Sponsored by BankNewport and BankRI, WSO’s diverse membership will present Of Land & Sea, with captivating and exciting works by master and modern composers including:

Beethoven’s Egmont Overture

Bryant’s Dusk

DelBorgo’s Songs of the Sea

Kamen’s Title theme to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage

Nacar’s Burning of the Gaspee (World Orchestral Premiere)

…and more

 FRIDAY – June 2, 2023 @ 7:30pm

GAMM Theatre: 1245 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI

Concert Admission                                                                                      

Tickets for WSO performances are always available at-the-door, but also can be purchased in advance through the GAMM Theatre Box Office; call (401) 723-4266 or go to: https://ci.ovationtix.com/28195/production/1159057?performanceId=11274137

Pricing: $15 General Admission, $12 Seniors and Students with valid ID, free (but ticketed) for Children 12 and under. Pre-purchased tickets involve a $1.50 convenience fee. Senior, Student or Child tickets are available by phone or at-the-door ONLY.

BURNING of the GASPEE – World Orchestral Premiere

Benjamin Nacar — pianist and composer, was born in Providence and has lived in Rhode Island his whole life. He was homeschooled through high school, receiving piano instruction from his father starting at age 4. He graduated from Brown University in 2012 with a degree in Computer Science. Ben gives semi-regular piano recitals in the Greater Providence area, often including his own compositions. He specializes in writing and performing piano transcriptions of orchestral repertoire, including Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Ben’s original ensemble works have been performed by the Brown University Wind Symphony and the Boston-based Horizon Ensemble. His musical adventures may be followed at: bennacar.com or youtube.com/insearchofthemuses.

WSO will present the world orchestral premiere of Nacar’s Burning of the Gaspee during their June 2023 Series. A ten-minute tone poem depicting the Gaspee Affair, it was first presented to the public in 2021 in the form of an animated music video featuring Nacar playing a version of the piece for piano. Originally conceived as a work for orchestra, the WSO is thrilled to present this dramatic work based in RI history.

WSO’s Mission                                                                        

The WSO brings classical and orchestral pops performances to communities across Rhode Island.  As a regional volunteer touring symphony, the WSO seeks to deliver high-quality live music and affordable performances to diverse communities.  WSO ensures accessibility and appeals to a wide-ranging audience of varied backgrounds through programming that seamlessly between classical and orchestral pops programs.

UPCOMING – FREE Pop-Up Series Performances

Featuring selected works from Of Land & Sea, plus more orchestral pops favorites by Anderson, Estefan, Horner, Krogstad, and Sousa, the WSO travels RI for free outdoor performances that are family and picnic friendly.

SATURDAY – June 3 (rain-date Sunday 6/4) @ 7pm: Symphony in the Park – Gaspee Days, Pawtuxet Park: East View St, Warwick, RI

SATURDAY – June 10 (rain-date Sunday 6/11) @ 5pm: Donations to Benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital – Washington County Fairgrounds: Richmond Townhouse Rd, Richmond, RI