LSO’s 2025–26 season opened in unforgettable style
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, under the inspiring leadership of Maestro Richard Prior, opened its 2025–26 season on Tuesday, September 23, with a concert that was nothing short of unforgettable. It was the second day of Autumn. The weather was perfect, and anticipation filled the air outside Callaway Auditorium. Patrons greeted friends and paused for photos in the golden early evening light. These photos captured the sense of joy and occasion that accompanies the start of a new season.
Inside, the atmosphere was just as lively, with an audience eager to experience the program Maestro Prior so carefully crafted. The night carried both a sense of celebration and renewal for the opening of the LSO concert season. It was highlighted by the artistry of world-renowned guest soloists in Bruch’s Double Concerto, a World Premiere in Lafayette: A Hero of Two Worlds with its deep ties to the LaGrange community, and the timeless power in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Plus, the night contained a milestone addition to the orchestra’s leadership. Samuel Vargas Teixeira is now the LSO’s official concertmaster. The evening delivered on its promise to Break Sound Barriers.
LSO President’s Welcome
New Concertmaster
Guest Artists
Star-Spangled Banner – Francis Scott Key (John Stafford Smith)
The program began with our National Anthem, setting a tone of unity and celebration. From the stage, musicians had a striking view of the audience rising together in respect and singing along—a perspective captured in this photo that conveys the shared spirit of the moment. There is a unique bond between performers and patrons that makes live performance so meaningful.
Internationally acclaimed Guest Artists
The first featured work of the evening was Max Bruch’s Double Concerto for Violin and Viola. Guest artists Levon Ambartsumian (violin) and Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva (viola)—a married duo whose artistry and partnership shone brilliantly on stage—delivered a performance full of warmth, elegance, and technical mastery. Their seamless interplay and expressive depth captivated the audience from start to finish, each phrase beautifully shaped and perfectly balanced. This duo’s chemistry and nuanced phrasing brought new life to Bruch’s concerto, leaving listeners fully absorbed in the musical conversation. The orchestra provided rich, supportive textures throughout, allowing each solo phrase to shine while maintaining a beautifully balanced ensemble sound.
[you may read more about Levon Ambartsumian and Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva in this LSO blog post: Two Voices, One Conversation.]
Tribute Unites History and Music
Following the Double Concerto, the LSO presented the World Premiere of Dr. Richard Prior’s Lafayette: A Hero of Two Worlds, a piece commissioned by the Lafayette Alliance of LaGrange, GA. Prior’s striking new composition is a masterful work that balances lyrical elegance with dramatic intensity. This one-movement tone poem makes full use of the entire orchestra. Strings including piano and harp, along with woodwinds, brass, and percussion all contributed significantly to convey a rich and balanced description of the Marquis de Lafayette. The work’s sweeping arcs, dramatic contrasts, and intricate textures made it a true joy to experience. This composition embodied Lafayette’s courage and vision, reflecting his character and the enduring spirit of his legacy.
Rooted in LaGrange’s special connection to this hero who inspired its name, the piece resonated deeply with the community. Inspirational and deeply moving, the premiere struck a chord with this audience, who responded with a rousing standing ovation. Many Lafayette Alliance advocates were present, with several sharing how deeply they appreciated the work and the meaning it held for them. Others expressed how honored they felt to witness the premiere and hoped for the chance to hear it again. The audience reaction is a clear indication that this composition is destined to captivate listeners far and wide.
Here are a few images at the conclusion of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s World Premiere of Prior’s Lafayette: A Hero of Two Worlds.
[You may read more about Dr. Richard Prior HERE.]
Beethoven’s 5th in Action
After intermission, the orchestra returned for one of the most iconic works in the symphonic repertoire: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. The orchestra’s performance was strengthened by Samuel Vargas Teixeira in his first concert as official concertmaster. Under his guidance and Maestro Richard Prior’s leadership, the orchestra delivered a performance of remarkable balance, clarity, and energy, navigating the symphony’s dramatic contrasts and powerful climaxes with precision and expressive power.
Hearing comments after the performance, patrons considered this interpretation of Beethoven’s 5th to be one of the best they had heard. From the electrifying four-note opening to the triumphant finale, the evening concluded on a soaring note, leaving the audience exhilarated. Everyone is looking forward to the continuation of this season!
Setting a High Bar
This opening concert, “Powerful Partnerships,” set a high bar for the season. Looking ahead, the LSO will return to Callaway Auditorium on October 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM for their next concert in the series, “String Theory.” That performance will feature numerous guest artists and promises another unforgettable evening of artistry and inspiration. Read more about the String Theory concert HERE.
Thank you for supporting the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
© LaGrange Symphony Orchestra 2025/2026 | All rights reserved | 706.882.0662 | Richard Prior, Music Director & Conductor
