A Symphonic Panorama

Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s renowned Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36.

Additionally, the Symphony performs a side-by-side collaboration—directed by Assistant Conductor Tori Petrak—with the Concord High School Symphony Orchestra.

The community collaboration with the young musicians from Concord High School features the Overture to West Side Story, along with Conga del fuego by Arturo Márquez.

Trumpeter Michail Thompson has made orchestral debuts with top ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet, and joined the National Symphony Orchestra as 2nd Trumpet in 2025. Mr. Thompson—who has spent summers as a fellow at storied institutions such as the Tanglewood Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, and the National Orchestral Institute—has performed with the Canadian Brass, won the Vincent Bach Trumpet Competition, and been a finalist at the National Trumpet Competition.

To purchase your tickets, visit The Lerner Theatre Box Office at 410 S. Main Street in Elkhart, call the Box Office at (574) 293-4469, or visit The Lerner Theatre website.

Musical elixir, inspired by tragedy

Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote his solemn and powerful Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 between 1877 and 1878. The work debuted in February of 1878 at a Russian Musical Society concert in Moscow, with Nikolai Rubinstein as conductor. The fiery, vast, and rapturous symphony was met with early criticism, most specifically from purists who felt the work did not adequately represent Russian musical values. Despite its early mixed reception, the symphony grew into an orchestral standard, and—to this day—remains one of the most frequently performed symphonies of the late 19th century.

Tchaikovsky’s personal and professional life was said to be marred by crises and depression. His separation from his mother at a young age for boarding school, followed by her early death, and the untimely deaths of family members and friends—including his dear colleague, the aforementioned Rubinstein—all were contributors. Although celebrated in his lifetime, Tchaikovsky felt neither beloved nor respected by critics and musical peers. During his life, the composer—who kept his homosexuality private—endured a failed marriage to Antonina Miliukova, a failed suicide attempt, and the gutting collapse of his 13-year association with wealthy patroness Nadezhda von Meck.

Similarly, Vladimir Peskin’s musical compositions seem born of chaos. Little is known about Peskin’s life, but what is known is that he lived in Geneva from 1914 to 1916 and received music lessons at the Académie de Musique de Genève after his father, like many other Russian revolutionaries, was exiled to Switzerland by the Stalin regime. The son of refugees, Peskin would have to give up his early piano studies due to a hand disability caused by overuse, at which point he turned primarily to composition.

Experts suggest Anton Rubinstein as Peskin’s central role model, and his teacher, Samuil Feinberg—along with composer Sergei Rachmaninoff—are credited as influences in his well-known works. Peskin’s Trumpet Concerto No. 1 in C Minor has stood the test of time and is considered one of the most enduring trumpet concertos ever composed.

Good to the last note!

The Elkhart County Symphony closes out the 2025-26 season on May 17, 2026 at The Lerner Theatre with “Exhale & Celebrate,” featuring guest soloist Caitlin Edwards. Ms. Edwards, a classically trained violinist inspired by gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul, and her band members bring The Lerner Theatre to life in performing music from her album Exhale, along with Equinox by Katahj Copley. The Symphony also performs Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol in the 2025-26 season finale!

Remaining 2025-26 Concert Schedule

“Echoes of Fate, Peskin & Tchaikovsky.” March 29, 2026 at The Lerner Theatre. Featuring guest soloist Michail Thompson, assistant principal trumpet with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., and a side-by-side performance with the Concord High School Symphony Orchestra. Repertoire—Vladimir Peskin, Trumpet Concerto No. 1 in C Minor; Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36; Overture to West Side Story; and Conga del fuego (Arturo Márquez).

“Exhale & Celebrate.” May 17, 2026, at The Lerner Theatre. Guest soloist, Caitlin Edwards (violin), a 2023 Sphinx MPower Artist Grant recipient. Repertoire—Ms. Edwards and her band peform, music from her album Exhale, along with Equinox by Katahj Copley. The Symphony also performs Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol in our exciting 2025-26 season finale!

A better box office and ticketing experience

The Lerner Theatre has expanded its box office hours to better accommodate guests. The new hours at The Lerner Theatre are:

Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Show Days: 10:00 a.m. – Start of Show

The Lerner Theatre is also pleased to announce increased transparency in the ticket-buying experience. The Lerner Theatre has made the switch to All-In Pricing, ensuring that ticket buyers, before making a purchase, can see the full price upfront including fees (before taxes).

Thank you for supporting the Elkhart County Symphony, please join us on March 29 at The Lerner Theatre!