Grand Overtures

Classics IV

Grand Overtures

Experience a thrilling celebration of orchestral brilliance, headlined by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture in its original concert setting, full of drama and spectacle. The program also features Brahms’ spirited Academic Festival Overture and Respighi’s elegant Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No.3. Organ virtuoso Felix Hell returns to perform Guilmant’s Symphony No.1 for Organ, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Forbes Organ at the Performing Arts Center. Feel the full force and excitement of the orchestra in a concert designed to awe, inspire, and leave you breathless.

Saturday, March 6, 2026, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

Tickets on sale July 20th

Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes

Program Details

Johannes Brahms Academic Festival Overture op.80

  • Composed in 1880.
  • Written by Brahms as a thank-you to the University of Breslau for awarding him an honorary doctorate.
  • Incorporates several well-known German student songs, including “Gaudeamus Igitur.”

Alexandre Guilmant Symphony No.1 for Organ op.42

  • Composed in 1874.
  • It is one of the earliest large-scale French organ symphonies.

Ottorino Respighi Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No.3

  • Composed in 1931.
  • Based on Renaissance and Baroque lute music.
  • Scored exclusively for string orchestra, giving it a warm and elegant sound.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture op.49

  • Composed in 1880.
  • Famous for its use of cannon fire and church bells in performance.

Enhance Your Experience

Symphonic Foray — Pre-Concert Talk

  • Join us at 6:30pm for a special Symphonic Forays!
  • Go behind the scenes with Maestro Sewell, soloist Felix Hell, and other special guests
  • Learn more about the history of the music
  • Free to all concert ticket holders

No Ties Allowed — Open Rehearsal

  • Preview the concert during a working rehearsal from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM the same morning
  • While this rehearsal is open to the public, we kindly ask that you be respectful of the musicians as they rehearse. If you need to talk or make noise, please step into the lobby. You’re welcome to come and go as you wish — we’re glad you’re attending!
  • Learn more about No Ties Allowed events.

Listen In

Enjoy this curated playlist of the concert program.