REDEFINING THE
ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE

Celebrate America with a program that reflects the many voices of our nation. From the iconic resonance of Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and the quiet intensity of Barber’s Adagio for Strings to the jazz-infused energy of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by Muncie’s own, Dr. James Helton, this concert traces a wide emotional and musical landscape. Finally, Florence Price’s groundbreaking First Symphony anchors the second half with warmth, elegance, and a distinctly American voice that deserves to be heard alongside the great symphonic tradition.

Kick off the season with the uniquely joyful sound of brass music in a resonant space. Led by guest conductor Todd Craven, a former professional trumpet player who brings a deep understanding of the brass sound from the inside out, this program combines festive favorites, warm seasonal colors, and moments of brilliance that feel both celebratory and intimate. Whether you come for the sparkle, the nostalgia, or simply the sound of great musicians playing together, this concert offers a chance to gather and get into the holiday spirit.

Step back into the early days of cinema with Buster Keaton’s The General, one of the greatest silent films ever made. What audiences once experienced in the 1920s returns in full, with the film and live music unfolding together in real time. The orchestra becomes the voice of the story, shaping the humor, tension, and momentum of Keaton’s daring stunts and perfectly timed comedy. It’s a reminder of how music transforms what we see into an even more visceral experience.

To end the season, we bring the next generation of musicians onto the stage: the symphony will perform side-by-side with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of East Central Indiana in a celebration of mentorship and shared music-making. The program also features our Young Artist Competition winner, and two beloved orchestral works: Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, full of mystery and lyric beauty, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, a dazzling showcase of color and virtuosity. This is a concert where the future of music meets its enduring tradition in one powerful performance.