The Planets

Moon Doh, Music Director

From the relentless drive of “Mars” to the broad splendor of “Jupiter” and the eerie stillness of “Neptune,” Gustav Holst’s The Planets remains one of the great orchestral spectaculars. Britannica describes the suite as seven short tone poems inspired by astrology rather than astronomy, and the final movement is famous for its wordless offstage women’s chorus, which seems to drift away into infinity. Opening the evening, Paul Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice brings wit, color, and storytelling to the stage, transforming Goethe’s tale of magical chaos into one of the orchestra’s most vivid showpieces, later made iconic for many listeners through Disney’s Fantasia. This concert will also feature the annual Concerto Competition and Side-by-Side performance, giving the evening an added spirit of celebration and discovery.

Ever dreamed of conducting an orchestra?
The winner will conduct Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride live on stage, with the Butler Symphony Orchestra during the annual Holiday Traditions concert on December 5, 2026! The drawing will be held live on stage during intermission at the November 7 performance of The Planets. Only 300 tickets will be sold at $20 each. Online purchasers will be mailed their physical ticket stub, including their ticket number, as proof of purchase.

Purchase Sleigh Ride raffle tickets online.

Tickets can only be purchased by Pennsylvania residents.

Pre-Sale: Adults $39 Children/Students $20
At Door: Adults $45 Children/Students $25

All performances are held at the Butler Intermediate High School: 551 Fairground Hill Rd., Butler, PA, 16001

Contact the office at (724) 283-1402 to learn about discounts for groups of 10 or more. We also offer discounts for seniors, active or retired military, first responders, and educators.