the lineup

2023-24
Season

The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra will present extraordinary concerts throughout the 107th season at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre in downtown Sioux City. The SCSO has been internationally recognized as a champion of innovation and adventurous programming, offering music lovers across the region and worldwide through SCSO.LIVE, a spectrum of breathtaking classics that have stood the test of time and exciting new music that reflects the diverse voices of our world. Welcome to the 2023 – 2024 season of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra!

Season highlights include internationally acclaimed guest artists, thrilling world premieres, three blockbuster pops programs, an exclusive film and orchestra concert at the Tyson Events Center, and a stunning collection of symphonic masterworks, all featuring the talented musicians of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE
STRIKES BACK IN CONCERT

At The Tyson Events Center

Tickets On Sale Now!

Coming to Sioux City from a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back like never before as your Sioux City Symphony performs JOHN WILLIAMS’ Oscar-winning score live to the entire film.

“You must feel the Force around you …”
The battle for the galaxy intensifies in this thrilling fifth episode of the unfolding Star Wars saga. As Imperial Forces launch an all-out attack on the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) flee to Cloud City, where Darth Vader captures them. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) journeys to the mysterious, marshy planet of Dagobah, where the wise Jedi Master Yoda teaches the young hero the ways of the Force. Little does Luke know that all his Jedi training will be called upon so soon. A stunning revelation—and a seeming life-or-death duel with Darth Vader— await.

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie over 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on cinema and culture, inspiring audiences worldwide with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical scores composed byWilliams.

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE -
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR!

At the Orpheum Theatre

From witches to goblins to ghosts galore, children and adults alike will enter the enchanted world of music and jaw- dropping feats by the world’s most incredible aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, balancers, and jugglers. Paired with breathtaking music performed by the Sioux City Symphony, this is a one-of-a-kind live concert event – perfect for the whole family!

With this spooky twist, CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE returns to the Orpheum Theatre, with goblins swinging on blood- red ropes for this performance, filled to the brim with tricks and treats. Witches soar through the air, and skeletons perform death-defying acts. Bring your friends and family to experience the orchestra and dress up in your favorite costume for a night of musical excitement and daring acrobatics!

AMY BEACH &
BRAHMS DOUBLE

At the Orpheum Theatre

The “Gaelic” Symphony established AMY BEACH as a celebrated American composer and proved the legitimacy of her talents in a male-dominated profession. She was the first woman to have a symphony staged by a major orchestra, and her music was widely performed and acclaimed both in the U.S. and Europe. Beach chose tunes from the British Isles, the home of her ancestors, to include in this symphonic display of emotional and harmonious perfection.

JOHANNES BRAHMS conjures vigour and vitality in his Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, featuring violinist JONATHAN CROW and cellist JOSEPH JOHNSON in this virtuosic and energetic tour-de-force. This innovative evening begins with a brand-new work written by the SCSO’s 2023 Composer of the Year Competition winner.

COMPOSER OF THE YEAR: World Premiere (SCSO Commission)
BRAHMS: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello
AMY BEACH: Symphony No. 2 (Gaelic)

 

NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL
CHRISTMAS BALLET

6 PM NOV. 26 | Add-On Concert

*This Concert is an ADD-ON CONCERT EXPERIENCE and is presented separately from the 2023-2024 Season Subscription. 

This Christmas Season, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET!! The acclaimed holiday tradition returns to Sioux City in this historic partnership featuring music performed LIVE by the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City! 

ELGAR: SYMPHONY NO.1

Hope And glory

Stunningly brilliant, with flowing melodies, dance-like rhythms, lush chords, and dramatic orchestration, the theme of SAMUAL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR’S Overture to The Song of Hiawatha is derived from the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” The evening also marks the world premiere of a brand-new visionary work written and performed by SCSO Principal Oboist JEFFREY PAUL. 

Overwhelmed by self-doubt and turmoil, the First Symphony by EDWARD ELGAR is a vast and deeply personal work full of grandeur, intimacy and intense emotions. The composer’s only public statement about the meaning of his symphony was that “there is no program beyond a wide experience of human life with a great charity (love) and a massive hope in the future.” The first symphony is one of history’s most heart-rending and emotional symphonies ever written.

COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: The Song of Hiawatha (Overture)

JEFFREY PAUL: World Premiere (SCSO Commission)

ELGAR: Symphony No. 1

WINDBORNE’S MUSIC
OF LED ZEPPELIN

Randy Jackson, Lead Vocalist

After the phenomenal success of Windborne’s The Music of Queen, it’s time to let loose and experience timeless Led Zeppelin favorites in this one-night-only tribute to one of the greatest rock bands ever! Vocalist Randy Jackson and a full rock band will conjure up the iconic sounds of Led Zeppelin in a brilliant combination of passion & power “amped up” by the sonic strength of the Sioux City Symphony. Experience electrifying hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” “Dancing Days,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Immigrant Song,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and more like never before.

SARAH CHANG AND COPLAND

At the Orpheum Theatre

An atmospheric opener by American composer MISSY MAZZOLI creates a solar system of sound in her mystical Sinfonia of Orbiting Spheres. Recognized as one of the foremost violinists of our time, SARAH CHANG returns to the Sioux City Symphony with a dazzling performance of MAX BRUCH’s energetic Violin Concerto in G minor. Often called The Great American Symphony, AARON COPLAND’s joyous and monumental Third Symphony was composed to celebrate the end of World War II. It concludes with one of music’s most well-known and influential works—the stirring and triumphant Fanfare for the Common Man!

MISSY MAZZOLI: Sinfonia for Orbiting Spheres

BRUCH: Violin Concerto

COPLAND: Symphony No. 3