Prepare for an extraordinary musical journey as Santa Cruz Symphony presents Classical Series Concert 2: The Planets. This powerful program brings to life the celestial forces of war, peace, and magic through some of the most unforgettable orchestral works ever written.
The evening opens with the world premiere of Voices by Santa Cruz native and rising composer Benjamin Goodwin, a thrilling moment for our local arts community. Next, the stage belongs to viola virtuoso Emad Zolfaghari, who will captivate audiences with a stunning performance of Der Schwanendreher by Paul Hindemith. The concert culminates with the majestic sweep of The Planets by Gustav Holst—a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire wonder and awe.

Concert Details
📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 7:30 PM
📍 Civic Auditorium
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Pre-concert talk at 6:30 PM
📅 Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 2:00 PM
📍 Henry J. Mello Center
Doors open at 12:45 PM | Pre-concert talk at 1:00 PM
⏳ Concert duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Featured Soloist
🎻 Emad Zolfaghari, Viola
This program is made possible through the generosity of Garth Illingworth (in memory of Wendy Illingworth), Nancy Van Natta (in memory of John Dickinson), Angela Chesnut, and Lesley Harris.
✨ Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience music that reaches beyond the stars.
👉 Reserve your tickets now and be part of an unforgettable night with the Santa Cruz Symphony.



