NATCHITOCHES – The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present five concerts and be part of the annual Christmas Gala during its 2024-25 concert season. The theme for the orchestra’s 59th season will be “A Fusion of Musical Brilliance” and will feature nationally recognized musicians, the annual Pops Concert, winners of the NSU Concerto Competition and a concert with the NSU Symphony Chorus. Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is musical director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra.
Support for the orchestra is provided through the Friends of the Symphony. Season ticket packages start at $50 for an individual. Those 65 and older can buy two season tickets for $50. Support at the Patron level is $100 for three season tickets and $250 for four season tickets at the Benefactor level. A Gold Underwriter package is available for $500 which includes four season tickets and a one-eighth page ad in the concert program. For $1,000, Platinum Underwriters receive six season tickets, and a one-quarter page program ad.
Tickets can be purchased by mail at Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, 107 South Drive, PMB No. 113, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or online at https://nnssla.org/. There is an added charge for buying tickets online. For more information, email NSUsymphony@gmail.com.
Symphony concerts will be held in Magale Recital Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m. The season opens on Tuesday Sept. 24 with a concert, “Symphonic Legends, Myths, and Reveries.” Cellist John-Henry Crawford will be the featured guest artist. A member appreciation reception will precede the concert starting at 6 p.m. in the Orville Hanchey Art Gallery.
The annual Pops Concert is on Tuesday, Oct. 28 and is titled “American Liberty: Honoring our Military’s Service and Sacrifice.” The concert will honor the men and women who have served and are serving in our armed forces through music which has recognized our military throughout American history.
The orchestra will join other NSU ensembles and performing groups in the 36th Annual Christmas Gala on Dec. 4-6 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Members of the Symphony Society can reserve tickets by calling (318) 357-4248 or emailing kayk@nsula.edu.
The orchestra will open 2025 with a concert on Thursday, Jan. 16 which will preview of works the ensemble will perform at the annual Louisiana Music Educators Association Conference in New Orleans.
Many of Northwestern State’s top music students will be featured in the concert on Tuesday, March 18. Each year, winners of the NSU Concerto Competition are given the opportunity to perform with the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony.
The NSU Symphony Chorus will join the orchestra to close the season with a performance of Bach’s “Magnificat” on Tuesday, April 29.
