Holland Symphony’s Gift of Music series welcomes Midori, community events

The Holland Symphony Orchestra (HSO) will hold its 2025 Gift of Music celebration, a series of concerts and community events, Aug. 6–16. The five-event lineup includes internationally acclaimed artists and accessible experiences for audiences of all ages.

Headlining the series is violinist Midori, known for a career spanning four decades with performances alongside top orchestras worldwide. She will appear with the Holland Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Johannes Müller Stosch on Aug. 8 and 9 at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center. 

The concerts feature Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa, with guest violinist Moni Simeonov. Works by Bach and Mendelssohn will round out the program. Tickets range from $20 for students to $45 for adults.

courtesyThe Holland Symphony Orchestra

The celebration begins Aug. 6 with a pop-up concert by the HSO Brass Ensemble at the Holland Farmers Market. Presented in partnership with Community Action House, the event includes music and snacks. The ensemble will perform a blend of classical and popular pieces.

HSO President and CEO Michael Naess explains the orchestra is focused on reaching people in both traditional and everyday spaces.

“Music has the ability to bring people together. We want to create more moments where our community can connect in person,” he says.

Community concert 

A centerpiece of the week is the annual Music Unites Us community concert at Kollen Park on Aug. 9. The free event will feature the HSO performing alongside local Latin band Grupo Super Nova with arrangements by composer Greg Scheer.

A centerpiece of the week is the annual Music Unites Us community concert at Kollen Park on Aug. 9. The free event will feature the HSO performing alongside local Latin band Grupo Super Nova with arrangements by composer Greg Scheer. Muralist Chris Garcia will paint live during the performance. Guests can also enjoy dance lessons from Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) Salsarines, food trucks, and family activities starting at 5 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Grupo Super Nova

The event grew out of community input following HSO’s 2021 mariachi concert. Residents requested more performances that reflect a range of music styles and feature local artists.

“We listened and created something that responds directly to that interest,” Naess says.

Gift of Music Month concludes Aug. 16 with Our New Home, a free concert celebrating the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center. The event features a family-friendly program including Peter and the Wolf, the first movement of Mozart’s D Major Flute Concerto performed by HSO’s Rebecca VanDeWalker, and works by Bach and Haydn. Guests are invited to explore the new facility and enjoy the performance at 2 p.m.

Support for the series comes from the city of Holland, Corewell Health, the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, Gentex, the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To RSVP for free events or purchase tickets, visit www.HollandSymphony.org or call 616-796-6780.