Melbourne Community Orchestra to Presents ‘Conductor’s Choice’ Concert Featuring Mark Nelson Favorites April 29-30
By Space Coast Daily // April 18, 2026
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The conductor is a commanding figure on the podium, calling all the musical shots.
For the Melbourne Community Orchestra, Mark Nelson holds the baton and will program his favorite compositions during Conductor’s Choice, a pair of concerts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, April 29 and 30 at the Melbourne Auditorium at 625 Hibiscus Boulevard, 32901.
The two evenings will include selections that have tickled the fancy of Maestro Nelson over the course of his conducting career.
The audience will be wowed by Tchaikovsky’s 15-minute fantasy for orchestra, Capriccio Italien, along with Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture and other works that have shaped the Maestro’s musical journey.
The Cello Concerto in D minor by Edouard Lalo will be performed by Edgewood Jr/Sr High School senior Anderson Aiken, who will soon be attending Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship.
Also on the program is Symphony No. 9 by Dmitri Shostakovich, a work that is brief, lighthearted, and well-regarded today.
Its premiere in 1945 disappointed Soviet authorities, however, who expected a grand, victory composition.
Those who arrive early to Conductor’s Choice will be treated to a 6:15 PM pre-show of varied works, featuring principal flute player, Noël Barefield, along with pianist Paul Wubbena and horn player, Cassidy Phillips.
The 65-member group conducted by Mark Nelson is the Orchestra in Residence for the City of Melbourne. Call 321-285-6724 or visit MCOrchestra.org for more information or to sign up for concert alerts.
Admission to Conductor’s Choice and all Melbourne Community Orchestra concerts is free.
Orchestra manager and principal flute player, Noël Barefield, believes attendees will come to know Maestro Mark Nelson better — simply by hearing the music he has programmed for Conductor’s Choice.
“This concert gives audience members the chance to step into the world of Dr. Nelson and experience some of his all-time favorite compositions,” said Barefield.
“It’s a rare glimpse into the music that has shaped the man and his career.”
