The beloved Lakeside Symphony Orchestra (LSO) returns with an inspiring season theme, American Threads, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Woven throughout the concert series, this theme highlights the music, stories and spirit that have shaped our country. honoring tradition while inviting audiences to experience it in fresh and engaging ways.
Under the baton of Music Director & Conductor Daniel Meyer, the orchestra presents a compelling blend of masterworks and lesser-known gems worthy of discovery, showcasing America’s rich musical heritage while celebrating the enduring connections that unite generations through song.
The LSO will perform with special guest soloist Xavier Foley on double bass. The program will feature works by Gabriel Fauré, Foley and Antonín Dvořák.
PRE-CONCERT LECTURE
The excitement begins even before the first note of the concert. Join us for a Pre-Concert Lecture at 5:15 p.m. in Orchestra Hall, where guests can gain insight into the music, the era and artistry behind the performance. Please note special time due to Lakeside Photography Show Opening Reception.
LAKESIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1963, the LSO has long been a cherished Lakeside tradition and a cornerstone of the community’s vibrant arts programming. More than 80 accomplished musicians from across the country live in residence each summer, many returning year after year, bringing extraordinary talent, deep dedication and a shared love of music to the Lakeside experience.
Fauré, Gabriel Pavane, op.50
Foley, Xavier Soul Bass: Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra
Foley, Double Bass
Intermission
Dvořák, Antonín Symphony No.5, op.76, B. 54, F major
I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo: Allegro scherzando
IV. Finale: Allegro molto
XAVIER FOLEY, DOUBLE BASS
A trailblazing artist and recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Foley is redefining the role of the bassist in 21st-century music. He is a double bassist of staggering technical prowess and expressive depth, and a composer with a rare ability to bring his own artistic voice to the stage. His programs highlight both his virtuosic playing and his distinctive compositional language. With jaw-dropping technique, soulful expression and bold artistic vision, he brings new life to an instrument seldom heard at center stage.
Foley has composed several groundbreaking works. Among them is Soul Bass, a concerto commissioned and premiered by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under Jonathan Heyward. His work For Justice and Peace for violin, double bass and string orchestra — co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall, the Sphinx Organization and the New World Symphony — has been praised for its powerful message and genre-blending style.
Other concerti include Victory for double bass and string orchestra and Resurrection of Titan for violin, double bass and orchestra, commissioned by the Cabrillo Festival in association with the Mahler Foundation. These works have been performed by ensembles across the U.S., including the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Sphinx Virtuosi, Kansas City Symphony, New West Symphony, Orchestra Lumos, Nashville Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra.
Foley has collaborated with conductors including Mei-Ann Chen, Cristian Măcelaru, David Danzmayr, Michael Christie, Michael Stern, Xian Zhang, Carlos Kalmar and Thomas Wilkins. Committed to expanding the repertoire for solo double bass and chamber ensembles, he continues to explore the full expressive and technical range of the instrument through a diverse catalog of original works.
He has captivated audiences with critically acclaimed recital appearances at leading venues and series such as New York’s Kaufman Music Center, the Kennedy Center, Shriver Hall, Rockport Music, La Jolla Music Society, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Morgan Library & Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the Harriman-Jewell Series. A sought-after collaborative artist, he has appeared at the Marlboro Music Festival, Tippet Rise, Bridgehampton and Skaneateles Festivals and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Foley is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Edgar Meyer and Hal Robinson. He won the 2016 Young Concert Artists’ International Auditions, is an alumnus of the Perlman Music Program and performs on a custom double bass made by Rumano Solano.
Xavier Foley is represented by Monica Felkel Creative Partners for worldwide general management (
monicafelkelcreativepartners.com).
DANIEL MEYER, MUSICAL DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
Daniel Meyer was named Music Director & Conductor of the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra in 2019.
As Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic and Artistic Director of the Westmoreland Symphony and Cleveland’s BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, Meyer has reinvigorated orchestras with his innovative programs, engaging presence and keen musical intellect.
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