The Diablo Symphony Orchestra opens its Diamond (60th) Jubilee Season on Sunday, October 23, 2022, with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (“Titan”) and Aaron Copland’s “Canticle of Freedom,” featuring the San Ramon Valley Chorale, Bruce Koliha, Director. Titled “Celebration,” the concert begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Themes of struggle, freedom, and triumph permeate the program, which also features pianist Randall Benway as a special guest in a surprise piece and Nicholas Weathers, winner of the DSO’s 2021–2022 Yen Liang Young Artist Competition, in the adagio movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Copland’s 1955 work powerfully proclaims the concept of freedom, encapsulated throughout by a pervasive rhythmic pattern rooted in the word freedom itself, with the words “Freedom is a noble thing!” declared in the finale. And Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, although it begins mysteriously, ends in celebration. Along the way, listeners experience a spirited “Ländler” dance movement that reflects the composer’s love of traditional folk music, a funeral procession that quotes the song “Frère Jacques,” and a finale whose storm dissolves in light as the horns stand in unity for a jubilant conclusion.

Season and individual concert tickets are available through the DSO’s website at www.diablosymphony.org. You can also purchase tickets at the Lesher Center for the Arts box office (1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek) or by calling 925-943-SHOW (7469). Tickets will also be available at the door. The DSO looks forward to seeing you at any one or all of its Jubilation Season concerts and events.

Season Sponsors: Patrick and Shirley Campbell Foundation