Special Projects & Upcoming Performances

Beethoven: Crisis and Creativity

September – November 2020

Six-Part Series on KVPR

September 30, 2020 at 8:00pm PST

Special Guest: Barry Douglas

October 7, 2020 at 8pm PST

Special Guests: Chris Albright & Awadagin Pratt

October 14, 2020 at 8pm PST

Special Guest: Jon Nakamatsu

October 21, 2020 at 8pm PST

Special Guest: Joyce Yang

October 28, 2020 at 8pm PST

Special Guest: Shai Wosner

November 4, 2020 at 8pm PST

Special Guest: Orion Weiss

Valley Public Radio, in partnership with the Fresno Philharmonic and the Philip Lorenz Memorial Keyboard Concert Series will air a new special series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest composers of all time. The program will feature archival performances drawn from both institution’s recorded concerts, and will be hosted by Valley Public Radio’s David Aus, with Fresno Philharmonic Music Director Rei Hotoda and special guests providing discussion and commentary.

January 30 and 31, 20201

Reno Chamber Orchestra

Molly Carr, viola

Anna Petrova, piano

Jeannie Psomas, clarinet

Rei Hotoda, conductor

Program includes:

Turina: Scene Andalouse

Lascurain: Novel Voices Double Concerto (2018)

Bruch: Double Concerto in E minor, Op. 88 (1912)

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian

Launch of Fresno Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall

January 2021 – May 2021

Virtual Masterworks Series

The Fresno Philharmonic, under the direction of Music Director Rei Hotoda, will launch a four-part Virtual Masterworks Concert series as well as education concerts. All events, available online for free, will showcase the musical depth and versatility of the remarkable musicians of the orchestra as well as highlight many of the important musical voices of our time.

June 3, 2020

Live Virtual World Premiere

Robert Morris -- Landscape Greeting

Members of the Fresno Philharmonic

Rei Hotoda, Music Direction and Commentary

Fresno Philharmonic musicians performed the world premiere of Robert Morris’ Landscape Greeting with special images from the Fresno Art Museum, live on YouTube.

Play On Series

June 2020

Five-Part Series on KVPR

Re-Broadcast of Fresno Philharmonic Concerts

Narration by Rei Hotoda, Music Director, Fresno Philharmonic

In June 2020, KVPR and Rei Hotoda launched a new series called Play On, which featured past performances by the Fresno Philharmonic. The accompanying narrative was in response to the current unprecedented time with an eye toward the healing and comfort through music.

June 10, 2020

Heroes Among Us

Paying tribute to first responders and essential workers on the front lines of COVID 19.

June 17, 2020

In Our Own Backyard

Celebrating the music of local composers.

June 24, 2020

Beyond Borders

Rediscovering our shared humanity as we confront a global pandemic.

July 1, 2020

Songs of Hope

Inspiring choral works.

June 8, 2020

Salute to Youth

A guided tour of Pictures at an Exhibition for the whole family.

Fresno Philharmonic: Virtual Green Room

July – August 2020

Six-Part Virtual Series

Fresno Philharmonic YouTube Chanel

Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director, Rei Hotoda, interviews musicians during this time of the pandemic. Watch and get to know our musicians through the "Green Room" Series.

July 15, 2020

Episode 1

Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio (Concertmaster)

July 22, 2020

Episode 2

Wayne Solomon (Bass Trombone/Personnel Manager)

Bruce Chrisp (Principal Trombone)

Gabrielle Wunsch (Violin)

July 29, 2020

Episode 3

Tim Dent (Timpani)

Tammy van der Paardt (Percussionist)