Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s ebullient Ouverture in C Major opens the WSO’s second concert of the 25/26 season with a combination of classical poise and romantic drama. It’s clear her unique musical personality comes from the same source as her famous brother Felix, but she has a trajectory and voice all her own – full of vitality and passion.

The WSO shines a spotlight on the rich, expressive voice of the viola with a deeply moving performance of Christian Colberg’s Viola Concerto. This evocative work—equal parts lyrical and bold—takes center stage in the hands of Paul Aguilar, the brilliant violist who recently earned 2nd place at the 2025 Sphinx Competition and is already making waves as a rising star on the national stage.

Aguilar’s performance promises to be a tour de force, full of emotional depth and virtuosic flair, perfectly complementing Colberg’s cinematic writing and vivid orchestral color.