Upcoming Events
Season 47 of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra begins with hometown mezzo-soprano Audrianna Hughes making her PSO debut, straight from the stages of the New York Metropolitan and Houston Grand Opera for Brahms' Alto Rhapsody, in collaboration with the men's choruses from Paducah Tilghman, Murray State, Paducah Singers, and PSO Chorus.
Samuel Hollister guest conducts, coming from the St. Louis Symphony podium.
Rossini | La Gazza Ladra Overture
Lowry | Cypress Prelude
Brahms | Alto Rhapsody
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No. 4
Audrianna Hughes, mezzo-soprano
Samuel Fargo Hollister, guest conductor
Beethoven | Piano Concerto No. 3
Rachmaninoff | Symphonic Dances
Antonio di Cristofano, piano
Michael Shapiro, guest conductor
The WKU String Academy Halloween Recital is a festive annual performance featuring young string musicians in a fun and spirited concert setting. Students celebrate the season by performing a variety of musical selections while showcasing the skills, confidence, and musicianship they have developed through the String Academy. Costumes and Halloween-themed fun make this recital a memorable experience for performers, families, and audience members alike.
PSO OFF THE RECORD PRESENTS FRANKENSTEIN
The Paducah premiere of a cinematic masterpiece transformed! Grammy-nominated composer Michael Shapiro's thrilling score turns a horror classic into a contemporary cinematic event.
One of the earliest sound films, James Whale’s legendary 1931 movie Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff, had dialogue but no music.
Shapiro’s critically acclaimed score marries the original film with piano quintet, creating a haunting emotional landscape and significantly enhancing the film’s dramatic power.
Commissioned in 2001, it has been presented in over 80 sold-out productions worldwide. Now this unforgettable theatrical experience comes to Symphony Hall.
The WKU Violin Fest is an exciting event that brings together violinists (and violists!) and teachers of all ages. The Violin Fest features an offering of masterclasses, group classes, and special topic lectures from world-renowned guests. All classes will be held on the campus of Western Kentucky University, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We are excited to welcome the violin pedagogue Charles Krigbaum as a guest artist this year! While it's called the "Violin Fest," we welcome viola players as well. In fact, many of our faculty teach viola and violin!
Bernstein | Overture to Candide
Copland | Quiet City
Gershwin | An American in Paris
Gershwin | Concerto in F
The Marcus Roberts Trio
Conner Gray Covington, guest conductor
Join us for a casual, fun, community building concert with the WKU String Academy! Participants will perform a piece live, on stage, with a friend or family member
The WKU String Academy Fall Solo Recitals showcase the growth and accomplishments of young string musicians through individual performances. Students present solo works they have prepared throughout the semester, demonstrating their developing technique, musicianship, and confidence. These recitals provide a meaningful opportunity to celebrate each student’s progress and dedication in a supportive performance setting.
An evening full of tradition and GREAT music celebrating the winter season!
Roger Kalia, guest conductor
Celebrating the legendary composer John Williams' 95th birthday with his biggest hits!
Music from Star Wars, Superman, Lincoln, Saving Private Ryan, and more!
Ron Spigelman, guest conductor
Tchaikovsky | Capriccio Italien
Mascagni | Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo
Smetana | The Moldau
Beethoven | Symphony No. 5
Kalena Bovell, guest conductor
Piazzolla | The Four Seasons in Buenos Aires
Vivaldi | Gloria
Ching-Yi Lin, violin
Emily Black, soprano
Natalie Krupansky, mezzo-soprano
Jherrard Hardeman, guest conductor
Past Events
The WKU String Academy is proud to partner with the Salvation Army Center of Hope for a meaningful evening of music and service. Academy students will share their talents in a special concert while also giving back by serving a meal to the Center’s guests. This event reflects our commitment to using music as a bridge to connect, uplift, and support our community.