This summer, embark on an inspirational journey from darkness into light as the FOOSA Philharmonic performs Karol Szymanowski’s “Concert Overture” and Gustav Mahler’s “Seventh Symphony.” This epic orchestral masterpiece transforms the anxiety and fear of the night into joyous exuberance with the dawn of a new day.
Experience the magic as the Summer Academy Orchestra takes you on this unique musical journey at two unforgettable “Song of the Night” concerts in Los Angeles and Fresno. Tickets to both concerts are free, but reservations are required to secure your spot in this unique musical journey.
“Song of the Night” performances:
- 8 p.m. Friday, June 21 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall – Tickets
- 3 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at the William Saroyan Theatre – Tickets
Six additional performances will be held throughout the festival at the Fresno State Concert Hall. All performances are free and open to the public. No tickets are required and parking is free after 8 p.m.
- 8 p.m. Thursday, June 13 – Student Showcase #1
- 8 p.m. Friday, June 14 – Concerto Competition Finals
- 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15 – FOOSA Faculty Chamber Music
- 8 p.m. Monday, June 17 – Student Showcase #2
- 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 – Student Showcase #3
- 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 – Student Showcase #4
About FOOSA Festival/Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy
The FOOSA Festival/Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy is dedicated to providing high-level orchestral training and performance opportunities to young musicians. By bringing together talented students and esteemed faculty from around the world, with a special focus on young musicians from California’s Central Valley, FOOSA aims to create a vibrant and dynamic musical community in Fresno, California.
Their mission is to create a music festival and orchestral training program that “brings the world to Fresno and Fresno to the world.”
Under the baton of Artistic Director Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, the FOOSA Philharmonic has emerged as one of the world’s premier orchestras specializing in Romantic-era music, particularly the expansive works of Gustav Mahler, Dmitri Shostakovich and Richard Strauss. The Philharmonic also explores a range of other musical styles from the Baroque, Classical, and Contemporary periods, often premiering new works. This enormous symphony orchestra, with over 130 musicians, serves as the ideal ensemble for bringing Loewenheim’s dynamic interpretations to life.
The FOOSA Festival, which takes place each June, is organized in collaboration with Fresno State and the Youth Orchestras of Fresno. It gathers nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty with aspiring young musicians for a two-week intensive course of orchestral study. Participants benefit from a variety of enriching experiences, including workshops, master classes, daily private lessons, daily rehearsals and sectionals, student recitals, a concerto competition and culminating concerts.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 