The Aiken Symphony continues its 2026–27 season with a MasterWorks program spanning two defining musical eras, from the wit and refinement of the Classical period to the sweeping emotion of Romanticism. The concert will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken and features violin soloist Claire Wells performing Tchaikovsky's beloved Violin Concerto.

The evening opens with Antonio Salieri's spirited Overture to La grotta di Trofonio, a lively work filled with theatrical energy and sparkling orchestral color. Although history has often remembered Salieri through myths surrounding his relationship with Mozart, he was one of the most respected
composers of his day, enjoying remarkable success throughout Europe. His overture offers an energetic introduction to a program celebrating the brilliance and vitality of the Classical orchestra.

The orchestra then performs Mozart's Symphony No. 36 in C Major, better known as the "Linz" Symphony. Written in just a few days while Mozart was traveling through Austria, the work demonstrates his extraordinary ability to combine graceful melodies, playful charm, and dramatic momentum into a symphony that has remained a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire for
more than two centuries.

The second half of the program features Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, one of the most celebrated concertos ever written for the instrument. Overflowing with lyrical melodies, dazzling technical brilliance, and unmistakable Romantic passion, the concerto challenges its soloist with breathtaking virtuosity while rewarding audiences with some of the composer's most memorable music.

Bringing the concerto to life is American violinist Claire Wells, whose expressive artistry and warm, singing tone have earned international recognition. A prizewinner at several of the world's leading violin competitions, including First Prize at the 2021 Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Competition and Second Prize at the 2023 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Wells has appeared as a soloist with orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. She is currently pursuing graduate studies at Germany's Kronberg Academy and performs on a Giovanni Battista
Guadagnini violin generously loaned by a private donor.

From the elegance of Mozart to the emotional power of Tchaikovsky, this program showcases the orchestra at its most expressive while highlighting one of today's outstanding young violinists in a performance of one of classical music's most enduring masterpieces.

Tickets:
Single tickets are $45 or $60 depending on seat selection (a convenience fee will be added to all credit card purchases). Active military members are eligible for $10 off each ticket and students under the age of 25 are eligible for a student rate of $5. To inquire about these discounts, please contact the office at 803.295.0313. Tickets are available via the website (aikensymphony.com) or by contacting the office at 803.295.0313 and can be printed at home, picked up at the venue one hour before the start of the concert or received to one’s mobile device or mobile wallet and presented
to an usher at the venue.

2026-27 Masterworks
All Masterworks Series performances are held at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN
CONCERTO
Claire Wells, violin
Salieri – Overture to La grotta di Trofonio
Mozart - Symphony No. 36 “Linz”
Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto

Saturday, January 16, 2027
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Matthieu Cognet, piano
Grieg - Piano Concerto
Sibelius - Symphony No. 2

Saturday, February 6, 2027
BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE
CONCERTO
The Congaree Trio:
Ari Streisfeld, violin
Claire Bryant, cello
Phillip Bush, piano

Saturday, May 1, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
BRAHMS & SCHUMANN
VISIONS OF HEAVEN
Arwen Myers, soprano
Debussy - Claire de lune
Brahms - Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Mahler - Symphony No. 4

Ravel - Le tombeau de Couperin
Prokofiev - Symphony No. 1 “Classical”
Beethoven – Triple Concerto for Violin,
Cello and Piano
2026-27 Chamber Series

All Chamber Series performances are held at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts. Starting this season, reserved seating is now available for all Chamber Series concerts!

Sunday, Sept. 20, 2027, 3:00 p.m.
THE SOLDIER’S TALE
Jacob Will, narrator
Stravinsky - The Soldier’s Tale

Friday, Apr. 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
STRING THEORY
Elgar - Serenade for Strings
Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on a
Theme by Thomas Tallis
Arensky - Variations on a Theme of Tchaikovsky
Grieg - Holberg Suite

2026-27 Pops Series
All Pops Series performances are held at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
VETERANS DAY SALUTE
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
A tribute honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s heroes.

Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Featuring festive music to usher in the holiday season with vocalists Cat Galan and Johnnie Felder