Jennings Butterfield led a fledgling group of amateur musicians in the first-ever Cape Symphony concert, on April 4, 1962. Over the past 60 years, much has changed, especially in terms of the professionalism, quality and creativity that are hallmarks of your Cape Symphony. Our impact upon the Cape and Islands has grown immensely, and our mission to inspire joy drives us now more than ever.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re recreating that original 1962 concert, with our trademark touches of imagination and fun. We’ll be joined by a special guest and friend of the Cape Symphony, acclaimed pianist Jon Nakamatsu, who is also celebrating his own anniversary: 25 years since his stunning Gold Medal victory at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Jon, who is also co-director of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, will perform the masterpiece with which Van Cliburn himself became famous the world over: Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 1.

That 1962 program included a wide variety of delightful music, such as Mozart’s Impresario Overture, Fantasia on Greensleeves by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Espana Rhapsody by French composer Emmanuel Chabrier, based on his travels through Spain. Two pieces for soprano will feature Abigail Rethwisch: the acrobatic “Una Voce Poco Fa (A voice a little while ago)” by Gioachino Rossini from The Barber of Seville, and the sublime “Depuis le Jour (Since the Day)” from Louise by Gustave Charpentier.

Our celebration will only be complete if you join us!