibrant Latin American style. Each song brings its own unique celebration of the season.
- A Musical Journey Through Christmas: A Musicological Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas is a humorous twist on the popular carol "The 12 Days of Christmas." Each verse is arranged in a different musical style, featuring iconic composers like Mozart and Sousa. It’s a delightful way to “travel” through music history, with each "day" representing a new style from classical to patriotic, making this piece both entertaining and educational.
- Family-Friendly and Interactive: With a mix of choral music, jazz, and orchestral sounds, this concert is designed to appeal to all ages. The variety of musical styles and traditions will keep the audience engaged and offer something for everyone, making it a perfect family outing to enjoy the season together.
In a poignant exploration of human conflict and resolution, "War and Peace" delves into the depths of emotion with a program that juxtaposes turbulence with tranquility. Augusta Holmés' evocative "Irlande" sets a contemplative mood, reflecting on the complexities of national identity and struggle. Myroslav Skoryk's Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring Ukrainian-American pianist Stanislav Khristenko, offers a powerful testament to resilience and hope amid adversity. Concluding the program with a timeless masterpiece, Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 5 in C minor delivers a cathartic journey from darkness to triumph, leaving audiences with a sense of profound reflection, hope and renewal.
Celebrating the timeless legacy of Antonín Dvořák, the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic joins forces with the talented musicians of our Youth Orchestra for an unforgettable side-by-side concert. Showcasing the depth and breadth of Dvořák's oeuvre, the program features his beloved Cello Concerto in B minor featuring virtuoso cellist Amit Peled. The orchestras shine in a lively rendition of Dvořák's Slavonic Dance No. 1, capturing the folkloric spirit and rhythmic vitality of this beloved collection. Concluding the concert with Symphony No. 8 in G major, both ensembles unite in a grand finale, bringing Dvořák's lyrical melodies and lush orchestrations to life with passion and unity.
2024|2025 Season: Past Concerts
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DAI WEI: The Dancing Moonlight
LEOŠ JANÁČEK: Symphonic Fantasy from Jenůfa JOSEF SUK: Scherzo Fantastique PHILIP GLASS: Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra featuring timpanists Scott Christian & Glenn Paulson Embark on a musical journey through the whimsical realms of imagination with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic's opening concert of the 2024|2025 Season, "Fantastical Explorations." Leading the audience through a landscape of wonder, the program features compositions that vividly paint fantastical landscapes. Female composer, Dan Wei, sets the stage in her new work “The Dancing Moonlight” with its rich tapestry of orchestral colors inviting listeners into a world of boundless thought and creativity. Continuing the exploration, Leoš Janáček's "Symphony Fantasy” from his opera Jenůfa, delves into the emotional depths of fantasy. Josef Suk's "Scherzo Fantastique" evokes a sense of playful enchantment through his innovative use of sonic parameters and expressive melodies. The mesmerizing concert finale "Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra" by Philip Glass showcases the virtuosity of timpanists Glenn Paulson and Scott Christian in a dazzling display of rhythmic intensity and prowess.
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