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
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.
Access for All
At the SLO Symphony, we believe everyone deserves access to the inspiring experience of live music.
To help make this performance accessible to our community, child and student tickets are priced at just $12, and adult tickets start at only $20, making it possible for more people to experience this powerful performance together. Ticket availability is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. These community-focused ticket prices are made possible through the stewardship of our Board of Directors and the generosity of our donors, whose support helps ensure that the arts remain accessible to all.