Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture
A whirlwind of rhythm, romance, and celebration. CSO Assistant Conductor Ryo Hasegawa makes his Masterworks series conducting debut with Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture during the 2026–27 season opening weekend.
- Composer
About This Piece
An opera that flopped gave rise to an overture that soars. After his Benvenuto Cellini met with a hostile reception, Berlioz returned to its music and created something with a life of its own: the Roman Carnival Overture.
A tender love melody meets the exuberance of a Roman street celebration, with a singing English horn giving way to racing strings, bright brass, and irresistible rhythmic energy. At its 1844 premiere, the audience demanded an immediate encore.
This performance captures a milestone for the Charleston Symphony’s own Ryo Hasegawa, as the CSO Assistant Conductor makes his Masterworks series conducting debut during the opening weekend of the 2026–27 season. Hear him lead the orchestra through all the warmth, wit, and exuberance of Berlioz’s second chance.
