The Las Vegas Philharmonic started in July 1998. The Philharmonic has performed for the openings of resort hotels, the Bellagio and the Venetian. Under the direction of music director Harold Weller, the Philharmonic performed Gustav Mahler Second “Resurrection” Symphony in May 1999. In 2007, the Philharmonic’s new conductor and music director became David Itkin. David’s career has covered performances throughout America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic also works to bring classical music to the youth of Las Vegas and Clark County. Every year, the Philharmonic holds a competition to select winners to perform with the group during the January Youth Concert Series. Most recently, the Las Vegas Philharmonic has become the resident orchestra for the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. There, the Philharmonic performs in the center’s Reynolds Hall. Check out these upcoming performances by the Las Vegas Philharmonic for an enjoyable dose of classical music.

(photo credit: lvphil.org)

Masterworks I
Opening Night Celebration
The Smith Center
361 Symphony Park Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 749-2000
lvphil.org

Date: October 20 at 8 p.m.

Continuing with its Masterworks Series, throughout the 2012-2013 season, the Philharmonic celebrates its opening night with guest pianist Navah Perlman, guest violinist Philippe Quint and guest cellist Zuill Bailey. The season begins the Philharmonic’s first season in its new, permanent home, The Smith Center. The orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. There will also be a gallery walk through 10 of Victor Harmann’s works of art, composed by Mussorgsky and titled “Pictures from an Exhibition.”

Related: Best Local Las Vegas Arts Programs To Support

(photo credit: lvphil.org)

Masterworks II
An American Portrait
The Smith Center
361 Symphony Park Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 749-2000
lvphil.org

Date: November 17 at 8 p.m.

The Masterworks Series continues with the second season performance of the Philharmonic. The performance welcomes narrator Tony Hseih, soprano Linda Lister and tenor Mark Thomsen. This celebration of American music brings together American folk songs, a musical portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the dance rhythms of “West Side Story,” which captured the music spirit of New York immigrants. Music is composed by Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.

(photo credit: lvphil.org)

Pops I
Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights”
The Smith Center
361 Symphony Park Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 749-2000
lvphil.org

Date: November 3 at 8 p.m.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic plays the original orchestral score for Charlie Chaplin’s 1931 film “City Lights.” The film was written, directed and performed by Charlie Chaplin and also stars his favorite flower seller. The city lights for the film bring a different type of bright light to Las Vegas. The combination of the romantic comedy and the music of the Philharmonic will bring enjoyment to everyone who attends.

Related: 5 Must-Read Books By Las Vegas Authors

(photo credit: lvphil.org)

Pops II
A Very Vegas Holiday
The Smith Center
361 Symphony Park Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 749-2000
lvphil.org

Date: December 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

With a star-studded list of guests, the Las Vegas Philharmonic celebrates the holiday season “Las Vegas” style. Mayor Carolyn Goodman and former Mayor Oscar Goodman narrate “A Night Before Christmas.” Foothill High School percussionists, directed by Nick Water, put a special twist on “Little Drummer Boy.” Vocalists Travis Cloer and Niki Scalera will perform, as well as the David Loeb Jazz Quartet. Bring a camera for a beautiful family event with a special appearance by the North Pole’s most famous resident.

We are always looking for additional classical music performances in the Las Vegas area. Please comment below with any events.

Amber Campbell is a writer who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been writing for Examiner.com since 2009, as a gaming, fantasy book reviewer and now as the Las Vegas Literature examiner. She has published stories under her writing name, Micaela Fischer, and also has a novel, Hidden From Destiny. She is also a proofreader, editor and typesetter. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.