America at 250 I March 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. I Tobin Center
Join YOSA Philharmonic for America at 250, a powerful program that marks 250 years of independence with music and poetry that reflect the nation’s spirit, struggle, and soul.
William Schuman’s New England Triptych pays tribute to music popular during the Revolutionary War period. Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on “Amazing Grace” offers an uplifting take on one of the most universally beloved hymns. Guest soloist Ilan Morgenstern performs a new bass trombone concerto by Sterling Maffe, a rising film and game composer.
Former San Antonio poet laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson collaborates with the orchestra, performing original poetry written in response to Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations, a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The concert also includes a spotlight appearance by YOSA Intermezzo Strings.
America at 250 invites audiences to listen to the stories that have shaped our nation, told through the voices of composers and artists past and present, with new inspiring works that look toward the future.
About Ilan Morgenster
A native of Rehovot, Israel, Ilan Morgenstern is currently the Bass Trombonist of the Vancouver Symphony. A former member of the San Antonio Symphony, Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony and Kansas City Symphony, Morgenstern has also performed with the Detroit Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Utah Symphony, Houston Symphony, Virginia Symphony, New Israeli Opera, and the Israel Philharmonic.
Morgenstern's concerto performances have included engagements with the with the San Antonio Symphony, United States “Pershing's Own” Army Orchestra, Millennium Orchestra (Seoul, Korea), Jeju Symphony Orchestra (Jeju, Korea), and the National Repertory Orchestra.
About Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson
Andrea Sanderson, San Antonio, TX. Poet Laureate 2020-2023, performs as “Vocab” in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. “Watching her perform, the word “hero” comes to mind. And not “hero” for the sake of just skill, but for her work in her community: Sanderson teaches poetry workshops, mentors, builds up and encourages artists to pursue their art, and gives them platforms to showcase their talent.
She received awards, Performer of the Year, Influencer of the Year, from Project Forward, and Dream Voice, from the Dream Week Commission. Sanderson is the winner of the 2019 People’s Choice Award, awarded by Luminaria Artist Foundation (formerly known as: Artist Foundation of San Antonio).In May of 2020 she was awarded Best Live Entertainment/Band Musician of the Year by the SEA Awards.
YOSA Intermezzo Strings
Led by Conductor Jason Thibodeaux, this ensemble will open the performance.
Explore the 2025/26 Season
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Cinema Classics
November 2, 2025 I 7:00 p.m
Explore the powerful role orchestral music plays in film and hear legendary movie moments. With YOSA Sinfonietta Strings. -
A Holiday Spectacular
December 20, 2025 I 7:00 p.m.
Music, dance, and merry memories for the whole family with School of Ballet SA, Children’s Chorus, and YOSA Concertino Strings. -
Shostakovich Five
May 10, 2026 I 7:00 p.m.
YOSA’s season finale features Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, a gripping journey from darkness to triumph. With YOSA Concerto Competition winner, and YOSA Capriccio Strings.