Welcome to the 24th season! It is unbelievable that this season marks my tenth season with the North State Symphony! Nathaniel Hawthorne once said, “time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.” For me, one of the greatest moments in time was my inaugural concert as Music Director. I thought it would be appropriate to recreate that same energy, to see that moment in time and the progress since in a new light, and also to springboard our orchestra into the next era of exciting music-making. To celebrate that launching point, we will revisit the same timeless works of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky that made that moment so special for me, the orchestra, and you, our valued patrons.

As monumental as our season opening concert will be, the season only gets bigger and bigger. From the powerful tale of a tortured artist portrayed in the Symphonie Fantastique of Hector Berlioz to the unparalleled emotional depth of Shostakovich and his Symphony No. 5, this season packs one powerful punch. Many of the pieces this season have been recurring requests by not only the orchestra, but numerous audience members as well.

We are your orchestra and are committed to providing programming that spans genres and centuries, classical to pops. If there is something that you would like to hear us play, please tell me, one of our musicians, or a member of our staff or board. Lastly, if you share our vision of keeping our younger generations engaged and inspired, please consider joining the Redding League or the Chico Guild, our amazing support organizations that are composed of some of the most passionate and dedicated volunteers in Northern California.

See you at the symphony!

Scott Seaton, Music Director