Symphony San Jose’s 24th season-opening program invites the public into a world of fantasy and wild imagination. Don your mask and immerse yourself in the music and beauty of three iconic masterpieces as we kick off the 2025/2026 season.
Anna Clyne’s dazzling and dynamic Masquerade captures the spirit of celebration and revelry. Commissioned by the British Broadcasting Corporation, Masquerade is a single-movement 5-minute orchestral composition by the British-born composer, first performed September 7, 2013
San Jose-born, world-renown pianist Jon Nakamatsu appears in Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with a tour-de-force performance of the composer’s final and perhaps most significant work for piano and orchestra. (1934)
Hector Berlioz’s most famous composition, Symphonie Fantastique (Fantastic Symphony), is a spellbinding quasi-autobiographical musical journey through love, delirium, and supernatural visions. This vibrant tapestry of sound depicting the composer’s descent into madness by unrequited love was nothing short of revolutionary when it premiered in 1830 – and still holds the power to thrill and surprise today.
SPECIAL OPENING-NIGHT EVENT: Masquerade Fantastique begins with a red-carpet welcome and an exclusive VIP pre-concert reception with distinguished guests from San Jose’s government, business, and media communities. The historic California Theatre will provide the perfect backdrop as you enjoy fine wine, delicious food, and live entertainment.
Enjoy refreshments in the Baton Society Lounge during intermission alongside Symphony San Jose leadership and donors. After the performance, continue the celebration at our courtyard dessert reception, where you can mingle with special guests including conductor Nathan Aspinall, soloist Jon Nakamatsu, and Symphony San Jose musicians. Call the Box Office for additional information and reservations. 408.286.2600 or email: Development@symphonysanjose.org