Feature: THE LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC CELEBRATES THE END 27TH SEASON ON MAY 9

The Las Vegas Philharmonic will celebrate the end of an incredible 27th season at The Smith Center on May 9 with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and a selection from a Las Vegas local composer, Kevin Day, conducted by Music Director Designate Rei Hotoda.

Guests can expect:

• Kevin Day – Manhattan Nights
• Mozart — Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K. 488
• Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) — Pictures at an Exhibition

“The amazing jewel of Las Vegas is these musicians of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and I am so excited to showcase them in this program this weekend in so many different ways. The program is very eclectic, and I think that it's a reflection of the things that I like to bring out as a music director of this orchestra, and that is really bringing the talent pool that we have in Las Vegas to the forefront,” explained Hotoda.

“We are featuring a local composer, Kevin Day. The first piece of the program is called Manhattan Nights, and it's by a young, nationally renowned composer who lives in Las Vegas. I'd like to showcase his work to open the program. But then we go on to a Mozart piano concerto featuring a very young, up-and-coming pianist, Tony Yoon, and then we perform Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. It's going to be a really fun concert.”

It's a reflection of Hotoda as a musician, showcasing the orchestra and its musicians.

“The Las Vegas Philharmonic is comprised of some of the most talented musicians, and we're able to perform all kinds of repertoire at the highest level, and I feel like there's nothing that this orchestra cannot do. Please compare, then pair it with Las Vegas. I'm moving here this summer, and I want to be part of this community.”

The live orchestral music enhances the storytelling of Pictures at an Exhibition. The visual element is important, since the composer was influenced by the paintings of a friend who brought them to life.

“The audience will hear the Great Gates of Kyiv. Each of us individually has this conception of what grandeur could be like for them. So this is a piece that will really be accessible to all kinds of visual elements in your own personal experience of listening to it live. I think nothing really beats live music,” added Hotoda.

The May performance is Hotoda’s preview show for Las Vegas’ symphony fans, as she prepares to become the Philharmonic’s Music Director on July 1.

Celebrating its 28th season in 2026, the Las Vegas Philharmonic is a cultural leader in one of the United States’ most dynamic cities. The Las Vegas Philharmonic continues to inspire a lifelong appreciation of music through performances and educational experiences for the Las Vegas community. At the orchestra's core, 74 professional musicians bring depth and variety to the organization. Each season of concerts and performances highlights local talents alongside incredible nationally and internationally recognized guest artists on the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center.

Through music education, the Youth Concert Series, and community engagement programs, the Las Vegas Philharmonic's commitment to Las Vegas extends from the concert hall to the classroom. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Philharmonic's community, education, and artistic programs are made possible by the donations and support of individuals and corporations.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic will perform at The Smith Center on May 9. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. The performance is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.