On Saturday, May 18, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) presents Many Contrasts in the Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School, their temporary home during the Zeiterion renovation. Under the direction of Music Director Yaniv Dinur, the orchestra will perform works by Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky.

Prokofiev’s second piano concerto has been described as “filled with wild passions” and Tchaikovsky gave his sixth symphony the name “Pathétique,” which from the original Russian is better translated as “passion, deep emotion.” In both these works, the composers plumb the depths of all that music can make us feel. Be prepared! The legendary Armenian-American pianist Sergei Babayan, known for his spontaneity and surprises at the keyboard, joins us for the first time.

The Way of Passion will take place on May 18, 7:30 p.m., at the Bronspeigel Auditorium, New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford, MA. Please note: There will be no pre-concert talk for this concert, but plan to arrive early for special activities, starting at 6:30 PM!

Express Your Inner Tchaikovsky

NBSO Education Director Terry Wolkowicz will have her keyboard with her and will be giving mini-lessons to teach you how to play the famous melody from the second movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. NO PRIOR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Terry guarantees she can teach anyone to play this beautiful five-beat melody. Be sure to capture it on video so you can impress your friends! From 6:30 to 7:25 in the auditorium lobby.The

Passion and the Beauty

NBSO Violinist Travis Rapoza will be strolling around and about playing the gorgeous melodies from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. There’s a good chance you will recognize every one of them. We guarantee you will love every one of them! Enjoy refreshments from the concessions stand, chat with friends, and be serenaded by Travis. From 6:30 to 7:25pm around and about the auditorium, lobby, and wherever else Travis wants to stroll.Youth Orchestra Quartet Honoring Toby Monte

Youth Orchestra Quartet Honoring Toby Monte

The NBSO’s youth orchestra program will have a quartet playing in the auditorium from 6:30 - 7:00 to honor Youth Orchestra Senior Conductor Tobias S. Monte who is retiring this year after 14 years at the helm. We all know Toby from the annual side-by-side performance at the NBSO’s Holiday Pops concerts. The NBSO will also be honoring Toby towards the end of intermission.

Tickets are $20, $50, and $65, with $10 student tickets (available at the box office only with student ID). Purchase tickets through the Z box office, 508-994-2900, or online at nbsymphony.org. To purchase tickets in person, please go to Zeiterion.org/visit for information on the box office’s new location and hours. Convenient and free parking is available in the lots near the entrance to the auditorium.

All are invited to the free open rehearsal on Saturday, May 18, 4:00 – 6:30 PM in the auditorium. Seating is general admission, with no tickets or RSVP required. Please note that this is a working rehearsal, and pieces may not be played in their entirety. A 20-minute break usually occurs between 5 and 5:30.

The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach more than 8,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast. Visit www.nbsymphony.org today!