The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera opens its 77th season on Thursday with works by Franz Schubert and Dmitri Shostakovich. The CSO will play under the baton of conductor Dorian Wilson, one of five guest maestri appearing this year as music director Bob Bernhardt celebrates his final season before becoming music director emeritus.
In a letter addressed to the community, Bernhardt wrote: “I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to live and work with the orchestra, and in the city, that I love so much.”
This year, the search for Bernhardt’s successor continues. Last season saw the CSO perform under the direction of six visiting maestri, and the final five appear this season.
IF YOU GOWhat: Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Masterworks concert, with guest conductor Dorian Wilson.When: 8 p.m. Thursday and Sept. 17.Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.Admission: $19-$78; $10 for students with ID.Phone: 267-8583.Website: www.chattanoogasymphony.org.CSO SEASONNote: All concerts start at 8 p.m. in the Tivoli Theatre. Subscription tickets are $90-$371 for Pops concerts, $119-$464 for Masterworks. Flex packages of Pick 4, 5 or 6 shows also available.* Oct. 2: “A Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles” (Pops)* Oct. 14-15: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Masterworks)* Oct. 30: “The Phantom’s Leading Ladies” (Pops)* Nov. 12: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” (Opera)* Nov. 18-19: Symphonic Shakespeare (Masterworks)* Dec. 18-19: “Home for the Holidays” (Pops)* Jan. 13-14: Symphonie Fantastique (Masterworks)* Feb. 3-4: Bernstein & Dvorak (Masterworks)* Feb. 11-12: “Big Band Fever” (Pops)* March 24-25: Pictures at an Exhibition (Masterworks)* April 2: “Bob’s Favorite Things” (Pops)* April 7-8: Mahler Symphony No. 2 (Masterworks)CSO CHAMBER CONCERT SERIESNote: All shows start at 3 p.m. in the Tivoli Theatre. Tickets are $15 per show, $45 per subscription.* Dec. 5: “A Chamber Noel.”* Jan. 23: “CSO Treasures: Gems From the Principals”* Feb. 27: “Family Ties: Bach to Mozart”* April 17: “When They Were Young: Classical Prodigies”
The first, Wilson, was one of Leonard Bernstein’s last students. He has conducted orchestras throughout the world and serves as permanent guest conductor of the St. Petersburg Symphony.