Rochester, MI — Prepare for an electrifying musical journey this fall as the RSO brings “Latin Hearts, European Souls” to life. Experience an evening of exhilarating live orchestral music that will inspire, excite, and resonate long after the final note. Join us on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester—an event sure to be the highlight of the season!
Under the inspiring direction of Maestro Zeljko Milicevic, this electrifying performance highlights the remarkable artistry and extraordinary versatility of the RSO’s outstanding musicians.
Maestro Milicevic is thrilled to introduce the extraordinary An Tran, a sensational guitar soloist acclaimed by The Boston Globe for his “subtle, graceful virtuosity, his exquisite sense of space, touch, and mood.” As a trailblazing Vietnamese artist transforming the American music landscape, Tran enchants audiences with his seamless fusion of vibrant Vietnamese musical traditions and bold contemporary classical innovation, delivering performances that are as emotionally stirring as they are technically brilliant.
This special concert features Tran in Joaquín Rodrigo’s iconic Concerto de Aranjuez, the crown jewel of the classical guitar repertoire. Composed in Paris during the final months of the Spanish Civil War, this masterpiece emerged from the imagination of Rodrigo, one of the 20th century’s most influential Spanish composers—who, despite his blindness, penned the original score in raised Braille notation. With Tran at the helm, expect a fresh, evocative interpretation that honors the work’s Spanish roots while illuminating its universal power and beauty.
This is one of the most exhilarating lineups the RSO has ever delivered—featuring masterpieces by French legends Georges Bizet, Maurice Ravel, Emmanuel Chabrier, Spanish sensation Joaquin Rodrigo, and Argentine powerhouse Alberto Ginastera. Immerse yourself in a thrilling fusion of music that promises to dazzle and delight.
You are also warmly invited to the evening’s special pre-concert performance from 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., featuring talented young violinists taught by Clarke Bonten—an RSO member and board president of the Oakland Youth Orchestras. As a Suzuki Method instructor, Clarke guides students to learn music much like their native language: first by listening, then by understanding theory and reading notes. Parents play an active role throughout, and weekly group lessons foster a strong sense of community. Clarke’s students range in age from 5 to 65 and often begin as young as age 2.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at https://www.rochestersymphony.com/event/latin-hearts-european-souls/, by calling our box office at 248-651-4181, or at the door. Season tickets are available at https://rochestersymphony.com/2026-2027-season-tickets/ or by calling the box office. Give the gift of music—concert tickets make a truly unforgettable present for any classical music enthusiast!
Join us for an evening where every note sparks wonder, every performance inspires, and every guest becomes part of the magic. The Rochester Symphony Orchestra invites you to share in the thrill, connection, and pure joy that only live music can bring!
Event venue
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Rochester, MI, 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, United States
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