Escape to Delight: an Evening of Charming Works by Classical and Composers with Guest Pianist Avery Gagliano.

The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS) is proud to present its third Signature Concert of the 2022-2023 season: “Escape to Delight.” It is an evening of delightful classical and contemporary works at 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 4th, 2023 live at the Lincoln Center and via livestream.

Pianist Avery Gagliano
Pianist Avery Gagliano

FCS Music Director Maestro Wes Kenney will lead the orchestra and guest pianist Avery Gagliano in an exciting concert of music composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Bologne, Joseph Haydn, and Amy Beach. 

The concert is being performed in memory of Marilyn Cockburn and Roberta Mielke.

Escape to Delight!

The evening begins with Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 in G Major. Bologne, one of history’s many forgotten composers of color, was often called the “Black Mozart.” He was a champion fencer, violinist, composer, conductor, and colonel. The upcoming film “Chevalier,” opening in theaters on April 7th, tells the dramatic story of his life.

Guest pianist Avery Gagliano will join the FCS to perform Mozart’s 24th Piano Concerto, perhaps Mozart’s greatest piece for piano and orchestra. In 2021, Ms. Gagliano made her Carnegie Hall debut and released her album “Reflections” on the Steinway & Sons label. She appears by special arrangement with Curtis on Tour, the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music. 

Avery Gagliano is a distinctive young talent who has already graduated to the big league of professional pianists while still a student at music college.

International Piano Magazine

Composer Joseph Haydn’s spirited “Drum Roll” Symphony features a violin solo by Heather MacArthur. She is a candidate auditioning for the position of FCS concertmaster. Haydn was the father of the symphony and wrote more than any other major composer. This piece is his 103rd symphony.

Composer Amy Beach’s vibrant and rhythmic waltz, Bal Masqué, closes a delightful evening that will send audience members dancing from the auditorium.

Learn more about “Escape to Delight’s” concert music, composers, and pianist Avery Gagliano at FCSymphony.org/Delight.

Tickets are $25-$67 for adults, $10 for children/students, $25 for livestream, available at LCTix.com/signature-3-escape-to-delight. 

Learn more about Escape to Delight:

-Visit FCSymphony.org/Delight for concert program notes by Dr. Dawn Grapes and Dr. William E. Runyan, an interview with pianist Avery Gagliano, and other enlightening resources about the concert. Free.

-Attend Dr. Dawn Grapes’ Composer Talk in person at Old Town Library at noon on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.  Free.

-Experience the FCS at Open Rehearsal in-personat 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Lincoln Center. Free.

-Join Maestro Wes Kenney for his pre-concert lecture, “Maestro’s Musings,” in-person or live stream at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023at the Lincoln Center. With purchase of concert ticket.

-Tune into Maestro Kenney’s World of Symphonic Music at 7 p.m. on Sundays at KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins 88.9 FM. Free.

Concert Sponsors:

The Fort Collins Symphony’s 2022-2023 Season Sponsors: City of Fort Collins Fort Fund, Colorado Creative Industries, Dr. David and Alison Dennis, Ken Garff Ford Fort Collins, Lyric Theater, National Endowment for the Arts. Dr. Ed Siegel, and Dr. Peter Springberg and Janet Kowall.

Media Sponsors: KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins, KUNC 91.5 FM Radio NPR, and North Forty News.

Signature Concert 3 Sponsors: Curtis to Colorado, Lawrence M.  Moskow, Gary and Carol Ann Hixon, Kenneth and Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation, Paul Wood Florist, Plante Moran, Rare Italian, and Drs. Ann Yanagi and Scott Johnston

Avery Gagliano appears by special arrangement with Curtis on Tour, the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music.