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The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra approaches its 28-year vintage with a “taste and see” attitude. The proof is in the variety, unique blend and quality of the orchestra’s hallmark thematic programming and range of musical genres. Cozying up to classics through the popularity of Kentucky Bourbon made the 28th season’s paper-bourbon-bottle brochure a natural. The five program series represents the KSO’s only ticketed programs running from October through May (Its education series and park concert series are free).

Here is what you can expect with each delicious pour:

Classical-Jazz Soufflé 7:30 p.m. October 19, 2019 Greaves Concert Hall, NKU

The KSO brings the jazz orchestrations of Don Sebesky, Eumir Deodato, and Billy May to the music of Bach, Brahms, Debussy, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. Area jazz masters join the KSO for a fresh take on classics from Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5 to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. The KSO has recreated many of these arrangements from original handwritten scores.

Blessing or Curse 7:30 p.m., November 9, 2019 Notre Dame Academy, Park Hills, KY

The seemingly impossible accomplishments of those with severe disabilities remain awe-inspiring. Composers through the ages have overcome grave physical challenges to pen great works – Allan Pettersson (crippling rheumatoid arthritis), Joaquín Rodrigo (blind since age 3), Ludwig Van Beethoven (deaf). Internationally renowned and Grammy Award winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux joins the KSO for Rodrigo’s hauntingly beautiful Concierto de Aranjuez.

Symphonic Fission 7:30 p.m. January 25, 2020 Greaves Concert Hall, NKU

The KSO offers orchestral warmth in January with the area premiere of John Adams’s Dr. Atomic Symphony, taken from the music of his 2005 opera about Robert Oppenheimer, the Manhattan Project and the creation of the atomic bomb. Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 (The Year 1905) may, for political cover, refer to a massacre of innocent Russians by Tsarist troops, but the symphony was written in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1957.

Mozart’s Denouement 3:00 p.m., February 23, 2020 St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati, OH

The KSO and St. Peter in Chains Cathedral Choir (Anthony DiCello, director) join forces again in a collaboration that shares personnel, conductors, costs, and revenue to celebrate two of Mozart’s latest, greatest, and most beloved compositions – the sparkling and forward-looking Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter) and the hauntingly moving Requiem. Special engagement prices.

Singing in the Rain 7:30 p.m. May 16, 2020 Greaves Concert Hall, NKU

The KSO closes its 28th season with Singing in the Rain, the classic 1952 song-and-dance movie musical starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds – accompanied live by the KSO. The KSO has mastered this format with many films, both silent and talkies. If you liked The Wizard of Oz, Ben-Hur, Pirates of the Caribbean, Amadeus Live or Disney’s Silly Symphonies cine-concerts, you’ll love Singing in the Rain! Special engagement prices.

“Each season the KSO’s programming stretches genre boundaries, while incorporating unusual pairings of repertoire, often based on non-musical ideas. We find that such programming engages both the musician and the audience in ways that enhance the performance,” stated KSO Music Director, James Cassidy.

Join the KSO for its 28th Subscription Series for five intriguing programs from October 19 — May 16. Ticket packages make great date nights, or an annual night out with friends and neighbors. They also make great gifts for those who simply don’t need more stuff and/or appreciate unique experiences. Series tickets are available in Traditional Subscription — same/similar seat for each of the 5 programs (15% off single ticket prices); Adults $95-170 / Students (5-18) $55-95 or Flex-pak Subscription seating — 6 vouchers for guaranteed seats to any concert(s). Flex-pak vouchers can be used for any concert, in any combination you choose. $125-225 Single ticket prices: $35, 27, 19 (half off for students 5-18); Special engagement prices: $40, 32, 26 (half off for students).

About the KSO:
For 27 years the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra has taken the “phony” out of symphony by eliminating traditional barriers and presenting engaging, live, thematic concerts that enrich, educate and entertain the residents of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. The KSO performs three series of concerts annually throughout Northern Kentucky.