Name: Symphony 5: American Dream
Start: 2026-04-11EDT19:30
End: 2026-04-11EDT19:30
Location: WK Kellogg Auditorium

Symphony 5: American Dream

Battle Creek Symphony
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:30 pm
WK Kellogg Auditorium

Nelson Ricardo Yovera-Perez, horn
What A Do Theatre Company

Discover the moving history of America’s immigrants with Ellis Island: The Dream of America. Combining theater, multimedia, and music to share real immigrant stories, this is both a powerful celebration of resilience and a poignant reflection on what it means to be an American.

Fun Facts about the Concert

Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a powerful tribute to the immigrants who shaped its story and made it their home.
Ellis Island is more than just a patch of land near New York City– it’s a place that holds countless stories of courage, hope, and new beginnings. Imagine stepping off a ship after weeks at sea with nothing but a suitcase and a dream. For over 12 million immigrants, Ellis Island was their gateway to America and the start of a brand-new chapter.
Ellis Island: The Dream of America is the story of seven immigrants who came to America through Ellis Island, using interviews with actual people.
The piece was broadcast on PBS' Great Performances series. Video excerpts can be seen here
Nelson Ricardo Yovera Perez came to America from Venezuela where he got his first job with the Battle Creek Symphony! We're thrilled to welcome him back as a guest artist.

What are Ticket Prices?

Tickets start at $12 for adults and $6 for students and go up to $51 based on the seat location. The least expensive seats are at the back of the balcony and the front closest to the stage.

Here are some other helpful tips you should know as well:

1. The best deal comes when you don’t wait until the very last minute to order tickets. We never offer last minute discounts because we don’t want to undercut patrons who already purchased their seats. Whenever you see a concert you’d like to attend, you get the best seats by not waiting.

2. A great way to save is to buy a subscription. New subscribers can save up to 66$. You can subscribe to all 5 concerts or pick your favorite 3 for up to $66 off. Contact us at 269-963-1911 ext 2586 and we'd be more than happy to find a deal for you.

3. If you’re a student on a budget, be sure to bring your student ID for great discounts.

4. Bring the family! Get one free child subscription with each adult subscription purchased.

What's on the program?

How Long is the Concert?

When Do I Clap?

Whenever you want! Seriously, the tradition of clapping only at the end of pieces was only for a short time in the history of music. Typically, people like to clap after a great solo in a jazz tune, an impressive dance move, or after a great movement (section) in a symphony. If you really like a piece, clap at the end of the movement and yell "encore" if you want to hear more. (we love playing encores!)

P.S. For everything you want to know to have a great concert experience, visit our new "Know Before You Go" page here:

Know Before You Go (yourmusiccenter.org)

What Do I Wear?

More than anything, we want you to have fun and express your own style when you come to the Battle Creek Symphony, so dress in a way that works for you. Some people love dressing up and going out—if that’s you, do it and you won’t be the only one, we promise. If you prefer to be more casual, then you probably won’t be the only one dressed casually, either. In short, you do you, and we’re just glad you’re joining us.

For this concert, if you are so inspired, we will be having a costume parade and drawing for prizes. Come as your favorite character if you like!

P.S. For everything you want to know to have a great concert experience, visit our new "Know Before You Go" page here:

Know Before You Go (yourmusiccenter.org)

Where Do I Park?

This is my first time! What else should I know?

Check out our new pages with lots of information about what you need to know to have a great concert experience, including information on where to dine/drink before and after the show!

Meet the Artist

Nelson Ricardo Yovera Perez is a rising star in the classical music world and currently serves as Principal Horn of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. A dynamic performer with international acclaim, Nelson captured First Prize in the Brass and Percussion category at the 2023 Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions and secured Second Prize at the prestigious 2024 International Horn Competition of America.

Nelson’s artistry has earned him frequent invitations to perform with some of the most esteemed ensembles in the country, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. He is also a regular presence at top music festivals such as the Marlboro Music Festival, Cleveland ChamberFest, and Classical Tahoe.

From 2015 to 2018, Nelson was a member of the world-renowned Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, touring extensively through Europe and Latin America under the baton of Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. He went on to serve as Associate Principal Horn of the San Juan Symphony Orchestra in Argentina from 2018 to 2021. Between 2021 and 2023, he performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and was third horn of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra.

Nelson began his musical journey at Venezuela’s National School of Horn, studying under Juan Carlos Maldonado and Ulises Aragón. He is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he studies with master hornists David Cooper and David Griffin.