A Season of Splendor for the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra - The Bend Magazine

A Season of Splendor for the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra

CCSO is set to amaze audiences starting in September with a variety of concerts.

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra | Photo provided by Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra

Let the grand splendor of a full symphony guide you through a world of unseen wonders, old and new, during the upcoming Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) season. The 2024-2025 program of “orchestral splendor” will feature both historical and modern classics, with selections ranging from Tchaikovsky to Corpus’ resident reina, Selena.

“Each concert has something for everyone,” said CCSO music director and conductor Hector Guzman. “Masterpieces of the classical repertoire, as well as internationally known soloists, make this season a very attractive one.”

September’s concert kicks off the season with performances of iconic works by composers like Debussy, Strauss and Tchaikovsky. This special opening night will feature rising star Alessio Bax, a world-renowned pianist making waves in the piano world.

Per the symphony’s tradition, October’s programming will serve as an ode to Hispanic Heritage Month. While last year’s concert brought classical pieces from all over Latin America and Spain, this year’s concert will honor Tejana legend Selena right in the heart of her hometown at the Selena Auditorium. With Grammy-nominated vocalist Isabel Marie Sanchez and guest conductor Dr. Jose Flores leading the show, it’ll be hard to stay seated for this one.

“Our board and I were aware of the enormous popularity that the music of Selena still enjoys—not only in the U.S., but also worldwide,” said Guzman. “We felt that it was time for our Corpus Christi symphony to pay tribute to such an icon right here in her beloved hometown. We hope the entire community will join us for this unique event.”

Conductor Hector Guzman from the CCSO
Conductor Hector Guzman | Photo provided by the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra

“Beethoven Fest” will bring grandiose renditions of Beethoven’s biggest hits in November, adorned with the unique musicality of distinguished CCSO musicians led by guest conductor Stilian Kirov. December’s show features another Corpus Christi tradition: the Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” concert. “America’s Tenor” Steve Amerson, whose voice can be found across dozens of prestigious TV shows, movies and other events, will join the orchestra for gorgeous arrangements of all your favorite holiday classics. 

Moving into 2025, February’s “The Talented Virtuoso” will feature Spanish accordion rockstar Sofia Ros in a brilliant program full of classics. The opener alone, Mozart’s sublime “Overture to The Magic Flute,” will make this an unforgettable show. For the season’s grand finale, the Symphony will perform an orchestral arrangement of the classic opera Carmen. As a show full of tragedy, passion and intricate musical elements scattered throughout, this version of the well-loved opera will end the season with a major bang.

Carmen has universal appeal,” said Guzman about choosing the season’s closer. “It is THE most often-performed opera of all time. We thought it was a splendorous fitting grand finale to a season of orchestral splendor.”