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Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra Monthly Newsletter - March 2025

Arts and Entertainment

March 8, 2025

From: Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra

UNVEILING OUR 2025 - 2026 SEASON

Your First Look at the 2025-2026 Season!

Get ready for a season like no other!

The Spartanburg Philharmonic’s 2025-2026 Season is an anthology of sound, weaving together thrilling orchestral masterpieces, innovative collaborations, and beloved traditions. From the sweeping beauty of Debussy’s La Mer to a once-in-a-lifetime performance with The Krüger Brothers, this season is packed with unforgettable moments.

Subscriptions are now open—secure your seats for a year of incredible music! Click HERE

PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS

The Planets: Gustav Holst’s Astrological Masterpiece

Gustav Holst’s The Planets has captivated audiences since its 1918 debut, quickly becoming one of the most iconic works in classical music. But while each movement is named after a planet, the suite is more inspired by astrology than astronomy, with Holst using the mystical characteristics of each celestial body as his guide:

  1. Mars, the Bringer of War – a relentless march of battle
  2. Venus, the Bringer of Peace – serene and lyrical
  3. Mercury, the Winged Messenger – fleet-footed and light
  4. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity – grand and triumphant
  5. Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age – slow and solemn
  6. Uranus, the Magician – playful and unpredictable
  7. Neptune, the Mystic – ethereal and otherworldly

Holst’s masterwork brought him worldwide fame—though he famously disliked the attention. Audiences wanted more music like The Planets, but he refused to repeat himself, leaving behind a diverse body of work that never quite matched the suite’s runaway success.

The influence of The Planets extends far beyond the concert hall. By the 1970s, its dramatic power had inspired rock legends like Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Powell, and Rick Wakeman of Yes, all of whom reimagined parts of the suite in their own way.

Now, over a century after its premiere, The Planets remains as thrilling as ever. Experience its cosmic grandeur live with the Spartanburg Philharmonic on April 26th—an unforgettable musical journey through the stars!

Zimmerli Series
THE PLANETS

John Young Shik Concklin, conductor

  • Lili Boulanger, D’un matin de printemps (5')
  • Peter B. Kay, The Moons (15 - 20')
  • Gustav Holst, The Planets (51')

Apr. 26th | 7PM
Twichell Auditorium
$25 - $45 (50% off Youth Prices available!)

GET YOUR TICKETS

Feel the Beat at Art of Rhythm – The Final Espresso Concert of the Season!

Percussion takes center stage at Art of Rhythm, the electrifying finale of our 2024-2025 Espresso Series! This all-percussion concert showcases the raw energy, intricate rhythms, and dynamic artistry that make percussion one of the most exciting forces in music. From hypnotic marimba melodies to explosive drum cadences, expect a night of pulse-pounding performances that will leave you in awe.

As always, our Espresso Series offers an intimate, one-hour concert experience with complimentary drinks and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for music lovers looking to unwind and explore something new.

Don’t miss this high-energy conclusion to the season! Join us for Art of Rhythm and let the beats move you.

Espresso Series
ART OF RHYTHM

Mar. 28th
Happy Hour - 5:30PM
Concert Begins - 6:30PM

Chapman Cultural Center

$30 (Student priced tickets available for 50% off)

GET YOUR TICKETS

NEXT UP AT MUSIC SANDWICHED IN!

We're rolling along with MSI at the Cyrill-Westside Library as construction continues at the Downtown Spartanburg location for their new planetarium!

As always, these mini lunch time concerts are from 12:15pm - 1:00pm and are FREE to the public! If you live on the West Side and have never had the pleasure of attending one of these tiny concerts, you're in for a real treat.

Mar. 19 - Finn Again

Finn Again will perform an eclectic collection of Celtic tunes and songs that will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to the whirlwind of the music. The band’s repertoire weaves pieces written as long as 300 years ago with modern tunes to create a unique aural landscape reflecting a collective Celtic heritage. With violins, flute, bodhran and guitar, Finn Again’s musicians (Elaine Lang, Alison Hughey, Blaine Nierman, Susan Turregano and Michael Ferguson) guarantee a splendid time for all.