Experience an evening where timeless storytelling meets powerful musical expression. Across two performances—first at the Civic Auditorium on October 4, then at the Watsonville Mello Center on October 5—the Symphony showcases Concertmaster and Artist in Residence Nancy Zhou with acclaimed principal cellist Jonah Kim. Together, they bring to life a captivating program: Mascagni’s luminous Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana, Elgar’s deeply moving Cello Concerto, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s glittering masterpiece Scheherazade.
Arrive early on Saturday in Downtown Santa Cruz and enjoy a free Mediterranean-themed street party featuring live music, dancing, food trucks, and more before the performance.
Here’s what awaits you at the concerts:
- Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade — Nancy Zhou shines as the voice of Scheherazade, weaving tales of wonder and imagination through her violin.
- Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana — A short but stunning orchestral gem that sets the stage for the evening.
- Elgar’s Cello Concerto — Jonah Kim takes center stage in one of the most deeply emotional works ever written for cello.
About Nancy Zhou
Praised as “a probing musical voice infused with searing virtuosity,” Nancy Zhou has built an international career that resonates with audiences across the globe. Winner of the 2018 Shanghai Isaac Stern Violin Competition, she has performed with orchestras including the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Finnish Radio Symphony, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Munich Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Her collaborations with conductors such as Jaap van Zweden, Sakari Oramo, Peter Oundjian, Eun Sun Kim, and Christoph Poppen highlight her reputation as a world-class soloist.
Zhou also embraces chamber music and education. She has performed at international music festivals, served as guest artist and faculty at the Encore Chamber Music Festival, and continues to mentor students through masterclasses and her online teaching studio. She explores new artistic directions as well, from premiering Unsuk Chin’s Gran Cadenza with Anne-Sophie Mutter to commissioning works that merge her personal heritage with contemporary sound.
Born in Texas to Chinese immigrants, Zhou began studying violin with her father. She went on to study with Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory while earning a degree in literature at Harvard University, and further refined her artistry at the Queen Elisabeth Chapel under Augustin Dumay.
About Jonah Kim
Jonah Kim brings charisma, warmth, and striking originality to every performance. Critics have praised his tone as instantly recognizable for its sweetness and expressive depth. He made his solo debut at age 12 with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Wolfgang Sawallisch, followed by a Kennedy Center debut the same year with Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony. Since then, he has appeared with major orchestras worldwide and performed on some of the most prestigious stages.
An avid chamber musician, Kim co-founded Trio Barclay with pianist Sean Kennard and violinist Dennis Kim. The ensemble is in residence at the Barclay Theatre in Orange County, premiering a new commissioned work at every concert. His passion for collaboration extends to projects with celebrated artists including Yuja Wang, Joel Link, Scott Yoo, and members of ensembles such as the Orpheus and Tokyo Quartets.
Kim also shines in the recording studio. His debut album on the Delos label featured the sonatas of Rachmaninoff and Barber and received widespread acclaim upon its release in 2020. His second album, Approaching Autumn (2021), was praised for its “flawless delivery of Herculean technical demands” (The Strad) and cemented his reputation as one of the finest American cellists of his generation.
This program offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience two extraordinary artists sharing the stage in a night of unforgettable music.
Concert Details
Saturday, October 4
5:00 PM – Street Party
7:30 PM – Concert
Civic Auditorium
Sunday, October 5
2:00 PM – Concert
Watsonville Mello Center
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the power of live music with the Santa Cruz Symphony. Secure your seats today and be part of an evening filled with passion, beauty, and storytelling.
