Maestro Daniel Stewart is delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed violin soloist Nancy Zhou will be joining the Santa Cruz Symphony as our new Artist in Residence and Concertmaster! This special new title reflects Nancy's stature as one of the world's foremost violin virtuosos. It also means we are looking forward to her additional creative contributions to chamber music programming and the development of other special engagement projects.
The 2018 winner of the Shanghai Isaac Stern Violin Competition, Nancy Zhou is widely known as a probing musical voice infused with searing virtuosity. Her musicianship resonates with a global audience and brings her on stage with the world's leading orchestras. A lover of chamber music and an explorer of nontraditional works, Nancy also brings a commitment to guiding young musicians and an emphasis on the intersection of music, dance, and culture. Click here to learn more about Nancy.
We're honored to have Nancy as our new Concertmaster, and we know you will be impressed by her genius and artistry this season!
A very special thanks to our former Concertmaster Nigel Armstrong for his significant talents as he prepares to move on to other career opportunities. You'll still get a chance to see Nigel perform as Concertmaster for our first concert of the season, Echos of Empire, on September 23 and 24.
This season, Nancy Zhou will perform with Santa Cruz Symphony in the following three programs. Note that she will be a featured soloist in the October concert. She will transition into a full season in 2024-25.
OCTOBER 21-22, 2023
Mozart: Overture to Le nozze di Figaro
Rossini: Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Beethoven: Leonore Overture no. 3
Verdi: Overture to La forza del destino
Bizet: Carmen Suites 1 & 2
Waxman: Carmen Fantasie (featuring Nancy Zhou as soloist)
MARCH 23-24, 2024
Jose Granero: Matsuri Overture
Schumann: Cello Concerto
Stravinsky: Petrushka
JUNE 8, 2024
John Williams Spectacular