A Charleston Carnival – Symphony Orchestra

The 2026-2027 season launches with a celebration of the trumpet featuring former Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, Philip Smith, and Antonio Martí, Charleston Symphony’s Principal Trumpet. With Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets, the two immensely talented trumpeters will shine. Assistant Conductor of the Charleston Symphony, Ryo Hasegawa, will make his Masterworks conducting debut.

Sibelius’ Second Symphony, written in 1901-02, is a fitting conclusion to the program, as it gives the trumpet a considerable spotlight, especially in the fourth movement. It’s worth noting that during the time Sibelius wrote this symphony, his native Finland was under Russian oppression. Although times were bleak, with significant restrictions on Finland’s culture and autonomy, Sibelius composed the piece in Italy during a patron-funded stay that was intended to nurture his creativity. As a result, it became not only one of his best-known compositions, but also a symbol for his home nation’s independence.