Premieres Friday, April 16 at 11 p.m.

The Work of Art: Reno Phil is an in-depth documentary exploring the 50th anniversary of the Reno Philharmonic, the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the subsequent creation of a special piece of music by an up-and-coming composer.

With its 50th anniversary season approaching, the Reno Phil wanted to do something big in celebration. The organization decided to commission a brand new piece to mark the occasion. Laura Jackson, Musical Director and Conductor for the Reno Phil, had the idea to approach composer Zhou Tian, an artist with whom she had worked before and greatly admired. Jackson not only wanted to celebrate the Reno Phil’s 50th, but also wanted to honor a monumental achievement which, coincidentally, was in its sesquicentennial: the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

The Work of Art: Reno Phil chronicles the 18-month journey of the original musical composition Transcend from concept to orchestral debut, while bringing viewers a greater understanding of all that the Reno Phil does in northern Nevada and beyond. 

“PBS Reno was privileged to be allowed inside access to the Reno Phil for the production of The Work of Art: Reno Phil,” said Dave Santina, PBS Reno Director of Local Content. “Over the course of the production we witnessed a milestone year in the life of the Reno Phil and were simultaneously fascinated to observe the process of composing a new classic piece of music. The relationship between President/CEO Tim Young, Music Director Laura Jackson and Composer Zhou Tian is wonderful to see. After watching The Work of Art: Reno Phil, we are able to appreciate both the overwhelming work required to operate a symphony orchestra and the artistic collaboration that contributed to such a spectacular piece of music.”   

“The team at PBS Reno have created their own work of art in telling the story of the creation of Transcend,” said Tim Young, Reno Phil President and CEO. “Local audiences loved this glimpse inside the Reno Phil because the documentary deepened their knowledge and appreciation of the work that we do on stage, and especially the months of preparation that go into every performance. I am so delighted that The Work of Art: Reno Phil will now be available through American Public Television, letting audiences across the country know about the work of Zhou Tian, Laura Jackson and the Reno Phil.”