Simone Dinnerstein, Music Worcester’s first Artist in Residence (2018-2019), returns to Worcester for BACHtoberfest 2025 to perform two headlining concerts this festival weekend. With long-time collaborator Alexis Gerlach, the duo brings a unique interpretation of J.S. Bach’s Gamba Sonatas to this headlining performance, alongside the complete Inventions and Sinfonias.

Her work with Bach’s Inventions and Sinfonias originally debuted in album-format in 2014, still receiving attention for her interpretations. Dinnerstein’s performances of Bach’s keyboard works have garnered her acclaim and recognition for both her accuracy and interpretation. This program also features three sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord, which musically reference some of Bach’s other sonatas written for two instruments.

 NEAL HAMPTON conducting

Mozart Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 “Haffner” 

Bruckner Symphony No. 4 in E-flat Major, WAB 104 “Romantic” 

The PSO’s 28th season opens with two Austrian composers who were both considered masters of harmony. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385, “Haffner”, is a celebratory piece written in honor of the Mozart’s friend, Sigmund Haffner, a wealthy Salzburg merchant, upon the occasion of his elevation to nobility. The work opens triumphantly with a brightness and exuberance that tells us it was intended to be performed outdoors and is the epitome of the classical style. Anton Bruckner was, for most of his composing life, relatively unknown but is now recognized for raising the symphonic form to new heights. His Symphony No. 4 in E-flat Major, WAB 104, “Romantic,” reflects the composer’s dramatic use of brass and genius for harmonic and melodic invention.