West Michigan Symphony Opens Masterworks Series with Orchestra’s Greatest Hits
Muskegon, MI — One of West Michigan Symphony’s (WMS) core mantras is Classical Music for Everyone—and how better to show it than with an evening of music chosen by the audience, featuring a guest artist who connects with the audience like no one else in the business. At 7:30pm Friday, November 14, maverick pianist Charlie Albright returns to open the 2025-26 Masterworks Series. The program led by Music Direct Scott Speck, and selected by “Audience Choice” vote last season, opens with Rossini’s William Tell Overture (the “Lone Ranger” theme) and closes with Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony. In between, Albright will captivate audiences with Rachmaninoff’s lush Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, featured in the 1980 fantasy movie Somewhere in Time (filmed on Michigan’s Mackinaw Island).
The concert will take place at the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue in Muskegon and is sponsored by the WMS Past Chairs Committee. Mike and Kay Olthoff are the 2025-26 Season Sponsors. Blue Lake Public Radio is the Media Sponsor. For tickets, starting at $19 for adults, $10 for students, visit westmichigansymphony.org or call 231.727.8001, or visit the Frauenthal Center box office. In recognition of Veterans Day, active-duty military and veterans receive a 50% discount for up to two tickets, through the Frauenthal Center box office (by showing miliary ID at time of purchase).
As stated on Albright’s website, “Charlie Albright believes that music is for everyone. By breaking the ‘classical’ rules of music, he connects with audiences like no one else.” Crossing genres from classical to rock, pop, jazz, and world music, Albright is a frequent collaborator with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell, and vocalist/conductor Bobby McFerrin. In addition to “jaw-dropping technique” (The New York Times), he has been lauded as “a master improviser” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer. He last appeared with WMS in November 2019.
Audience members and the general public are invited to learn more at a free Lunch ‘n Learn, including complimentary lunch, at 12 noon Wednesday, November 12 at The Block, 360 W. Western Avenue. Sponsored by Embark Financial Partners, the event will be hosted by Music Director Scott Speck and includes Q & A and conversations with Charlie Albright. Advance reservations required, HERE.
Free shuttle transport is available from Muskegon Farmer’s Market to the door of the Frauenthal, and back again after Friday night’s concert. A post-concert gathering is held in the lower-level Frau Lounge, an opportunity for the audience to mingle with conductor and musicians. Beverages, desserts and charcuterie are available for purchase.
Pianist Charlie Albright at The Block
At 7:30pm on Saturday evening, Charlie Albright will present a full program of solo piano works at The Block, West Michigan Symphony’s intimate live listening room at 360 W. Western Avenue. This concert will focus heavily on his penchant for improvisation; a feature normally associated with jazz rather than classical pianists. But Charlie Albright, of course, is not your normal classical pianist. For tickets, starting at $35 for adults, $10 for students, visit westmichigansymphony.org or call 231.726.3231.
“The opportunity to experience an artist of Charlie Albright’s caliber two nights in a row, from big stage to little stage, is a rare treat,” said WMS CEO Andy Buelow. “It’s basically a mini-artist residency. At most orchestras, the guest artist walks onstage, plays a 20- or 30-minute concerto, and then leaves—or, if you’re lucky, you get a brief encore. Here in West Michigan, we have this multi-dimensional, immersive experience with our guest artists.”
More Ways to Engage with West Michigan Symphony
Those that have never attended a WMS concert are invited to participate in the “Try Symphony! Introductory Ticket” program. Participants will enjoy a one-time 50% discount offer (up to two tickets) select concerts in the 2025-26 Season (including Nov. 14: Orchestra’s Greatest Hits). To claim this offer, register on the symphony’s website HERE. Once registered, a WMS staff member will contact the participant to arrange for tickets. Offer expires the Wednesday prior to the concert date.
WMS prides itself on being student-friendly at all its concerts and offers the Student Music Pass $5 ticket program. Those who sign up for this free membership program receive $5 admission for all Masterworks concerts at the Frauenthal Theater and select concerts at The Block, WMS’s 115-seat Listening Room. To learn more and register, click HERE.
About West Michigan Symphony & The Block
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon celebrating its 86th Season this year, West Michigan Symphony led by Music Director Scott Speck is a resident presenting group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. The WMS also operates The Block, a 115-seat listening room for the musically curious complementing the WMS’s mainstage orchestra offerings with jazz, classical and more. WMS concerts and education events bring 18,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore.
Media
See image below. If media is interested in attending and covering a WMS event, a limited number of media passes are available. Please contact Carla Flanders for more information. For Media Resources click HERE.
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