The Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra
“Wings and Wilderness”
Saturday, October 12, 2024
at WEAC Auditorium

The Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra will begin its new 2024-25 season under the direction of their new musical director, Paula Ulicsni Halvorson. Paula resides in Willmar with her husband and young son. She is also a music teacher with the Willmar Public Schools. Ms. Ulicsni Halvorson begins her tenure with the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra conducting a family friendly concert “Wings and Wilderness” on Saturday, October 12th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Willmar Education and Arts Center. This unique program features music about birds and their habitats.

Come early and explore! The doors open at 2:00pm for bird and tree themed activities. Sibley State Park, West Central Wood Carvers, and Wild Bird Warehouse will all have activity tables. Various bird and tree crafts will be available. You won’t want to miss the photo ops with area bird mascots. Reports are that “JT” from Jennie-O and “Blaze” from CMCS as well as Willmar’s Cardinal will be making appearances. Make sure that you and your children sign up for the door prizes!

2:00 PM Bird and Tree Themed Activities for all ages in Art Gallery
3:00-4:00 PM “Wings and Wilderness” Concert in Auditorium

Come enjoy an afternoon of activities and great music performed by the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra at the Willmar Education and Arts Center (WEAC).

• The Carnival of the Animals, by Camille Saint Saens;
• The Oak, by Florence Price;
• Symphony No. 6, op. 68 (Pastoral), Mov. 1, Allegro ma non troppo, by Ludwig van Beethoven;
• An de Schoenen, Blauen Donau Walzer (Blue Danube Waltz), op. 314, by Johann Straus Jr.;
• Tales from the Aviary, by Jordan Jinosko.

TICKETS:
$15 adults (Students 18 & Under are free, but require a ticket for entry.)
($1 discount with Escape to Adventure Passport, does not apply to season ticket holders)
Tickets available prior to the concert at: www.willmarorchestra.com or at the door

December 15, 2024 “Winter”
Christmas Overture, by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Concerto No. 4 in F minor
Winter (L’Inverno), featuring Malaya Yague on violin
Bal Masque, Op. 22, by Amy Beach
Messiah, Hallelujah Chorus, featuring guest conductor Darcy Lease Gubrud, the West Central Singers, and community singers
Christmas Singalong for Orchestra and Audience, by John Finnegan

March 2, 2025 “Masterworks”
Beethoven’s 1st Symphony
Telemann Viola Concerto in G Major featuring Joshua Pierskalla on viola.

April 26, 2025 Young Artists Concert
Repertoire TBD by our young artist winner(s)
Tchaikovsky’s 4 th Symphony

JOIN the Willmar String Connection
String players 18 years and older: Are you interested in playing with an ensemble but aren’t sure the symphony is the right fit for you? Have you taken a long break from your instrument, or are you just learning to play? We have a continuing opportunity for you! If you are interested in playing with the Willmar String Connection, please contact Darlene Schroeder at (320) 599-4700. Take that instrument out of the closet, dust it off, and come play with this informal, fun group!