Modesto Symphony to inaugurate virtual recital series on July 22

On July 22 at 7 p.m., California’s Modesto Symphony Orchestra will present its first virtual recital, featuring MSO pianist John Hillebrandt and hosted by Associate Conductor Ryan Murray. The program will include Ravel’s Jeux d’eau (Fountains), Chopin’s Ballade No. 4, and Hillebrandt’s own Nocturne. It is the first of the orchestra’s planned monthly virtual events while it remains offstage during the pandemic. The July 22 recital will be livestreamed for free on the Modesto Symphony’s YouTube channel. A recording of the recital will be available at the link following the performance. “We certainly miss performing, but most of all we miss connecting with our community,” said President and CEO Caroline Nickel. “We’re making our virtual events free to all as a way to make classical music more accessible to the community. This is a hard time for everyone, and we want to help by creating a digital space where we can gather, reconnect, and enjoy music.”