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To Do in RI: Warwick Symphony Orchestra presents Memory Lane for its 59th Season
WSO completes its 59th Season with a great program of orchestral pops selections through the ages in partnership with the UNLIKELY STRUMMERS. With original works for orchestra, a set of ukulele ensemble selections, and three original composed pieces for orchestra and ukuleles, musical selections will span popular genres from 20th Century in a nostalgic nod to toe-tapping and memorable works that bring joy to all who perform and listen. WSO strolls down MEMORY LANE!
With series sponsorship provided by Bank Newport with additional support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the City of Warwick, WSO and the UNLIKELY STRUMMERS will travel Rhode Island with a live music “mix-tape” led by Music Director CATHERINE GAGNON. These performances are offered at fully accessible venues, appropriate to all audiences, and will occur:
SATURDAY – May 30, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Providence College / Smith Center – Ryan Concert Hall – Eaton Street, Providence, RI
Concert Admission: Suggested Donations at-the-door: $15-$20 per person with children 12 and under FREE
SATURDAY – June 6, 2026 @ 7:00pm (raindate 6/7)
Gaspee Days: Symphony in the Park – Pawtuxet Park – East View St, Warwick, RI
Concert Admission: FREE with City of Warwick fireworks to follow
SUNDAY – June 14, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Washington County Fairgrounds – (Route 112) Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond, RI
Concert Admission: Optional Donations on-site to benefit HASBRO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Arts & Enrichment
The program includes:
Broadway Showstoppers— Music from: Cabaret, Mame and There’s No Business Like Showbusiness
Beyond the Sea (La Mer)
Carnival of Melody— including Singin’ in the Rain, Moonlight Serenade, Love is a Many Splendored Thing
A Salute to the Big Bands
West Side Story – Selections for Orchestra
Sunny Side of the Street
Rainbow Connection
Harvest Moon
California Dreamin’
Puttin on the Ritz
Ain’t Misbehavin
I Got Rhythm
More about the UNLIKELY STRUMMERS
Now entering their tenth year of performing together, the Unlikely Strummers are a group of ukulele players from southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. They have opened for ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, shared the stage with pop icon Peter Asher as well as Irish fusion band Gadan on their 2026 North American tour, and been featured on ABC’s Chronicle. Their performances demonstrate that the ukulele is a surprisingly versatile instrument suited to almost any genre, from 1920s standards to early rock-n-roll, and from country to contemporary top 40s hits.
The Warwick Symphony Orchestra (WSO) serves audiences and musicians by bringing classical and orchestral pops performances to communities across Rhode Island. As a regional volunteer symphony, the WSO seeks to deliver high-quality live music and affordable performances to diverse communities. WSO ensures accessibility and appeals to a wide-ranging audience of varied backgrounds through programming that seamlessly shifts between classical and orchestral pops.
Established in 1966 by George Low as a continuing education opportunity through the Warwick Public Schools, the WSO is a non-profit regional orchestra with a diverse membership. Catherine Gagnon is WSO’s fifth Music Director, and under her guidance, the WSO presents five to eight concerts annually. With accessible programs WSO presents music representing the changing interests of our community including pops selections, the music of film and Broadway, popular works, and traditional orchestral repertoire. WSO strives to balance concerts with pieces that are recognizable along with those that can develop our audience’s understanding of and appreciation for classical and contemporary music. WSO is also always accepting new members; interested parties can obtain further information by contacting us at WSOri.org.
WSO values our role in the fabric of the musical community of Rhode Island performing in both traditional and unconventional spaces. Our expanding membership of amateur adults, high school and college students, retired professionals, music educators, and life-long learners are dedicated to the social, spiritual, and cognitive benefits of presenting and attending live performances.
The WSO aims to provide an outlet for continued musical development for all our participants, serve as an artistic asset within our community, develop and diversify our audiences through a variety of programs and collaborative partnerships with both musical and non-musical organizations including charities, non-profits, and service agencies. Our membership believes that music brings people together, and a concert can be more than just a concert.
Supporting the WSO
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, all donations in support of WSO’s programming is tax-deductible. To become a Friend of the WSO or a business sponsor, please contact us at WSORI.org.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
SPONSORED BY Bank Newport