“Fate, Goblins and the Mothership”

Maestro Matthew Wardell leads the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. The OSO will open its 49th season on Oct. 19 and 20 with “Fate, Goblins and the Mothership.” [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

Home » Arts & Entertainment

Posted October 16, 2024 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra invite you to join them for a “thrilling interstellar journey combining electronica with the orchestra” as they open their 49^th season with Mason Bates’ “Mothership.”

During the “Fate, Goblins and the Mothership” concerts on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, attendees also will hear Dvořák’s “Water Goblin,” which weaves a tale of love, tragedy and a supernatural world beneath the waves while guests follow the story via supertitles above the orchestra. Tchaikovsky’s powerful, fate filled “Symphony No. 4” will round out the performance. The OSO is under the baton of maestro Matthew Wardell.

“This concert features three very differently constructed works that explore everything from dropping into an alien techno dance party and a Czech fairy tale to the concept of fate itself. In some ways though, all three pieces deal with abduction—either by a UFO, a mysterious water goblin or by our own destiny—and the different stories those experiences create. I’m really excited to go on a journey with our audience through these three incredible pieces,” Wardell said.

“For me, the Tchaikovsky symphony is very meaningful, especially at this time. It was written when he was trying to find happiness amongst overwhelming feelings of depression. Symphonies usually have a way of stating a problem or issue and then finding some solution by the final movement and Tchaikovsky does it masterfully with his 4th symphony. Through the course of the work, he comes to the thought that he should strive to rejoice in the happiness of others—a lesson for many of us,” the maestro added.

“We are thrilled to kick off the 49th season of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Reilly Arts Center. With nearly 700 new and returning season subscribers, we are so grateful for the community’s support of the symphony and our musicians. With so many new residents choosing to call Ocala/Marion County home, we also know that we will welcome many first-time patrons as well. We are excited to host them at the Reilly and have them experience this special performance with us,” stated Natalie McComb, CFRE, Executive Director, Reilly Arts Center & Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Wardell’s career as music director and conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra began in 2009. Recent guest appearances include work with Chamber Orchestra Pittsburgh, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, New England Philharmonic, Gainesville Orchestra and Pioneer Valley Orchestra. He also helped raise more than $7 million in private fundraising and over $3 million in grant acquisitions for the creation and later expansion of the Reilly Arts Center. In addition to the OSO Music Conservatory, programs include Arts for Veterans, Symphony for Schools, the annual Young Artist Competition and more.

Speaking about the upcoming 49^th OSO season, Wardell said it will include collaborations between the orchestra, the Ocala Symphony Chorus, the College of Central Florida Patriot Singers and renowned soloists.

“Those collaborations will reach their zenith with Beethoven’s monumental ‘9th Symphony,’ an ode to joy and brotherhood that promises to be a transcendent experience next April. Also not to be missed is our ‘Messiah Sing Along,’ inviting you to lend your voice to Handel’s immortal masterpiece in a celebration of community and music,” he added.

“This season embodies our commitment to showcasing the transformative power of music, featuring both the celebrated classics and the innovative new. Each concert is an invitation to explore the depths of human emotion, the heights of artistic achievement and the communal spirit of music-making. Join us for this spectacular season. Whether you’re a lifelong orchestra enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s something in this season for you,” Wardell continued.

The 2024-25 season also will offer five more subscription concerts and six special events. For “Fate, Goblins and the Mothership,” the OSO will hold an open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, which is free to the public. The concert performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 3 p.m. Oct. 20. Tickets range from $15 to $58 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by calling the box office at (352) 351-1606. The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala.

 

MORE TO COME:

Season performances

“Pops! Goes the Holidays”
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 – 7:30 PM & Sunday, December 8, 2024 – 3 PM

“Vive La France!”
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 – 7:30 PM & Sunday, January 26, 2025 – 3 PM

“Sound and Fury”
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 – 7:30 PM & Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 3 PM

“Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis”
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 7:30 PM & Sunday, March 9, 2025 – 3 PM

“The West Meets Scheherazade (and Godzilla, too)”
Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 7:30 PM & Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 3 PM

Special concerts

“METROPOLIS: Silent Film + Orchestra”
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 – 7:30 PM

“Messiah Community Sing Along”
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 – 5 PM

“Symphony Under the Lights”
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 – 7:30 PM

Young Artist Competition: Honors Recital
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 – 3 PM

Opera at the Reilly: “Puccini, Love and Laughter!”
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 – 3 PM

“Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony,” with the College of Central Florida Patriot Singers and Ocala Symphony Chorus
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – 3 PM

To learn more, go to reillyartscenter.com