Waco Symphony Orchestra concert: Larger than Life, November 16, 2023
DONATE
NOVEMBER 16 // 2023

Larger than Life

FEATURING DAVID ITKIN MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR FINALIST

This performance has already taken place.

The program will open with a blast of heat from the Brazilian Carnival in Clarice Assad’s Bonecos de Olinda, her stunning musical depiction of larger-than-life puppets dancing through the festive streets of São Paulo.

Larger than Life

Thursday, November 16, 2023
7:30 p.m. / Waco Hall

Clarice Assad Bonecos de Olinda

Richard Strauss Don Juan, Stephen Morscheck, narrator

Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4

David Itkin Finalist, WSO Music Director/Conductor

[Visit Spotify for a preview of this concert.]

But truly “Larger than Life” is Don Juan, the character re-imagined throughout Western history by Mozart, Shaw, Byron, and others. In this performance, the Nikolas Lenau poem, which inspired composer Richard Strauss, is brought to life by narrator Stephen Morscheck. Through his words, we see Don Juan as an old man looking back on his former glory. The once young and handsome seducer has suffered a fate worse than death: he is faded, tired, and alone, with only his memories to comfort him as he heads toward the next world.

Bonecos
Photo of Bonecos:, Sandy James

Brahms feared he would never escape the shadow of the titanic Beethoven, but how wrong he was. His final orchestral masterpiece pushed the boundaries of the symphony beyond anything heard before, leaving Beethoven in the dust and inspiring generations of composers who followed.

Season Sponsor

TFNB Your Bank for Life

Maestro’s Circle Sponsor

Property Tax Help—Beth and Pat Musgrave

Concertmaster Sponsor

Judy and David Guyer

Sonata Sponsor

Insurors of Texas

Come As You Are!

We encourage our patrons to be comfortable. At the concerts, you will see everything from formal wear to blue jeans. Generally, our audience prefers business or business casual attire.

Health and Safety

Learn more about Waco Hall and the WSO’s Health and Safety guidelines, including the clear bag policy and masking protocols.

Familes with Students New!

Ideal for families with children and teens. If you’re purchasing season tickets and want to add one or more student season ticket(s), you can buy them at a 30% discount in any section. Share the joy of classical music with students in your family, foster their love of music, and experience the WSO together.

Opening Notes Pre-concert Talks

6:40 p.m.–7:10 p.m. Before each classical Season Concert, learn about the lives of the composers and explore their music at Opening Notes, a free pre-concert talk. These can be enlightening and provide insightful information to enhance your concert experience. November 16 pre-concert talk will be located in the Armstrong-Browning Library, Treasure Room.

Sponsor: Virginia DuPuy

Venue

This concert will be held at Waco Hall on the Baylor University campus.
Seating Chart

Directions and Parking
Construction on I-35 has rerouted traffic through Waco and may cause delays. Please allow yourself extra time to get to Waco Hall.

Hop on the Bus

Before each season concert and the Saturday evening performance of Nutcracker, buses will depart from the Gold’s Gym parking lot on Waco Drive next to El Conquistador Restaurant. Order bus passes early for your preferred departure time! One bus will arrive early in time for you to attend our Opening Notes pre-concert talks. The other departs at 7 pm. Space is limited. Season ticket holders have priority access to bus seats during the renewal period. Bus tickets are available online and are ticketed through Baylor this year, so you can add tickets to your order in one easy transaction. Individual tickets are $12 or $50 for a bus season pass (excludes Nutcracker). For questions, call (254) 754-0851.

Bus partnership provided by Waco Transit System. Waco Tansit System.

Dinner Before Concerts

Treat yourself to a quick but delicious dinner prior to each Symphony concert. Each participating restaurant will offer either Prix Fixe menu, small plates, or priority services if you make your reservations and state that you will be attending the Symphony. Arrival at the restaurant between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. should have you leaving the restaurant by 7:00 p.m.

See list of participating restaurants.