Welcome to Concerts and Conversations.
We will preview the music of the RI Philharmonic’s
March, April, and May 2026 concerts.
We’ll share our insights into the music, learn about the composers,
get to know the performers and conductors
as well as the history of the orchestra, the concerto, and the symphony.
Beethoven’s Symphony #5
Perhaps the most popular and well-known symphony of all time
Mozart’s Symphony #38
The Prague symphony, considered by some to be Mozart’s greatest
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #4
The composer’s battle and triumph over Fate
Learning Together
Our Format is Collaborative!
This class depends on your active participation each week. This class is most interesting and fun when you share your insights, your questions, your research and your talents. We will share our thoughts, insights and research with you. But we are not lecturers. Our role is to facilitate a thoughtful, well-informed conversation about the music, the composers, and performers.
If we all participate, we will all learn more about the music that we love.
RI Philharmonic
Spring 2025 Concerts
March 14
These Worlds In Us,
Missy Mazzoli
Piano Concerto No.1,
Beethoven
Symphony #4,
Tchaikovsky
April 11
Overture: Marriage of Figaro,
Mozart
Piano Concerto #23,
Mozart
Symphony in G,
Michael Haydn
Symphony #38 (Prague),
Mozart
May 2
Subito Forza,
Unsuk Chin
Isle Of the Dead (Tone Poem),
Rachmaninoff
Symphony #5,
Beethoven
Transform Your Experience
Our Active Listening Approach
Classical music concerts can be long and concert hall seats are so comfortable! It is easy for our attention to drift away from the music. Sometimes, some people fall asleep! The better way to attend a classical music concert is to take an Active Listening approach. This will transform your concert experience.
Three Steps
How to Listen Actively
For starters, we ask you to listen to the weekly pieces of music assigned in preparation for each class, use active listening approach when listening, and attend the listed concerts.
Step 1: Before the Concert
Listen several times to exciting performances of the piece. Consider the interpretive options. Read the program notes ahead of time. Learn about the composer, the musical structures, the genre and style, and the performers.
Step 2: During the Concert
Arrive early and check the program booklet. Once the music starts: listen for the shifting moods, feelings and emotions. Listen for melody, rhythm, tempo, harmony and key changes, tone and texture. Enjoy the sounds of various instruments. Watch the conductor and performers.
Step 3: After the Concert
Talk about the concert with others! Compare your feelings and observations with concert companions. Read concert reviews in local public media and online. Write about the concert on your social media sites. Come to class ready to talk about the concert with classmates.
About the Orchestra
Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra (RI Philharmonic) is one of the leading symphony orchestras in New England. Founded in 1944, it has played a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of Rhode Island and the surrounding region.
The Philharmonic’s education efforts extend to schools, community centers, and underserved communities, making music accessible and inclusive.
Tickets
We expect that class participants will attend the Saturday evening performances. Tickets may be purchased on the RI Philharmonic’s website. If you are unable to attend one of the Saturday performances, please attend the Friday evening open rehearsals.
Get Started
Join Our Class
In addition to listening and attending, we ask you to volunteer for one of these important ways of contributing to our class: give a presentation on a composer or performer, or lead a post-concert discussion.