Another fun-filled evening at Pops on the River. Yep, used to be on the river but outgrew Wingfield Park. Now held at Rancho San Rafael Park, there's plenty of room to grow (and more than sufficient parking). Tonight the theme was the 80's and the crowd came out to represent, as costumes are highly encouraged. Incredible musicians fronted by a trio of exceptional vocalists, perfect weather (epic sunset) and a high energy environment created one of the summer's must-attend musical events. Under the incredible musical direction of Laura Jackson, the Reno Phil always delivers spot-on performances and tonight was a shining example of our Biggest Little City being a true hub for the arts. Keep an eye out for their ongoing performances and treat yourself, everything from traditional classical to movie themes on to modern interpretations, the Reno Phil is a gem! read more

The Reno Phil - Sunset at Pops on the River - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

I love the Reno Phil! Such amazing talent and such awesome performances! I may have seen one or two live shows, pre-pandemic, but since the Pandemic, I've mostly purchased livestream tickets. I love watching the shows in the comfort of my living room. I know the artists prefer live guests in the audience, but for me, not living in Reno, the convenience of being able to buy a livestream ticket is awesome. And I feel less guilty, since this afternoon's live show was almost sold out. So the livestream tickets sales are icing on the cake. And they provide the opportunity, for people living in rural Nevada, to see these amazing performances without having to travel. I wish the livestream ticket option would spread. But for now, I'm happy to support and watch the Reno Phil. read more

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When you think of arts and culture in Reno, think McKinley Arts and Culture Center and the Reno Philharmonic Association office in the same building. This Ferris designed building was built between 1909 and 1912 along with three others. All were schools. This is the only one remaining. It is decorated with many Reno Art pictures and posters. The people there are all very helpful. The ambiance is colorful and welcoming. read more

The Reno Phil - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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I am a season ticket holder for the Reno Phil. On November 26, we saw an amazing show with a guest pianist who nearly broke the 9 foot Steinway piano! If you love great shows, well, show up! I will see, "The Book of Mormon" in January. Tickets for that run are sold out. But there is always more to come! read more

I think this pandemic has really pushed this organization to new heights. Without the ability to perform in the traditional sense, the Reno Phil has had to truly reinvent themselves. They've had to find ways to perform virtually, learn to perform new material that appeals to a broader audience, adapt their events to meet safety guidelines and even going so far as learning new performance styles that they'd then perform in entirely new venues! I've had the pleasure of seeing several of these performances and I'm thrilled with the result. Pops on the River at Rancho San Rafael was stellar, as always, and literally no one missed the river. It was the same great party with more space to roam and a much more open vibe too. I recently saw them perform the music of James Bond at Greater Nevada Field. This was also a wonderful performance and I loved how they used the screens to add to the experience. My only criticism of that show was that James Bond is so action packed, I'd hoped to see some of that along with the music. Dancers, stunt people etc would have brought it to life. I can't say how impressed I am with Reno Phil's pandemic pivot. If you haven't seen a show recently make some plans! read more

The Reno Phil - Music of James Bond - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

When it comes to Reno, the arts and culture scene overall leans towards mural art and a local music scene. The Reno Philharmonic adds a nice contrast for that with performances with a full orchestra and often a chorus accompaniment. While their home is the Pioneer Center, they also play shows all over the region--like a live performance of the Ghostbusters score during a movie screening at the GSR (so fun!). Their shows are a great addition to a date night or girls night out when you want to do something different. While I love the Classix series, my favorite performances are the less traditional shows or ones that expose me to music from other cultures that I may not be familiar with. I hope that these more "pop culture" shows will bring in a younger crowd to the Phil and raise the energy in the audiences on Saturday nights (that's when you'll catch me there). Disclaimer: I am an ambassador for the Reno Phile, and am often gifted tickets in exchange for my honest reviews and experience. read more

On this Beautiful Sunday afternoon in Reno, I found myself at the Pioneer Center and to my great surprise, The Reno Philharmonic was starting their 54th season today. As I was asking questions about the upcoming theatre performances, a patron of the Reno Phil gave up 2 tickets to a lovely little senior couple, Martha & Don Jessop, married 71 years. They were in the right place, at the right time....and so was I. Volunteers Sue, Barbara and Gail welcomed me. I told them I had never been in the Pioneer Center before. I was introduced to Page, the new Box Office Manager and Evelyn Klatt, Chief Development and Marketing Manager. To my surprise, Evelyn handed me an extra ticket for the opening night of the Reno Philharmonic! What??? Yes thank you! It was my very first Reno Philharmonic musical experience. The show started at 4. A special pre-show event, Inside the Music with Laura Jackson, Music Director and Conductor of the Reno Philharmonic and Chris Morrison, Producer for KNCJ Public Radio, gave an insider's perspective of each Classix performance. Piano Soloist: Featuring Davidson Fellow, Wiley Skaret. Music: Carlos SIMON: Selections from Tales: A Folklore Symphony. Sergei RACHMANINOFF: Rapsody on a Theme of Paganini, op. 43 Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade The musicians came in and tuned their instruments. I watched in amazement and then as the lights went down, the colorful lights backlit the stage. The introduction of the new President & CEO Ignacio Barron Viela. He welcomed the audience of the opening night of the 54th season. The Orchestra stands, Laura Jackson, conductor walks out to a round of applause. Then, The first chair violinist and concertmaster Ruth Lenz comes out to another round of applause.....then the music starts. It fills the room with so many sounds all playing at one time. You watch to see which instrument is playing where? If you have never been to the Reno Philharmonic, it is a musical experience for mind, body and soul. I truly suggest you try it out! I will for sure, go back again this season. Julie Atlas read more

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What a lovely performance last night, I feel so lucky to have been a part of their first in person show in 15 months. The music choices were excellent. I loved the jazz & the different patriotic tunes. It brought an eclectic mix of people to the park which is always fun too - from babies to our 98 year old grandma, all parties seemed to be enjoying the night. read more

The Reno Phil - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

What a great show the RPO put on tonight at the GSR playing the music to the original Ghostbusters movie. Sold out show, high energy crowd and the RPO played excellently - really made the whole experience special. read more

The Reno Phil - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Second concert I've been to this season (today: "The Organ Symphony") and they've all been exceptional. Nice facilities, friendly people, parking is a breeze (be a little early though) and the price is right. Support the arts! read more

Yes, Reno has a Philharmonic Orchestra. And they are really really good. I grew up with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Reno Phil (as they are affectionately known) stacks up very well to that venerable institution. We have attended concerts in the past - usually the summer concert/fundraiser as a part of Artown. When we lived in Rural Nevada their late Sunday Matinee / Tuesday Evening schedule did not fit well with the 80 mile drive. Now that we live in Reno full time, we have bought season tickets for the Classix series (six classical programs = Classix) They perform at the Pioneer Center, a perfect venue for a full scale orchestra. Their sound is rich and professional and the pieces are beautifully executed. The Phil is masterfully conducted by Maestro Laura Jackson. Her passion and enthusiasm for the music are so apparent. Her talent in leading the orchestra is so apparent in the well paced and executed pieces. This is not stuffy uptight boring performances. The music is beautiful and accessible. The guest artists are world class. The audience are truly the "Fourth Wall" and bring their love and enthusiasm for classical music to the richness of the performance. Pioneer Center was almost filled! It is so encouraging to see the Arts being so supported in Reno. Looking forward to the next five performances with breathless anticipation. read more

The Reno Phil - Tuning up. - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Last Sunday we got to enjoy their performance of the Nutcracker at the Pioneer Center. I've not had a chance to hear them since they ended their great run of July fourth concerts in Genoa. I've missed them, and they sounded great. I was glad to be there, and also sad that they aren't headed to Genoa anymore. read more

The Reno Phil - Last weekend at the Nutcracker - Performing Arts Near Me - Reno, Nevada

This review is not actually about the orchestra itself, which I consider quite excellent, especially for a city of Reno's size. But every July the Reno Phil puts on an event called Pops on the River, which for many of us has been a highlight of summer. In past years Pops was held at a beautiful park along the Truckee River. But this year, for whatever reason, the event was moved many blocks away from the river to a large outdoor venue with awful acoustics and a stage that could not be seen by more than half the people attending. To make matters worse, unlike in all previous years, patrons were not allowed to bring alcohol. There were bars set up at the venue to sell wine, beer and hard liquor -- and they had very long lines, making people wait a half hour or more to get a drink. In summary, a wonderful event was ruined by moving it to a venue that allowed only half the audience to see the orchestra or hear it. As a result, most people sitting in the back half of the large field just started talking and visiting while the music was played. A great event became an awful one. Let's hope the Reno Phil comes to its senses and moves back to the river next year. read more

Much like the Nevada Museum of Art and the Reno Opera, Reno is lucky to have such a talented group of people who chose to make a difference in the community. It is so rare to see so many accomplished musicians in a smaller community. The Classix Six Series is so excellent and they always pick such beautiful and often uncommon pieces to perform. Last night, Haydn's Symphony No. 104 was particularly moving. After that Vaughan William's Sea Symphony, a symphonic adaptation of a Walt Whitman poem, made for an interesting and again quite unique musical experience. Another excellent part of the experience is watching the articulation and the passion of the conductor Laura Jackson, another talent we're lucky to have in Reno. Of course the evening wouldn't be complete without taking advantage of one of the many bars throughout during intermission, and the best part is they let you take your drinks into the performance! Pretty unusual, but wonderful. Located in the beautiful Pioneer Center, the Reno Phil is far from stuffy, but it's also elegant. You'll always meet someone interesting, from the older subscribers to the younger crowd. They have a great student rush offer with tickets at only $9, and the rest are very affordable to begin with. All of the staff and the ushers are very friendly, even if you show up late, which I often do. A night at the Reno Philharmonic is a pleasure that I never miss, and a must for locals. read more

Saw the philharmonic accompanying A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, and the music was easily the best part of the show. I didn't catch a single flaw in their performance, and I look forward to the opportunity to see the philharmonic on their own so they can really shine! read more

Laura Jackson and the entire Philharmonic hit it out of the park tonight with Pops on the River. WOW what a show of rock n roll with 3 amazing artists. Best Pops on the River yet, Good crowd a lot of dancing and the weather is perfect on the river. If you get the chance to come to Pops - crazy tables, costumes, fun people and a great time - you do t want to miss next year. - come to the River !! read more

The Reno Philharmonic is a wonderful orchestra featuring world class soloists and orchestra members. I have personally had the pleasure of attending performances by the Phil my entire life since I have several family members in the orchestra. The July 4th Pops in the Park is a wonderful family festivity in Genoa. Families congregate on their picnic blankets and listen to patriotic favorites to celebrate the holiday. The concert is free, but it is popular, so get there early to find a place to park and a good place to put your picnic blanket. The Phil also performs a free show July 3rd at the Bartley Ranch. This Fall's upcoming performances include music composed by Tchaikovsky, Bach, Copland, Brahms, Haydn, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. read more

Laura Jackson, the conductor is absolutely brilliant. We have a fantastic class of musicians here in Reno and she has guided this group to be Top Brass. Coming from Seattle, I didn't think I'd be as impressed as I am with Reno Philharmonic. I've been about dozen times now and I am always impressed. Truly a talented leader and talented group of musicians. I am very grateful for the student ticket pricing too. read more

I've known Reno had a Philharmonic symphony for years, but didn't know how phenomenal they were! I had the pleasure of attending last week and boy was it a special treat. The music moved me to tears. A new addition is young pianist Ray Ushikubo. I especially loved the conductor Laura Jackson. She moved like a ballerina as she directed the rather large Orchestra. I really couldn't take my eyes off her...when they weren't glued to young Ray. You don't want to miss his performance! I will be attending the Reno Philharmonic again and recommend you do too if you love music. read more

Holy moly, Laura Jackson is excellent! My first attendance at the Philharmonic happened to be a night with some lively selections from An American in Paris and West Side Story. It inspired me to attend an evening that might not be as chipper. read more