Big Spring Symphony Orchestra returns with ‘A New Beginning’

The Big Spring Symphony Orchestra’s 43^rd season, “A New Beginning,” is set to launch Saturday, Sept. 21 under the leadership of its newly appointed Music Director Dr. Fagner Magrinelli Rocha.

“La Fiesta,” a kick-off reception for the 2024-2025 season, will occur on Thursday, Sept. 19 starting at 6 p.m. at the Welch Reception Center, 907 Lancaster St. in Big Spring, TX. There will be an opportunity to meet and greet Dr. Rocha, along with Mexican appetizers and refreshments. Raffle tickets, donation and sponsorship opportunities will also be on hand for a ticket price of $25 per person or $45 per couple at the door or in advance by contacting Pam Welch at (432) 770-5501.

The Symphony’s season opener, “A New Beginning,” will take the stage Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Big Spring Municipal Auditorium. With a new, family friendly start time, the performance will feature Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, with violinist Fiona Shea. “American Suite” by Antonín Dvořák will also be performed during a concert that marks Dr. Fagner Magrinelli Rocha’s debut as music director.

Saturday, Oct. 19 will see the advent of the “Community Series,” which will feature a chamber orchestra and will continue in future seasons at various local venues. The free concert, “Five Tango Sensations” by composer Astor Piazzolla, will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church and will feature Charles Olivier on the bandoneon.

The Nutcracker will usher in the return of the holiday season in Big Spring Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the city’s Municipal Auditorium and will include Ballet San Angelo along with the symphony. Looking ahead to Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals” will be performed while featuring pianists Hunter Mabery and Dr. Steven Keniston.

A series of daytime concerts on Feb. 7 will be held as part of the Symphony’s commitment to educational outreach. “These concerts are designed to inspire and educate elementary students from Howard County, offering them a playful and engaging introduction to the world of classical music and inspiring the next generation,” said the Big Spring Symphony Orchestra in a statement.

The season finale on April 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., “Music of the Night,” will include a diverse repertoire spanning from opera to musical theater and including overtures, intermezzos, arias and famous duets. The performance will include soprano Kara Covey and bass-baritone Mark Covey.

The Big Spring Municipal Auditorium is located at 310 East 3^rd Street in Big Spring. Purchase tickets here.