Bizet & Mendelssohn

Read Program Notes This Nightlites program brings together two symphonies shaped by place, youth, and imagination. Led by Na'Zir McFadden, the evening opens with Georges Bizet’s Symphony No. 1, a vibrant and confident work written when the composer was just 17, brimming with melodic flair, rhythmic drive, and unmistakable charm. The program continues with Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, the “Scottish,” inspired by the composer’s travels and infused with sweeping landscapes, restless motion, and dramatic contrasts. Together, these works create a compelling Friday night experience that balances youthful brilliance with evocative storytelling, delivered at full orchestral scale in an intimate, end-of-week setting.