Akron Symphony Welcomes Pianist Shaham October 18

Second Classic Series concert to feature Beethoven’s second piano concerto, works by Bartók and Dvořák

“A fabulous pianissimo… Ms. Shaham showed a firm, elastic touch, anchoring the frantic final movement [of the Ravel].”
- The New York Times

“Her playing is graceful, but still rigorous, very romantic, yet strong. This is an artist whose growth and career should be worth watching.”
- The Plain Dealer

Akron—The Akron Symphony’s Classic Series continues Saturday, October 18 at 8 PM at the University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall with pianist Orli Shaham performing Beethoven’s second piano concerto. Maestro Christopher Wilkins will also lead the orchestra in performances of Bartók’s Dance Suite and Dvořák’s sixth symphony. Read more

NEW Pops Series To Debut October 3

Akron Symphony’s Pops Opener Salutes Love Of Broadway

Akron—The neon lights of Broadway will shine once again at the Akron Civic Theatre Read more

Single Tickets On Sale: Pick 2 for $19

Get the best available seats for the Akron Symphony’s 2008-2009 season for only $19 each (up to 52% off of regular price) Read more

AYS: The Beginning of an Amazing Season

I have to take a moment to brag.

Part of my job as the Director of Education and Community Engagement for the ASO is to be the manager of sorts to the Akron Youth Symphony.  This is by far my favorite part of the job.  I love playing mother hen to the group, and these students are some of the brightest and most talented in the area.  I get to watch them struggle and grow as young musicians and then see their triumph after a concert.  It is a great feeling.

We held our annual retreat in August at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center.  In case you have never gone out to the site, it is beautiful!  It was a perfect spot for our group to come together for the first time this season.  We made sure the kids stayed busy (sometimes too busy!) with rehearsal, team building activities, and classes.

While the whole AYS team (Chris L, myself, the parents, Renee) felt that it was very important to expose the kids to as much music as possible, we felt it was even more important that they bond.  This group only meets once a week, and we have members from all over: Akron, Hudson, Barberton, Tallmadge, Medina…you get the picture.  We wanted the kids to feel a sense of ownership of the group and a connection with each other.  Chris and I were hoping that the retreat was a successful venture, in both bonding them together and giving them a better understanding of the level of committment it takes to be a great musician and thus a great orchestra.  We could have never imagined the success we had until we read the comment sheets from the kids evaluating the retreat and telling us what they learned.  Here are a few comments:

“I realized that music is just not a piece of paper.  Music can be brought out into the world in numerous ways that seems to be pleasing to everyone.  My mind certainly opened up to the endless possibilities music brings to one.” – Lia Westhafer, violin
“More importantly though, that group feeling, we’re merely pieces in a puzzle trying to fit together and make the big picture.  If you don’t know all the pieces, the picture has holes” – Samantha Loutzenheiser, violin
“I learned / reinforced the notion that it is often easier to be a leader / exercise confidence in social situations than I had originally thought.  You should put yourself out there; play like you have never played before, act as concertmaster even though you may not be as prepared as the other violinists in your section, and make new friends.  I opened myself up to AYS.” – Brittany Lavanty, violin
“I also realized that music causes unity.  This group is made up of people who probably would never have met otherwise, who have united in order to make music.” – Greg Lenzo, trombone
“My love for classical music was definitely opened up this weekend.  I never really gave it a chance before, but as I’m hearing more and more of it, I’m learning to love it more and more.” – Cassie Mol, clarinet

And yet, people constantly say that classical music has no future.  These kids, these musicians, are our future patrons…and they are not alone.  Youth Orchestras all over the country are exposing kids and teenagers to this amazing art form and instilling a love for music that will last their whole life.  I’m so excited to be a part of that process for our AYS members.

The AYS will truly have an amazing season.  Our first concert is November 9, 2008 at Kent State University’s Cartwright Hall at 3 pm.  It is a program full of dance music, and we hope to see many new faces join us for the opening celebration of our season.

Until next time,
Meredith

Opening Night Celebration

Dinner, Champagne Toast, Acclaimed Violinist Open Akron Symphony’s 2008-09 Season

Akron—The Akron Symphony Orchestra will begin its 2008-2009 concert season on Saturday, September 20 at E.J. Thomas Hall with an opening night dinner and a concert performance that includes Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony, Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal, and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, with special guest violinist Stefan Jackiw.
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08/09 Season Tickets On Sale!

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