Sullivan Fortner, piano Kristiina Poska, conductor Often called “the great American opera,” Porgy and Bess has shaped American culture since 1935, inspiring artists from Maya Angelou to Miles Davis and Janis Joplin to Sublime. With George Gershwin’s unmistakable gift for melody, its music—alongside the iconic Rhapsody in Blue—blends jazz and classical styles to capture the vibrant spirit of two iconic American cities with deep musical heritage, Charleston and New York. Before intermission, the orchestra surges into Carl Nielsen’s powerful Fourth Symphony, “The Inextinguishable.” The program marks the orchestra’s debut performances with Estonian conductor Kristiina Poska and jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner. NIELSEN: Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable” GERSHWIN: Catfish Row: Suite from Porgy and Bess GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue Part of American Panorama: Voices of a Nation at 250. Join the audience for a free pre-performance talk by Patrick Castillo in Ramsey Concert Hall prior to the performance from 6:45-7:15 p.m. Castillo is a writer, composer, and former Vice President of Artistic Planning of the New York Philharmonic.

A trio of acclaimed musicians unite for a very special collaborative performance. Three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn is known for her expressive musicality and wide-ranging repertoire. She is joined by German baritone Matthias Goerne, widely regarded as one of today’s leading interpreters of German art song, and pianist Gloria Chien, who is praised for technical brilliance and artistry. Together, these internationally celebrated artists bring a dynamic program to the stage, including a new work by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, co-commissioned by the UGA Performing Arts Center.* Part of American Panorama: Voices of a Nation at 250. *Co-commissioned by La Jolla Music Society, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Spivey Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center. Join the audience for a free pre-performance talk by Patrick Castillo in Ramsey Concert Hall prior to the performance from 2:15-2:45 p.m. Castillo is a writer, composer, and former Vice President of Artistic Planning of the New York Philharmonic.

FRANZ SCHUBERT - Symphony No. 3 PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY - Symphony No. 5 A night of symphonic contrasts. Both Schubert and Tchaikovsky have their own unique expressive voice. Both works have memorable melodies and exciting virtuosity.

The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band present a free concert.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus Norman Mackenzie, Director of Choruses A beloved holiday tradition returns. Gather friends and family for a festive evening of Old World charm as the acclaimed Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus perform Part I of Handel’s triumphant Messiah and the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, timeless highlights that never fail to inspire. The program also features J.S. Bach’s serene and beautiful cantata “Sheep May Safely Graze,” adding a moment of reflection to this joyful celebration.

The soloists performing in this concert are selected after advancing through a rigorous competition process judged by faculty within the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. These winners are selected near the end of the fall semester and are announced in December.

This is a collaborative concert with the UGA Department of Dance. Each work performed by the Wind Symphony, conducted by Jack A. Eaddy Jr., will feature a corresponding ensemble from the Department of Dance, creating a fully integrated performance experience.

As unique as any other composer, Bruckner’s concept of orchestral colors and sound is reminiscent of the mighty pipe organ, Bruckner’s primary instrument.

This dark and introspective full-scale symphony is inspired by the dreams of an eight-year-old child as told in Carl Jung’s “Man and His Symbols.” The live performance will be accompanied by a recently completed film which includes pastel drawings by the composer.

Gustav Mahler, perhaps the greatest symphonist of all time, charms the listener with his “smallest” symphony. The text presents a child’s vision of heaven. This performance features Anne Slovin, soprano.

Mozart began composing the Requiem in D Minor, K. 626, in Vienna in 1791 but left the work unfinished when he died that December. Completed by his contemporaries, the piece is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Western cultural tradition. More than 300 student performers will take part in this concert.