West Michigan Symphony goes Bohemian in Concert Featuring Acclaimed Cellist
Muskegon, MI — Today, a “Bohemian” is someone living an artistic, unconventional and individualistic lifestyle—a good description of most musicians! But the term originally referred to the area around Prague, now part of the Czech Republic. For its next concert, West Michigan Symphony visits the music and spirit of this land and its people, with a program featuring Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony, Smetana’s Overture to The Bartered Bride, and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. The latter will introduce the internationally acclaimed cellist Inbal Segev, who herself typifies the Bohemian lifestyle. Gramophone Magazine called her “a cellist with something to say.” Sponsored by Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation, the performance takes place at 7:30p.m. Friday, May 9 in the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue in Muskegon. Mike and Kay Olthoff are the 2024-2025 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.
The following evening, on May 10, Inbal Segev will present a full program at The Block, West Michigan Symphony’s intimate live listening room, joined by several WMS musicians. The program will open with the beloved Cello Suite No. 1 by J.S. Bach, which gained a wide listening audience from Yo-Yo Ma’s recent recordings. Pianist Emily Grabinski will join her for both Debussy’s and Prokofiev’s sonatas for cello and piano. They will be joined by WMS Principal Clarinet Jon Holden for Segev’s own Trio for Piano, Cello and Clarinet. The Block is located at 360 W. Western Avenue. For tickets, starting at $34 for adults, $10 for students, visit westmichigansymphony.org or call 231.726.3231.
“The opportunity to experience an artist of Inbal Segev’s caliber two nights in a row, from big stage to little stage, is something that rarely happens anywhere,” said WMS CEO Andy Buelow. “But it happens all the time at West Michigan Symphony. It’s basically a mini-artist residency. At most orchestras, the guest artist walks onstage, plays a 20- or 30-minute concerto—and then they’re gone. If you’re lucky, you get a brief encore. Here in West Michigan, we have this multi-dimensional, immersive experience with our guest artists. It’s a great opportunity, and pretty much unique.”
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 available for purchase.
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) for one of the final concerts remaining in the 24/25 season (May 9: Dvorak Cello Concerto or May 30: American Landscapes featuring Fanfare for the Common Man). 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 each concert date.
Ever wondered what goes into planning a performance? If so, the orchestra invites the public to get in on the act with its “Audience Choice Concert.” To participate (and potentially win prizes and free tickets) visit the WMS website and vote for your favorite overture, piano concerto and symphony from a selection of choices. The top votes will be unveiled this May and performed on a Masterworks program next season. To learn more, click HERE.
About West Michigan Symphony
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon celebrating its 85th Anniversary 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. WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore.
Media:
If media is interested in attending and covering this 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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