Revolution and Romance
Experience the evolution of the symphony in Revolution & Romance, a program that tracks the journey from the elegant wit of the Classical era to the bold, fiery spirit of early Romanticism. This evening is a dedicated showcase for the next generation of great conductors, featuring Ezra Calvino and Thomas Nettle, the exceptionally talented emerging artists from the Yale School of Music.
One of the most exciting traditions at the Peninsula Music Festival is our partnership with the Yale School of Music through the Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program. This season, we are proud to feature two rising stars on the podium:
Ezra Calvino: Returning for their second year by popular demand, Calvino is a current Yale MMA candidate who captivated our audience last season.
Thomas Nettle: Making his PMF debut, Nettle brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to the podium as one of the newest standouts from Yale’s elite conducting fellowship.
Watching these “next-generation” masters lead our professional orchestra provides a unique energy and a first look at the future of classical music.
Program
Mendelssohn | Sinfonia No. 10 in B minor: A youthful and vibrant work for strings that showcases the agility and precision of the PMF ensemble. It is the perfect high-energy opener to display the conductors’ technical command.
Haydn | Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, “Farewell”: This is one of the most famous “theatrical” pieces in history. As the music reaches its end, musicians gradually blow out their candles and leave the stage one by one—a witty protest Haydn wrote for his employer that remains a crowd favorite today.
Beethoven | Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36: The evening concludes with a “revolutionary” work. While it retains the elegance of the classical style, it is packed with the raw power, humor, and rhythmic energy that would define Beethoven as a musical rebel.
Revolution & Romance offers something no other concert in the 2026 season can: the rare opportunity to witness exceptional emerging talent leading a world-class professional orchestra. The results are electric and the memories meant to last. Great conductors have to start somewhere. This is where you get to say you saw them first.