Symphony Guild’s CRESCENDO Set For September 6

Akron—Following up on the SOLD OUT Portage Lakes Tour in July, the Akron Symphony Guild will present CRESCENDO 2008, its annual luncheon and style show, on Saturday, September 6th at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls.  The event will begin with cocktails at 11:30 a.m., including a special “CRESCENDO-tini.” Lunch will be served and the fashion show will begin at 12:00 p.m. The fashions featured will be presented by Macy’s of Summit Mall with hats by Paula Singleton (Blue Bridge Studio) and handbags by Cindy Stone (Cindy Bags).
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CRESCENDO 2008 Set For September 6

Following up on the SOLD OUT Portage Lakes Tour in July, the Akron Symphony Guild will present CRESCENDO 2008, its annual luncheon and style show, on Saturday, September 6th at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls. Read more

Auditions Announced For 2008-09

Christopher Wilkins, Music Director, announces Read more

Opening Night With Tchaikovsky

Saturday
September 20, 2008 Read more

A Perfect Evening

Old friends, the best music, and a beautiful summer night under the stars–what could be better?  Coming back to work after a three day weekend can sometimes be a drag, but Helen Welch’s controlled delivery of some of the greatest songs ever written eased me back into the work week as effortlessly as the chords in a Hoagy Carmichael tune. If you missed it, well, then you really missed it, as local jazz great Helen Welch (insert: RUBBISH!) performed a selection of classic songs from “The Great American Songbook” with the Akron Symphony last night at Lock 3 downtown.

Just a few days before, I received an e-mail from an old High School friend who I haven’t seen or spoken to in almost thirteen years.  He and his wife were coming into town from California for the 4th of July holiday  and he wanted to meet up.  After talking over coffee for 4 HOURS, I invited my friend and his wife to the Lock 3 concert last night.  Not only did they come, but they came prepared, armed with a picnic dinner and blankets.  It was great to see them both.  Let’s not wait another thirteen years, okay?

Despite what my position at the Symphony might suggest, I am not an expert in Classical music.  Far from it actually.  But thanks to our ever patient Maestro, I am learning.  However, I am well versed in the music from “The Great American Songbook” and possess a private record collection that boasts nearly every song ever recorded by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Bobby Darin (my three favorites of the era).  I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Music Director Christopher Wilkins to choose a handful of songs from what I consider to be the finest selection of music ever produced by America–period.  The Maestro did not disappoint.  The inspired selection of material for last night’s concert was spectacular–including some arrangements very familiar to those of us “in the know.”

Needless to say, the ability to chill out with old friends (in person and in song) last night was a highlight of my summer and a night I will not soon forget.