The Lone Star Youth Orchestra will open its 27th season on November 5th with a concert titled “An Autumn Reverie”.  The hour-long program features Elliot Del Borgo’s Danza Rusticana, the first movement of Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759 “Unfinished”, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Waltz from Sleeping Beauty, Johann Strauss’ Thunder and Lightning Polka, a traditional Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune, Georges Bizet’s March of the Toreadors from Carmen, and An Ode to Joy Festival adapted from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 classic.

 

Del Borgo’s Danza Rusticana bursts with rhythmic vitality and rich textures, capturing the spirit of a lively rustic dance.  The piece blends driving rhythms, modal melodies, and bold orchestration to evoke a sense of folk celebration.

 

Schubert’s “unfinished” symphony is one of classical music’s most intriguing masterpieces – haunting, lyrical, and emotionally rich.  The dramatic first movement, with its mysterious opening theme and sweeping melodies, offers audiences a powerful glimpse into the genius of its composer, whose symphony – though incomplete – remains one of the most popular in the repertoire. 

 

The beloved waltz from Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet Sleeping Beauty is one of the most iconic melodies in classical music.  Graceful sweeping lines and lilting rhythms evoke the magical world of fairy tales, royal courts, and enchanted dreams. 

 

The Thunder and Lightning Polka, by “Waltz King” Johann Strauss II, is a fast-paced, percussive romp that mimics the rumble of thunder and the flash of lightning through spirited rhythms and dynamic contrasts.

 

Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune is a reflective and beautifully crafted work built around a haunting melody from the 1600s.  Lush harmonies and expressive orchestration transport listeners across centuries, blending early music traditions with a modern cinematic feel.

 

March of the Toreadors from Bizet’s well-known opera Carmen captures the drama and flair of the story’s Spanish setting.  Originally accompanying a grand entrance scene, the bold and spirited music is filled with rhythmic drive, fiery energy, and operatic charm.  The instantly recognizable tune has been used in such pop-culture classics as Gilligan’s Island, The Bad News Bears, and even the children’s video game Five Nights at Freddy’s.

 

An Ode to Joy Festival is based on the unforgettable theme from the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. 

 

Single tickets are available by visiting IrvingArtsCenter.com, by calling (972) 252-2787, or by purchase at the door.  Ticket prices are $7.50 per student and $14.50 for adults. 

 

“An Autumn Reverie” will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Irving Arts Center’s Carpenter Hall.  The Arts Center address is 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX  75062.  Please be aware of road construction along MacArthur Blvd. and allow for extra travel time.