A Joyous Sound
May 16, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Zeiterion
Yaniv Dinur, conductor
Pedro da Silva, guitar
Chorus of Westerly
Chelsea Basler-Aston, soprano
Carrie Cheron, alto
Matthew Anderson, tenor
Thomas Cannon, bass
Pedro da Silva: Concerto for Portuguese Guitar and Orchestra
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
Two worlds meet in a concert of breathtaking contrast and shared humanity.
Virtuoso Pedro da Silva, who is based in New York City but was born in New Bedford, brings the shimmering voice of the Portuguese guitar to the forefront in his own Concerto for Portuguese Guitar and Orchestra—a spellbinding work that blends classical traditions with Iberian flair, improvisation, and global rhythms.
Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9 (with 148 musicians and singers on stage) lifts the evening to transcendent heights. From its stirring opening to the triumphant “Ode to Joy” finale, this is music that celebrates unity, freedom, and the enduring power of the human spirit. This piece never fails to fill you with awe and hope.
A night where passion meets purpose—and joy resounds.
Note: We are delighted to welcome concertmaster candidate Francesca Anderegg as concertmaster for this evening’s performance.
Come Early for the Full Experience!
Make the most of your evening by arriving early to check out the pre-concert activities and settle into the rhythm of the night.
- 6:30 to 7:10 PM: Gentle, music-infused yoga accompanied by an NBSO musician at Sangha Yoga, just across the street from The Z. Experience a calming reset to help you slow down, ground yourself, and open your senses before the concert begins.
- 6:30 to 6:55 PM in the auditorium: Join Yaniv Dinur and guest artist Pedro da Silva for the always-popular pre-concert chat—a lively and insightful preview that deepens your connection and enhances your listening experience.
- 6:30 to 7:30 PM: Enjoy a cocktail in the main lobby bar and mingle with friends! The bar will be open for intermission as well.
Lobby doors open at 6:00 pm, auditorium doors open at 6:15 pm for those attending the pre-concert talk, and 6:55 pm for all ticket holders. Sangha Yoga is located on the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets. Symphony Circle Members and Business Partners will have access to the second-floor Bristol County Savings Bank Lounge starting at 6:30 PM.
Free Open Rehearsal
Friday, May 15, 4:00 – 6:30 PM in the Zeiterion Auditorium
Come see a working rehearsal, get a sneak peek of this weekend’s music, or relax and enjoy your favorite orchestra!
Seating is general admission, and no tickets or RSVP are required. A 20-minute break usually occurs between 5 and 5:30. Come and go as you please! To prevent disrupting the rehearsal process, we kindly ask that applause be reserved for the end of the session.
Rehearsal Schedule:
4:00 pm: Da Silva concerto with soloist
5:20 pm: Beethoven movements 1, 2, and 3 (no chorus)