Classical Event Details

New Beginnings

Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall in NYC and New York metro | Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM EDT

When

Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM EDT

Where

Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall
New York City, New York Metro

Address

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Program: Frederick Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring; Billy Childs: A More Perfect Union (Co-Commission, New York Premiere) Demarre McGill, flute (Avery Fisher Career Grant 2003) Anthony McGill, clarinet (Avery Fisher Prize 2020; Avery Fisher Career Grant 2000); Hannah Ishizaki: Change Thy Course (Commission, World Premiere); Robert Schumann: Symphony No. 1, “Spring”. Performers: Jonathon Heyward, conductor; Demarre McGill, flute; Anthony McGill, clarinet. The Festival Orchestra’s season comes to an exhilarating conclusion in this vibrant program celebrating new voices and timeless inspirations. The evening begins with Delius’ ode to spring as a prelude to the New York premiere of a new work by Billy Childs, a Lincoln Center co-commission with the featured soloists for The Avery Fisher Legacy Concert—flutist Demarre McGill (Principal flute at the Seattle Symphony) and clarinetist Anthony McGill (Principal clarinet at the New York Philharmonic). Childs brings the flute and clarinet into lively conversation, showcasing the extraordinary artistry and musical chemistry of the McGill brothers. Following intermission, revel in the world premiere commission of composer Hannah Ishizaki’s latest work, inspired by Schumann’s First Symphony. Heyward’s multi-year exploration of the Schumann symphonies comes to a conclusion with the full performance of Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, the “Spring,” a radiant work inspired by the promise of renewal and new beginnings.