A Letter from our Maestro

Dear Friends,

Spring has arrived—grass is greening, birds are singing, and love is once again in the air. On April 18 at 6:00 pm at Bridge View Center, the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra is delighted to share an evening of music that celebrates love in all its forms, from the spark of young romance to the depth of lifelong devotion.

Centuries ago, an ancient Chinese tale of forbidden love inspired the Butterfly Lovers Concerto, a story whose spirit echoes across time. Its themes helped shape the world’s most iconic portrait of young love Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet—brought vividly to life in Tchaikovsky’s powerful “Fantasy.” Our journey continues with Leonard Bernstein’s electrifying modern retelling in West Side Story, where passion and tragedy unfold in a contemporary world. Together, these works trace the arc of love across cultures and generations, reminding us of its universal and enduring power.

And of course, love is not only youthful—it is steadfast. In our “Eternal Love” medley, arranged by our talented Associate Conductor David Sharp and performed by Diana Upton-Hill and Justin Hill, we honor couples whose lives have weathered storms yet continue to cherish each moment together. Each song invites us to reflect on the joy, meaning, and beauty of lasting commitment.

I invite you to join me and the OSO on April 18 as we offer this musical serenade to lovers of every age. May it inspire, uplift, and remind us all of love’s remarkable ability to endure.

Warmest regards,

William LaRue Jones, DMA
Music Director/Conductor
Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra
www.william-larue-jones.com