Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
2026-2027 Concert Information
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall
A Celebration of 250 Years of the United States of America
Join us for this patriotic program of great American music featuring works from our very own “Friend of the Symphony” Richard Rose with his “Celebration Overture” and NSU alumnus Nettie Chenevert’s “Dear Enemy Overture” an American Revolution story. In addition, there will be a salute to our Armed Forces, and the Cane River Singers will join us for “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America.”
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall
American Reflections
This program will feature NSU professor of percussion, Dr. Oliver Molina performing American Composer Kevin Puts’ “Concerto for Marimba.” Also, on the program Copland’s “John Henry,” Gershwin’s “An American in Paris Suite,” and Charles Ives’ “The Camp Meeting” that contains several familiar early American hymns. We will end the program with Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture.” A story of sacrifice, liberty and triumph over tyranny.
December 2,3,4 • NSU Christmas Gala - A.A. Fredericks Auditorium
The NSU School of Creative and Performing Arts’ 38th annual Christmas GALA is a must-see! Take a pick for which show you would like to attend but reserve your seat early. These performances are in high demand and often sell out.
Thursday, February 4, 2027, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall
Requiem, Optimism, and A Gift to Be Simple
NSU Alumnus, Maestro Mario Torres returns to campus to conduct Haydn’s spirited and optimistic Symphony No. 88. The program also features NSU Professor of Cello Paul Christopher, along with two of his former students and Natchitoches residents, Milovan Paz, and Jorge Rodriguez, in a performance of David Popper’s “Requiem for Three Cellos.” Opening the concert is the original chamber orchestra version of Aaron Copland’s beloved “Appalachian Spring,” featuring the timeless American folk song “Simple Gifts.”
Saturday, February 6, 2027, 5:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall - String Day
High school and middle school students from the region will join the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony for a day of lessons and rehearsals, culminating with a concert at 5:30pm.
Tuesday, March 23, 2027, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall - Concerto Winners
This concert will feature NSU’s most talented student musicians. In addition, we will have music by American composers Florence Price and Brian Balmages.
Tuesday, April 27, 2027, 7:30 pm • Magale Recital Hall
Angels of Light, with Courage, and Hope
Our final concert of the season culminates with one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire: Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” Composed in New York, in 1893, while he served as director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. Deeply inspired by the spirituals sung by his African American student, Harry T. Burleigh, Dvořák blends European symphonic tradition with the sounds and spirit of America. The program also features Frank Ticheli’s “Angels in the Architecture.” Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Ticheli is one of America's most celebrated contemporary composers. This powerful and moving work explores the struggle between darkness and light, ultimately affirming the enduring human ideals of peace, hope, and love. Opening the concert will be Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”
