Kicking off the Spring 2025 semester, Boston University Symphony Orchestra presents a collection of works that demonstrate kaleidoscopic evolution of nature, harmony, romance and sound. Led by conductor Sarah Ioannides.

Starting in Finland with Jean Sibelius’ Pan and Echo (1906) the work is best described by Siblelius’ biographer, Andrew Barnett: "poetic, full of feeling, and scored with great sensitivity". Next, the winning composition from the College of Fine Arts Composition Competition; Jennifer Ortiz Valverde’s “4.186” (CFA'24).

This piece captures the rapid phase changes of water molecules between solid, liquid, and gas due to temperature shifts. The title, 4.186, references the specific heat of water—4.186 joules of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of liquid water by 1°C. This high specific heat reflects the composition's energetic build-ups and releases, mirroring the substantial energy required to change water's temperature. We save a spot here for a performing concerto competition instrumentalist, to be revealing in the Fall of 2024.

Closing out the concert will be a continuing celebration of Anton Bruckner 200th birthday (born in 1824) with his first major success; Symphony no. 4 ‘Romantic’ (Second Edition, 1878.) Come & discover the “Romantic” tale hidden in its music described by the composer as tales of Medieval knights on horseback, forest murmurs, and bird song.