By Debbie Hall
The Las Vegas Philharmonic Performs Pictures at an Exhibition on May 9
It is a grand season finale as the Las Vegas Philharmonic closes out its remarkable 27th season at The Smith Center on May 9 with a powerful and visually evocative program. Audiences can expect the sweeping brilliance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, paired with a dynamic selection from Las Vegas composer Kevin Day, all under the baton of Music Director Designate Rei Hotoda. It’s an evening that blends classical mastery with local artistry, celebrating both the Philharmonic’s legacy and the city’s vibrant creative pulse.
Guests can expect:
- Kevin Day – Manhattan Nights
- Mozart — Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K. 488
- Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) — Pictures at an Exhibition
“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,” said Hotoda. “Manhattan Nights is a piece about Manhattan, which is a city that never sleeps, and I feel Las Vegas is also a city that never sleeps. As for the excitement, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. This piece encapsulates that. It’s a driving energy, it’s very jazz-oriented, and that’s because of Kevin’s background as a musician.”
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.
“I feel already that there’s a real hunger for the arts in Las Vegas, and this is a very exciting time for me in the orchestra. I think the audiences can expect lots of exciting and intriguing programs, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The live orchestral music enhances the storytelling of Pictures at an Exhibition. The visual element is an important aspect, as the composer was influenced by a friend’s paintings, which the composer brought to life.
The Las Vegas Philharmonic will celebrate its 28th anniversary season in 2026 and has become an important part of the culture of one of America’s most thriving cities by creating ways to appreciate music through high-quality performances and educational opportunities for all members of the Las Vegas community. Its orchestra is made up of 74 professional musicians who create a rich and varied interpretation of sound, and during each performance, both exceptional local performers and renowned national and international guest artists perform on individual concerts on the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center.
In addition to the musicians performing and the experiences it provides, the Philharmonic’s impact extends beyond the stage through its extensive music education programs, Youth Concert Series, and other outreach initiatives. As a result, the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s initiatives have been funded by the generous contributions of individual donors and corporate partners to ensure live music’s ability to continue to inspire and enrich the lives of all who experience it!
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.
To learn more, visit lvphil.org or call 702.258.5438. Follow the Las Vegas Philharmonic on facebook.com/lasvegasphilharmonic and on Instagram @lvphil. For more info and tickets, visit The Smith Center at thesmithcenter.com.
