Concert History
The Weidner Philharmonic has a rich and illustrious concert history that spans several years, establishing itself as a cultural cornerstone in the community. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in classical music, the orchestra has graced audiences with captivating performances featuring world-class musicians and conductors. From its inaugural concert to the present day, the Weidner Philharmonic has showcased a diverse repertoire, seamlessly navigating through classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and collaborative projects with acclaimed artists. Each concert is a testament to the orchestra’s dedication to artistic innovation and the enduring power of orchestral music to inspire and uplift. The Weidner Philharmonic’s concert history is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of musical brilliance and a deep connection to its audience.
2024-2025
Express Yourself – September 28, 2024
express Yourself – September 28, 2024
Conducted by Michael Alexander
Weidner Philharmonics 24/25 concert series opens with a program exploring freedom of expression and examining the power of using our voices to share our truth and be the change we want to see in the world.
We will peek behind the covers of a banned book and celebrate the spirit of individuals who have fought to overcome physical obstacles, racial prejudice, and oppressive political regimes to speak their minds with the world – no matter what.
Concert Repertoire
- Leonard Bernstein: Overture to Candide
- Vijay Iyer: Trouble for violin and chamber orchestra
- Featuring violin soloist Luis Fernandez
- John Mackey: Places we can no longer go for soprano and orchestra
- Featuring vocal soloist Whitney Myers
- Dmitri Shostakovich: Festive Overture
Express Yourself includs a post-concert dance performance under the Chihuly Chandelier by Jumaane Taylor – Artistic Director of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.
The Sky Is Not The Limit – April 12, 2025
the sky is not the limit, April 12, 2025
Conducted by Michael Alexander
An epic fanfare popularized by the film 2001: A Space Odyssey opens this program inspired by flight, celestial bodies, and the boundlessness of the human spirit. The Weidner Philharmonic takes to the skies to conclude our season with a special appearance by the Youth Symphony at St. Norbert College
Concert Repertoire
- Richard Strauss: Sunrise from Also sprach Zarathustra
- Jennifer Jolley: Flight 710 to Cabo San Lucas
- Jennifer Higdon: blue cathedral
- Joaquín Rodrigo: A la busca del más allá (In search of the beyond)
- Katahj Copley: Equinox
- Performed side-by-side with the Youth Symphony at St. Norbert College
2023-2024
DANCE DANCE EVOLUTION – September 30, 2023
DANCE DANCE EVOLUTION – September 30, 2023
Conducted by Michael Alexander
A celebration of the interconnectedness of music and dance. This symphonic program explored and reimagined dance music genres from around the world. Including passionate folk music of the Argentinian countryside, a spirited tribute to Motown, and the deconstruction and disintegration of the classic waltz.
Concert Repertoire
- Alberto Ginastera – Danza Final (Malambo) from the “Estancia” Suite, Op. 8a
- Jonathan Bailey Holland – Motor City ReMix
- Roberto Sierra – Fandangos
- Gabriela Lena Frank – Three Latin-American Dances for Orchestra
- Maurice Ravel – La valse
Dance Dance Evolution included a post-concert dance performance under the Chihuly Chandelier by Water Street Dance Milwaukee.
BATHED IN BLUE – April 6, 2024
Bathed in Blue, April 6, 2024
Conducted by Michael Alexander
An oceanic inspired concert experience. This multi-media concert featured atmospheric lighting effects, and soundscape recordings pulled from aquatic ecosystems paired with mysterious and immersive compositions. Mysterious, meditative – this concert explored the nature of water, its power, and our relationship to it.
Concert Repertoire
- Felix Mendelssohn: The Hebrides, Op. 26 (“Fingal’s Cave”)
- George Crumb: Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale) for Three Masked Players
- Alex Shapiro: Beneath for Orchestra and Pre-Recorded Soundscape
- Einojuhani Rautavaara: Cantus Arcticus: Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, Op. 61
Bathed in Blue included a post-concert dance performance under the Chihuly Chandelier by Water Street Dance Milwaukee.
2022-2023
WOMEN’S WORK – September 24, 2022
Women’s Work | September 24, 2022
Conducted By: Michael Alexander & Robert Nordling
This season opening concert program was composed entirely by women with inspiration stemming from our own back yard to the farthest reaches of the globe. Featuring surprising, eclectic and fun concert selections including a world premiere piece commissioned for this concert.
Composers, Stacy Garrop, Michelle McQuade Dewhirst, and Clarice Assad were all in attendance, and held a pre-concert Q&A.
Concert Repertoire:
- Light – by Jennifer Higdon*
- Krakatoa – by Stacy Garrop
- Michael Hall, featured soloist
- Out of Dark Waters, This – by Michelle McQuade Dewhirst**
- É Gol – Clarice Assad
*Originally commissioned by the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra
**Original piece commissioned by Weidner Philharmonic
POWER AND JOY – April 22, 2023
Power & Joy | April 22, 2023
Conducted by: Harvey Felder
The Weidner Philharmonic welcomed special guest conductor, Maestro Harvey Felder, back to Wisconsin to lead the orchestra in this exciting spring concert.
Concert Repertoire
- Fanfare on Amazing Grace – Adolphus Hailstork
- Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat Major, K. 365 – W. A. Mozart
- Michael Rector and Sylvia Hong, soloists
- Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 – Jean Sibelius
2021-2022
A SYMPHONIC NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: THE WIZARD OF OZ – April 3, 2022
A SYMPHONIC NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: THE WIZARD OF OZ
April 3, 2022 | Conducted by Scott Terrell
The Weidner Philharmonic performs the
- Featuring the Academy Award Winning Music by Harold Arlen and Herbert Stothart
- Guest Conductor: Scott Terrell.
2019-2020
INAUGURAL CONCERT – September 28, 2019
THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY | FEATURED GUEST CONDUCTOR: VICTOR YAMPOLSKY
Sat, Sep 28, 2019 at 7:30 PM
- Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man UW-Green Bay Provost Micheal Alexander
- Marquez: Danzon No.2 Kevin Collins
- Barber: Overture to The School for Scandal Victor Yampolsky
- Rachmaninoff: Vocalise Randy Meder featuring Courtney Sherman
- Dvorak: Symphony No.9 in E minor, “From the New World” Victor Yampolsky