Join the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro Michael Nowak for the 2024-25 season-opening concert “Tonal Tapestries” featuring imaginative and inspirational music, on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church (605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria). 

The concert will start with a selection by the celebrated British composer Benjamin Britten that inspired generations of classical music fans, “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” What begins as an educational showcase of the orchestra’s range develops into a masterfully explored fugue on a classic British theme. Expertly curated by Maestro Nowak, this piece is a perfect way to become acquainted with the orchestra. The SM Phil Players will perform the piece with its usual staggering talent under the watchful eye of newly appointed concert master Brynn Albanese. 

Also on the program is orchestral suite “Scheherazade” by the titan among Russian composers, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. A dazzling musical telling of “The Arabian Knights” is known widely for its melodic accessibility and vivid orchestration. The four-part suite creates rich, engaging soundscapes and captivates audiences of all levels with an exotic flair that fascinates listeners. 

Preceding the concert there is a pre-concert lecture available to all ticket holders who would like to take a deeper look into the music. All children are invited to attend the concert at no cost with the purchase of an adult ticket. Simply use code KidsFree at checkout. To purchase your tickets, please visit SMPHILHARMONIC.org.