Some thoughts on Copland’s Fanfare and Third Symphony In his remarks from the stage at the last concert featuring Dvòřak’s Cello concerto, Music Director Scott Speck reflected on the profound influence the Czech composer had on American music during his directorship of the National Conservatory of Music from 1892 to ’95. Dvòřak was appointed to the […]
Commemorates 80th Anniversary of End of World War IIConcert features historic Fanfare for the Common Man by “Dean of American Composers” Muskegon, MI — West Michigan Symphony’s final concert of the 85th Anniversary season will be framed with the most iconic piece by the most iconic American composer: the Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. The concert opens with the Fanfare in […]
When most people think of West Michigan Symphony (WMS), they think of… concerts, of course! The 85-year-old organization is usually associated with its mainstage series at the Frauenthal Center in downtown Muskegon. But WMS is about more than performances. With its Vision a catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan, the organization engages hands-on with all […]
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 […]
In the late 1930s, Muskegon leaders who saw a need for a source of beauty and inspiration decided to form an orchestra, and the West Michigan Symphony performed its first concert on Nov. 28, 1939. “They felt the community needed uplifting and more music,” says Andy Buelow, CEO of WMS. “That was the initial impetus […]
Muskegon, MI — When most people think of West Michigan Symphony (WMS), they think of concerts, of course! The 85-year-old organization is usually associated with its mainstage series at the Frauenthal Center in downtown Muskegon. But WMS is about more than performances. With its Vision, a catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan, the organization engages hands-on with all ages through […]
Muskegon, MI — Vocal powerhouse Shayna Steele returns to the West Michigan Symphony (WMS) stage with her eclectic style of soul and blues honoring the musical divas who inspired her—Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and more. With charts by acclaimed arranger Jeff Tyzik—including the vocalist’s original music—the concert makes a solid case for Shayna […]
Muskegon, MI — If you ask any young member of West Michigan Symphony’s (WMS) Debut Strings or Children’s Choir how to get to the Frauenthal Theater, they’ll answer with one word: “practice.” They should know. These youthful musicians have been practicing since fall for the moment when they take the stage in Muskegon’s historic theater for their annual […]
