Symphony San Jose Presents The Enigmatic Voice in Downtown San Jose

Symphony San Jose curates an evening of profound musical expression with its upcoming program titled The Enigmatic Voice. Three landmark works come together at the California Theatre to deliver a range of powerful emotions rooted in history and human experience.

Handel’s Zadok the Priest opens the concert with its soaring sense of majesty and ceremonial weight. Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem offers a deeply felt appeal for peace that feels as relevant today as when it was written. Elgar’s Enigma Variations concludes the night with its series of vivid musical portraits and that intriguing central theme that has sparked curiosity for generations.

Conductor Grant Llewelyn leads the Symphony San Jose and Symphony San Jose Chorale, with outstanding solo performances from soprano Maria Valdes and baritone John Brancy. Concertgoers can enhance their evening by arriving early for Music Notes, the free pre-show discussion.

The historic California Theatre on South First Street creates an intimate and elegant environment for these performances. Situated in the middle of Downtown San Jose, it pairs beautifully with nearby dining and easy parking options.

Tickets for the performances on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 8 at 2:30pm range from $35 to $115. Youth tickets are available at half price with adult purchases. Visit www.symphonysanjose.org or call 408.286.2600 for tickets and details.

Symphony San Jose Presents Hopelessly Romantic this January

Symphony San Jose brings a powerful program of Romantic-era works to the stage with Hopelessly Romantic, scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2026. The concerts take place at the California Theatre on South First Street in Downtown San Jose, a restored venue that adds its own historic charm to live orchestral music. This weekend offers San Jose audiences a chance to experience sweeping melodies and intense emotions from three celebrated composers.

The program opens with Franz Schubert's Overture to Rosamunde, a graceful piece full of elegance that has long been a favorite in concert settings. Guest violinist Geneva Lewis then performs Jean Sibelius's Violin Concerto, known for its soul-stirring melodies that build from a haunting start to a dramatic finish. Lewis brings her renowned artistry and command of the instrument to this demanding work.

Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4 closes the evening, a deeply personal composition with soaring themes, vivid orchestral textures, and innovative structure. Conductor François López-Ferrer leads the orchestra through this expressive journey that captures the full range of human feeling.

Concert ticket holders can arrive an hour early for the free Music Notes session in the main auditorium. This pre-concert talk provides insights, background details, and guest interviews to enrich the listening experience. Youth 17 and younger can attend at half price when accompanied by an adult, and inexpensive parking is available at the nearby city garage on San Carlos Street.

Tickets range from $35 to $115. For tickets and full details, visit www.symphonysanjose.org or call 408.286.2600.