The Symphony No. 4 of Johannes Brahms is the capstone to one of music's most illustrious composing careers. Brahms poured all of himself into his final symphony, which opens with simple intervals of a third and ends in a masterfully crafted passacaglia with thirty-four variations. The surprisingly lusty third movement leaves a tune in the ear that won't soon be forgotten. Guest soloist Joe Bonfiglio will be featured in the dazzling clarinet concerto by Aaron Copland, commissioned by Benny Goodman and written to showcase Goodman’s jazz and swing style. The Wasps suite of Ralph Vaughan Williams will open the concert with a buzz; it includes the "March Past of the Kitchen Utensils."

Clarinetist Joe Bonfiglio holds a bachelor’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School. He has taught on the faculties of the Peabody Preparatory School in Baltimore and the University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition to his many live performances, he can be heard on two CD's with the chamber ensemble “Departure” and on the film score to the Showtime movie Fat Rose and Squeaky.