Springfield Symphony- fall scheduleSPRINGFIELD Springfield Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Michael Jonnes, a sports fan, likens next year's symphony concert lineup schedule to the popularity of the Boston Red Sox's season.
What do they have in common? "The popularity of the Springfield concerts keep growing and good seats are beginning to be hard to find; half the concerts are sold out and people want to hang on to their regular seating; newcomers want to make sure they get a seat at the concerts too," said Jonnes.
"Just like when the Red Sox announced that tickets were going on sale earlier this year for their season, the symphony's schedule for next season, beginning Sept. 29, will also be drawing crowds," Jonnes said. "We don't have Sox manager Terry Francona leading our orchestra but we do have Maestro Kevin Rhodes, our music director who has a fantastic following among music lovers in Western Massachusetts," said Jonnes.
The music season promises to be a lively one starting in the fall with an opening night gala, followed by a violin virtuoso concert, an Aaron Copland masterpiece event, Mozart and Mendelssohn, a Beethoven concert with pianist Jeffrey Biegel, an evening of Chopin with the sound of romantic Europe and a Russian music spectacular.
The Pops schedule includes an Arlo Guthrie encore at Thanksgiving, a Currier & Ives Holiday Pops concert, a tribute to Motown and a visit by The Smothers Brothers.
Just like Red Sox fans who go online for more information log on to the symphony's website www.SpringfieldSymphony.org for more information.
All classical and pops concerts begin at 8 p.m. "Classical Conversations," an informal half-hour discussion, free to ticket holders, will be presented by Maestro Rhodes prior to each classical concert at 7 p.m. in the hall.
Classical Music Schedule
Sept. 29 The opening night gala opens the season with the world's most popular piano concerto, Rachmaninoff's "Concerto No. 2" marking the return of pianist Ralph Votapek. Mahler's powerful and poetic "Symphony No. 5" will be showcased and an audience Champagne reception caps the evening.
Nov. 3 Guest artist violinist Glenn Dicterow, concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, will bring his artistry to Bernstein's "Serenade" and man's relationship to nature is explored in Beethoven's "Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major (Pastoral)"
Jan. 12, 2008 Aaron Copland's American Wild West masterpiece "Rodeo Suite" as well as his big band-inspired "Clarinet Concerto" will feature the SSO's own Michael Sussman playing clarinet. The music of audience favorite Anton Dvorak will embrace his Bohemian rhapsodies.
Feb. 9 Mozart and Mendelssohn both represent an elegant and poised approach in musical thought and are given center stage in this all-orchestra celebration of taste. Mozart's "Cosi fan tute Overture" and "Symphony No. 29, A Major, K 201" will be played along with Mendelssohn's "Symphony No. 4."
March 8 An evening of Beethoven includes his "Overture to Fidelo" that explodes with the spirit of triumph. The "Emperor" Concerto, with guest artist Jeffrey Biegel playing piano, never fails to amaze and delight with its power and passion along with the acclaimed Springfield Symphony Chorus.
April 26 From the graceful styles of Chopin and Rossini, to the classical lyrics of Brahms' commanding "Symphony No. 3" the program captures the sound of romantic old Europe. Claire Huangci, last year's Chopin Competition winner, is the guest artist.
May 17 The classical music season culminates with an evening of Russian music: Gliere's "Russian Sailors Dance," Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings," and Rachmaninoff's "Symphony No. 1."
Pops Concerts
Nov. 17 Arlo Guthrie returns after last year's sold out concert to usher in Thanksgiving with "Alice's Restaurant" along with some new tunes. His appearance in Springfield is quickly becoming a homecoming tradition.
Dec. 1 and 2 Over the river and through the woods, the Holiday Pops concerts are inspired by Currier & Ives' famous prints. The annual holiday concert with orchestra and chorus will perform "Sleigh Ride," "The Skater's Waltz," and "I'll be Home for Christmas" and many more holiday favorites.
March 1, 2008 From Vegas to Springfield - the sound of Motown will fill Symphony Hall with Spectrum, one of the hottest Motown acts featuring Darryl Grant, Pierre Jovan, David Prescott and Cushney Roberts.
April 12 Pop culture icons the Smothers Brothers bring their nostalgic brand of humor and blend of comedic and musical talent to the Pops. Perhaps we'll find out "Who Mom liked best?"
MassMutual Financial Group is the official season sponsor.
Concert sponsors are United Bank, The Valley Advocate, WFCR-FM, Sovereign Bank, CBS3, Bank of America, Lenox/American Saw, BusinessWest, The Republican, MassLive.com, Clear Channel Radio, WMAS AM and FM, The Wood Family Foundation, WGBY-TV, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, St. Germain Investment Management, Turley Publications, United Personnel Services, Classical Conservations are sponsored by Pioneer Valley Cardiology.
All concert tickets may be purchased from the Springfield Symphony Box Office, 1350 Main Street, downtown Springfield, charged (VISA, MasterCard American Express or Discover) by calling 413-733-2291. Subscription packages begin at $38 with secure free parking. Youths age four to 17 are half price. A discount of 25 percent is available for groups of 10 or more. Visit the SSO Web site at www.SpringfieldSymphony.org.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra performances are made possible through the generosity of donors, concertgoers, Business Friends of the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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