Muskegon, Michigan, April 1, 2022—At one time William Grant Still’s 1930 Symphony no. 1 “Afro-American” was among the most frequently performed symphonies in the repertoire. Music Director Scott Speck and the West Michigan Symphony will bring this magnificent blues-infused work to the Frauenthal Center stage at 7:30 pm Friday, May 13. Also on the program […]
MUSKEGON, MI, February 21, 2022—Nearly 80 young musicians ages 10 through 17 will take the stage at the Frauenthal Center for a joint concert featuring West Michigan Symphony’s Children’s Choir, Debut Strings, and Premier Strings. We Are Music Together will feature music by Pinkzebra, Rachmaninoff, Haydn, Saint-Saëns, and more. The WMS Children’s Choir is directed […]
MUSKEGON, MI, February 14, 2022— The New York Times calls their music “passionate, tender, and rambunctious” and The Washington Post praises their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” For over 37 years, Irish-American Cherish the Ladies has won the hearts of audiences worldwide with their rousing blend of traditional music, captivating vocals, and propulsive step dancing. The […]
MUSKEGON, MI, February 14, 2022—She began her career as a background vocalist with the likes of Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bette Midler, and Steely Dan—but nowadays vocalist Shayna Steele doesn’t take a back seat to anyone. One of the greatest singing sensations of our time, Steele has a charismatic and captivating stage presence and the vocal […]
Muskegon, Michigan, February 7, 2022—The long-awaited appearance at The Block by jazz guitarist Fareed Haque and organist Tony Monaco will take place on Saturday, February 19 at 7:30 pm. Originally slated to appear in May 2020, the virtuoso duo are eager to perform live for West Michigan audiences at last! Fareed Haque is known to […]
MUSKEGON, MI, November 16, 2021— West Michigan Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” is an annual musical tradition and an outpouring of joy, anticipation, and hope for audience members of all ages. This year’s holiday celebration features baritone Nathaniel Stampley and the West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir, led by guest conductor Teresa Cheung. Muskegon organist Peter […]
MUSKEGON, MI, August 26, 2021— Earlier today, the leaders of the West Michigan Symphony (WMS) announced the Play Your Part campaign, a $5 million fundraising effort to build their endowment while investing in music education programs for underserved area children. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2020, WMS annually presents an 8-concert series of classical masterworks […]
First live symphony concert since the lifting of masking requirements Muskegon, Michigan, June 7, 2021— “I’m always looking forward,” says Alexander Zonjic. “I’m always optimistic.” In that spirit, when he regretfully had to cancel his Shoreline Jazz Festival due to the ongoing pandemic, the ebullient jazz flutist immediately contacted West Michigan Symphony, resulting in a […]
Muskegon, Michigan, May 24, 2021—Music Director Scott Speck conducts the West Michigan Symphony in the final Masterworks video concert of the season, premiering at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 11 and sponsored by Harbor Steel. Titled The Three M’s, the all-orchestral program features Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Mozart’s Symphony no. 41 (the “Jupiter”), and Spiral, a […]
Muskegon, April 13, 2021—Violinist John Heffernan, who has served as Interim Concertmaster during the past two seasons, has been appointed Concertmaster of West Michigan Symphony, Music Director Scott Speck announced today. The concertmaster, who heads the first violin section, is the highest leadership position among all the musicians in the orchestra, second in authority only […]
