April 27 | Banner, Brahms and the HSO Young Artists Competition Winners
HSO wraps up its landmark 99th season with a spectacular finale that celebrates the power of music to unite and inspire. The program opens with Jessie Montgomery’s “Banner,” a brilliantly reimagined and dynamic interpretation of the National Anthem, celebrating the rich tapestry of multicultural America through bold harmonies and innovative textures.
The afternoon then transitions to one of the most radiant and uplifting works in the symphonic repertoire, Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, renowned for its warmth, lyrical beauty, and joyful energy.
As a highlight, the concert will showcase Calista Nelson and Brennan Clark, winners of the prestigious HSO Young Artist Soloist Competition. Calista will perform the second movement, “Romance,” of Henryk Wieniawski’s Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22.
Brennan will perform the first movement: Allegro, of Reinhold Glière’s Concerto for Horn and Orchestra in B flat Major, Op. 91 on the concert program.
This thrilling and inspiring evening promises to be the perfect culmination of a season filled with unforgettable performances. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music, artistry, and community as we look ahead to HSO’s historic 100th season!
Guest Performers
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Calista NelsonA dedicated and accomplished violinist with 12 years’ experience, Calista Nelson of Omaha is a senior at Millard North High School. She currently studies under Anne Nagosky, and she previously trained with Dawn Cox. During her time at Millard North High School, Calista has been a four-year member of the… A dedicated and accomplished violinist with 12 years’ experience, Calista Nelson of Omaha is a senior at Millard North High School. She currently studies under Anne Nagosky, and she previously trained with Dawn Cox. During her time at Millard North High School, Calista has been a four-year member of the Nebraska All-State Orchestra, participated in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra for four years, won the 2025 Concerto Competition through Millard North, was highly rated in the District Music Contest for 4 years, and won the Junior Division in the 2024 Nebraska ASAT Concerto Competition. Calista served as drum major in the Millard North Marching Band during her junior and senior years, and she plays flute in the Wind Symphony during the concert season. Calista plans to continue her musical education after high school. At Sunday’s performance, Calista will perform the second movement, “Romance,” of Henryk Wieniawski’s Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22. |
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Brennan ClarkAfter beginning his musical career on trombone, Brennan Clark of Grand Island has played the French horn for 6 years. A current student of Evan Lee, Brennan has studied with John Jacobs, Bobby Jacobs, and Bob Lienemann. At Grand Island Senior High School, he has participated in the Wind Ensemble,… After beginning his musical career on trombone, Brennan Clark of Grand Island has played the French horn for 6 years. A current student of Evan Lee, Brennan has studied with John Jacobs, Bobby Jacobs, and Bob Lienemann. At Grand Island Senior High School, he has participated in the Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Orchestra, Show Choir, and Chamber Singers, as well as the pit orchestras for Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Brennan has been selected for multiple honor bands, including All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, UNL Winter Festival, and UNO BOCH Festival. He has also participated in several ensembles outside of school, such as the Silver Cornet Band, UNL Husker Horn Choir, and Nebraska Christian’s Festival of Lessons and Carols. Brennan is a senior at Grand Island Senior High and plans to major in Music Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next year. Brennan will perform the first movement: Allegro, of Reinhold Glière’s Concerto for Horn and Orchestra in B flat Major, Op. 91 on the concert program. |
