FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS), under the direction of Maestro Wes Kenney, invites you to an extraordinary evening of music with the final concert in their Signature Concert series, “Rhythms of Diversity and Energy” on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7:30pm at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center. This concert offers both in-person and live-stream attendance options.
The concert opens with Michael Torke’s Run. The piece reflects Torke’s distinctive ability to blend minimalism, jazz, and pop influences into a joyful, exhilarating whole. Its unrelenting pace sets the tone for an evening of vibrant, rhythmic music.
Daniel Freiberg’s Jazz Clarinet Concerto: Latin American Chronicles, featuring Wesley Ferreira, weaves together jazz harmonies and the infectious dance rhythms of Latin America. This work showcases the clarinet’s expressive range while paying tribute to the energy of Latin American music.
Aaron Copland’s iconic Symphony No. 3 closes the program. It reflects a nation’s resilience and unity, bringing the concert’s exploration of rhythm, diversity, and energy to a thrilling conclusion.
Featured Artist
Portuguese-Canadian clarinetist Wesley Ferreira has been acclaimed as a “major talent” (Fanfare) with a “beautiful tone” and “remarkable sensitivity” (CAML Review). Known for his joyful storytelling through music, he connects authentically with audiences while showcasing both masterworks and new repertoire.
Wesley Ferreira appears internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, adjudicator, and clinician. His recent engagements have taken him across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His recordings—spanning classical, world, and contemporary works—have won multiple East Coast Music and International Portuguese Music Awards. He is also the co-founder and artistic director of the Lift Clarinet Academy and serves on the faculty of Colorado State University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
Ferreira’s roots in the Portuguese bandas filarmónicas tradition continue to inspire his artistry and commitment to championing Portuguese music. His critically acclaimed solo album Arrival (Centaur Records) highlights works by Portuguese composers. He recently served as Artistic Director of ClarinetFest 2023 and was a lead developer for the Selmer Muse clarinet, released in 2021 to critical praise.
Tickets/Details
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7:30pm Mountain Time
Where: The Fort Collins Lincoln Center: 417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, How: In-person and via live-stream
Cost: Adults $29-$83, Students and Children $10
Tickets and more information: fcsymphony.org, lctix.com or by calling the Lincoln Center Box Office at 970.221.6730 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday).
Week-of-Concert Events
Composer Talk: Join CSU professor Dr. K. Dawn Grapes for an informative and entertaining lecture about the concert’s featured composers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Symphony.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Venue: Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Admission: Free
Open Rehearsal: Learn firsthand what it takes for an orchestra to bring live music to the stage.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Admission: Free
Maestro’s Musings Pre-Concert Lecture: Ticket holders (in-person and via livestream) are invited to join Maestro Wes Kenney for a pre-concert lecture in the concert hall.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Admission: Included with ticket purchase
About the Fort Collins Symphony
The Fort Collins Symphony has been an integral part of Northern Colorado’s cultural fabric since 1923 when visionary violinist Editha Todd Leonard established the Fort Collins Community Orchestra. In 1950, conductor Will Schwartz transformed the orchestra into the fully-professional Fort Collins Symphony that we know today. The FCS is led by Maestro Wes Kenney, now in his 23rd season as the orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor.
Business Sponsors: Blue Moose Gallery
SC 5 Sponsors: Joseph & Jan Carroll, Susan & Bill Friedman
Season Sponsors: Arts without End Foundation, Dr. David Dennis,Dr. Ed Siegel, Dr. Peter Springberg
Media Sponsors: CO Sound 105.5, KUNC 91.5 FM, KRFC 88.9 FM Radio FC, North 40 News
For More Information, please contact Norman Menzales, Marketing and Community Engagement Director, at 970.482.4823 or via email at [email protected].