Landscapes & Legends

Some music paints pictures. Some tells stories. Landscapes & Legends does both, moving from playful magic to sweeping emotion to full cinematic spectacle, and showing just how far an orchestra can take you.

Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice kicks things off with chaos, humour, and unstoppable momentum — a story you can hear unfold in real time — with Patrick Phillips stepping to the podium as guest conductor. The world premiere performance of Kenneth Fuchs' Cloud Slant shifts the focus inward, capturing something more fleeting — light, motion, atmosphere — music that feels like watching the sky change.

Pianist Jacob Craig takes centre stage in MacDowell's Piano Concerto No. 2, a work that wears its heart on its sleeve, full of big melodies and real emotional pull. And then comes Pines of Rome — not just a piece, but an experience. Ancient streets, distant echoes, and a final moment that builds into something massive and unforgettable.

This is the orchestra at full power: storytelling without words, and sound that stays with you long after the last note.

Tickets are $35 in advance for adults, available through this website or by calling (855) 252-7276. You can also buy in person at any Marine Bank & Trust location — find a ticket outlet near you. Tickets at the door are $40. All seating is general admission; seats are not assigned.

Every SCSO concert is free for anyone 18 and under and for college students with a valid student ID. Reduced admission is available through Symphony for Everyone.

Season 18 All Access Pass and Flex Ticket holders: your pass or flex tickets are valid for this concert and every Season 18 subscription concert. All Access Pass holders will find reserved seats waiting. Flex ticket holders do not need to call ahead — just present your tickets at the door.

Piano

Dr. Jacob Craig is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, where he leads an active and wide-ranging music program. Since moving to Vero Beach in 2012, he has become a vibrant presence in the local arts community as a pianist, organist, conductor, educator, and community music leader.

At First Presbyterian, Dr. Craig directs the Chancel Choir, Youth String Orchestra, and other church music ensembles. In the community, he works with numerous vocal ensembles, including the Silver Tones, ACTS Choir, Sea Oaks Chorus, John's Island Singers, and the Vero Beach Choral Society. He also maintains an active performing career and supports many local arts organizations, including SCSO.

Dr. Craig holds degrees in music education, piano performance, choral conducting, and sacred music. In addition to his work at the keyboard, he is a professional-level bagpiper and the founder of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.

Composer

Kenneth Fuchs is the first living American composer recorded by the virtuoso Sinfonia of London and its conductor John Wilson. In July 2023, Chandos Records released Cloud Slant: Orchestral Works, Volume 1, which includes two works for full orchestra, an exuberant composition for strings, and a concerto for C and alto flute performed by Adam Walker.

Fuchs recorded five albums for Naxos with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by JoAnn Falletta, the last of which won the 2018 GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Compendium. Naxos also released Point of Tranquility (Seven Works for Symphonic Winds), recorded by the United States Coast Guard Band, and an album of chamber music including Falling Canons, Falling Trio, and String Quartet No. 5 "American." Albany Records published String Quartets 2, 3, and 4 in performances by the American String Quartet.

He has composed for orchestra, band, voice, chorus, soloists, and chamber ensembles. With Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson he created three chamber musicals, and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum presented his operatic monodrama Falling Man — text by Don DeLillo, adapted by J. D. McClatchy — for the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

Fuchs serves as Professor of Music Composition at the University of Connecticut. A graduate of the University of Miami, he holds master of music and doctor of musical arts degrees from The Juilliard School, and studied composition with Milton Babbitt, David Diamond, and Vincent Persichetti.

Guest Conductor

Patrick Phillips is a respected music educator, conductor, and performer with deep roots in the Brevard County arts community. He most recently served as Director of Instrumental Music at Satellite High School from 2013 to 2023, where his ensembles earned state and national recognition and consistently received Superior ratings at District and State Music Performance Assessments.

Before his work at Satellite High, Phillips served as Director of Instrumental Music at St. Petersburg High School, where he established a successful orchestra program. His ensembles and teaching have been featured at major events and conferences, including the Music for All National Festival, the National Band Association, and the American School Band Director's Association.

A dedicated brass specialist, Phillips studied horn at Florida State University and has worked extensively in brass pedagogy, jazz styles, and improvisation. He has also taught with Drum Corps International organizations including Phantom Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta. His students have earned All-County and All-State honours, won DCI World Championships, and continued their studies at leading conservatories across the country.