Akron Youth Orchestras Present Winter Concert on February 12
February 2, 2012
The Akron Youth Symphony will present its Winter Concert at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall on February 14th at 3:00 pm. The Greater Akron Youth Philharmonic will join the Akron Youth Symphony for this concert, which will feature selections by Debussy, Shostakovich and Copeland. The Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor, Maestro Christopher Wilkins, will also make a special appearance conducting the Akron Youth Orchestras for the first time.
More about the Akron Youth Symphony’s Winter Concert.
The Akron Youth Orchestras are led by the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor, Levi Hammer. Akron Youth Symphony is the Akron Youth Orchestras’ flagship ensemble and one of Ohio’s oldest youth orchestras. It presents four concerts each year at multiple venues and provides talented young musicians with an unforgettable, professional musical experience in their formative adolescent years. The orchestra recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by traveling to New York City and performing a concert in Carnegie Hall.
Greater Akron Youth Philharmonic is a tuition-free orchestra that performs three concerts a season, including a joint concert with the Akron Youth Symphony at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall and a Side-by-Side concert with the Akron Youth Symphony. Co-sponsored by Akron Public Schools, the Greater Akron Youth Philharmonic is dedicated to building the technical and musical skills needed to become successful members of the Akron Youth Symphony.
Tickets for the Akron Youth Symphony’s Winter Concert are free of charge and available on a first come, first served basis.
World Class Begins at Home to feature seven local soloists
January 10, 2012
Akron, OH – The Akron Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Christopher Wilkins, will showcase world-class, local talent in World Class Begins at Home. The fourth concert in its 2011-2012 Classics Series, World Class Begins at Home takes place at 8 pm on Saturday, January 21 at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall.
World Class Begins at Home showcases seven virtuoso soloists performing works from five centuries and three countries with a program that “swoons one moment and sizzles the next,” according to Music Director, Christopher Wilkins.
Soloists include Jody Guinn on harp, Cynthia Warren playing the English horn, Scott Johnston on trumpet, Zachary Collins playing viola, Michael DeBruyn on cello, 18-year-old Jessi Pasternak playing viola, and 16-year-old cellist Hannah Moses.
“World Class Begins at Home is dazzling showcase for the musicians of the Akron Symphony and two of our youngest stars,” said Maestro Wilkins. “It represents a juxtaposition of a wide range of instrumental showpieces.”
Concertgoers will enjoy works including Copland’s ode to New York, the darkly moody Quiet City, featuring trumpet and English horn solos. It will be followed by Debussy’s Danse sacree et dance profane and Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, “Haffner,” one of the brightest jewels of the Classical era. After intermission comes one of the greatest Baroque works, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto, with solos for a pair of violas and cellos. The concert concludes with Stravinsky’s joyful music to the ballet Pulcinella. Christopher Wilkins will conduct the World Class Begins at Home concert with Assistant conductor and the Akron Youth Orchestras’ Musical Director, Levi Hammer, making a guest appearance.
Great seats are still available for World Class Begins at Home. Call the Akron Symphony ticket office at 330-535-8131 or purchase online at www.akronsymphony.org/worldclass. Tickets range from $20-$50 with discounts available for students, seniors and groups. You can also purchase tickets through the EJ Thomas Hall box office by calling 330-573-7570.
The Akron Symphony appreciates our sponsors, including Concert Sponsor, Summa Health Systems. Additional Support is provided by the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Akron Symphony concerts with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. WKSU-FM is the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s official Classic Series media partner. WAKR and Akron Beacon Journal also provided promotional support for this concert.
About the Akron Symphony Orchestra
The Akron Symphony Orchestra proudly celebrates our 60th anniversary during the 2011-2012 concert season. For 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence.
The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.
# # #
Greater Akron Musical Association Headquarters to Move
January 5, 2012
Akron Symphony offices relocating to Akron’s Northside District on February 1
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Musical Association (GAMA), which operates the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and Gospel Meets Symphony Choir, is relocating its administrative offices to Akron’s Northside District. GAMA will officially make the move from its current offices at 17 N. Broadway to its new home at 92 N. Main Street on February 1st.
“After 25 years at the 17 N. Broadway location, the move to the Northside District for GAMA and the Akron Symphony is noteworthy,” said Executive Director, Phil Walz. “The new building at 92 N. Main Street is highly visible from Martin Luther King Boulevard (Route 59) and easily accessible with its street level entrance. We are very happy that our move strengthens a growing downtown arts and culture enclave and proud that we will continue to be a part of the Downtown Akron community.”
The new GAMA headquarters in the Northside District is the former home of TNT Exterminators, which for many years featured a large, metal bug on the building that captured the attention of downtown drivers and pedestrians alike. With the business’ recent relocation, GAMA was able to secure the building just before the new year.
“Keeping the Symphony’s offices Downtown is good news for the Arts District that has grown-up in recent years at Northside,” said Dave Lieberth, Akron’s Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff. “The Akron Symphony is an anchor for the community’s cultural assets, and will continue to have great influence on the development of a more robust arts district Downtown.”
“We’re thrilled that the Akron Symphony was able to relocate to another great location Downtown,” said Suzie Graham, President of the Downtown Akron Partnership. “The Northside has served as an independent artistic hub for years and is an integral part of our monthly Downtown Artwalk. The contribution that the Symphony and their constituency will bring to that micro-neighborhood is outstanding.”
GAMA and the Akron Symphony will remain in operation during the move. The phone number for administrative staff and the ticket office will remain the same, as will website and email addresses. GAMA is grateful to Board, staff and friends for their support during the search. To reach GAMA and the Akron Symphony, call 330-535-8131 or visit www.akronsymphony.org.
About the Akron Symphony Orchestra
The Akron Symphony Orchestra proudly celebrates our 60th anniversary during the 2011-2012 concert season. For 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence. The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.
# # #
Akron Symphony Holiday Pops returns with three performances
December 7, 2011
Akron, OH – Holiday Pops returns with Cleveland Pops conductor, Carl Topilow, leading the Akron Symphony Orchestra in this beloved concert of traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. The Akron Symphony Chorus will join the Akron Symphony Orchestra in three Holiday Pops performances, featuring guest soloist, soprano Tina Stump, and Live On Five co-anchor, Leon Bibb, narrating The Night Before Christmas. There will also be a special appearance by Santa Claus at all three concerts and free candy canes for the kids at EJ Thomas Hall.
“We are pleased to be able to bring Holiday Pops performances to Akron’s neighboring communities,” said Joanne Green, Director of Marketing and PR for the Akron Symphony. “We are encouraged that so many are as excited as we are to present these concerts in multiple venues.
Holiday Pops takes place at 7:30 pm on December 15, 16 and 17. It kicks off with a concert at The Chapel in Green (12/15), followed by a performance at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall (12/16) and concluding with a concert at the Medina Performing Arts Center (12/17). This is the fifth year the Akron Symphony has presented a Holiday Pops concert in Green and the first year for the Medina Holiday Pops Concert, where proceeds will benefit the Medina City Schools’ arts, music and theater booster clubs.
“Regardless of the performance you attend, you are certain to experience the rich Akron Symphony sound and leave with holiday spirit,” said Green.
There are still great seats for Holiday Pops. Tickets start at $20 for the EJ Thomas concert with discounts available for students, seniors and groups. For tickets to the EJ Thomas and Medina Holiday Pops concerts, call the Akron Symphony ticket office at 330-535-8131. Tickets for the EJ Thomas performance on December 16 are also available online at www.akronsymphony.org/holidaypops2011 or at the EJ Thomas Hall box office.
To purchase tickets for the Akron Symphony Holiday Pops concert at The Chapel in Green, call the City of Green Parks and Recreation Department at 330-896-6621. Visit www.medinaholidaypops.com or www.cityofgreen.org for more information about the Medina Holiday Pops Concert or the Holiday Pops concert in Green.
The Akron Symphony appreciates our sponsors, including the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Akron Symphony concerts with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. WKSU-FM is the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s official Classic Series media partner.
About the Guest Artists
Carl Topilow is no stranger to the Akron Symphony Orchestra. He has been a guest conductor for past Akron Symphony Holiday Pops concerts. Following his long time dream of conducting his own pops orchestra, Carl founded the Cleveland Pops, which is currently in its 15th season. He is renowned worldwide for his versatility, whether he is holding a conductor’s baton or his trademark red clarinet. He is multi-talented and equally comfortable as both a conductor and instrumentalist.
Tina D. Stump is a versatile mezzo-soprano with a repertoire that runs the gamut from opera to jazz. Last seen as Motormouth Maybelle in the Beck Center production of Hairspray, she says she is “thrilled to make her Holiday Pops debut with the Akron Symphony Orchestra.”
Leon Bibb has been delivering the news since he was a paper boy for Cleveland’s newspaper. He is currently co-anchor of Live On Five and previously a co-anchor on the weekend edition of NewsChannel 5 at 6 pm and 11 pm. He is also narrator of Your Hometown, short programs about the people and renaissance in Northeast Ohio.
About the Akron Symphony Orchestra
The Akron Symphony Orchestra proudly celebrates our 60th anniversary during the 2011-2012 concert season. For 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence.
The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.
# # #
DOWNLOAD the Holiday Pops release | Press Photos | Bios | Program
$19 ticket sale extended until Dec. 2. All concerts on sale through Friday!
November 18, 2011
Our $19 ticket sale has been extended just for you! Get your tickets for any remaining 2011-2012 concert for just $19 each! This sale won’t last. It ends at 4 pm on Friday! Read more
Akron Symphony to spotlight women of musical theatre with Wicked Divas
November 17, 2011
Akron, OH – Alli Mauzey and Nicole Parker, stars of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, will join the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Maestro, Christopher Wilkins, in a concert of divine diva showstoppers this Saturday at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall.
The Wicked Divas will inspire and entertain with a performance that pays tribute to the women of musical theatre and film. This memorable evening of Broadway moments will include selections from The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Ragtime, Spamalot, Carmen, The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and much more.
“The term Diva describes a celebrated female singer or a woman of great talent in the world of opera, theatre, pop music and film. So that’s exactly what we’re celebrating,” said Wicked Diva, Alli Mauzey. “The term Diva is also sometimes used to describe someone who is a prima donna and who might carry a certain attitude with them if you know what I mean. So let’s just say there might be a little sass!”
Ben Zander returns to the Akron Symphony with pianist and protoge George Li
November 11, 2011
Akron, OH – Having launched his career with powerful Beethoven performances, Maestro Ben Zander returns on Saturday, November 12th to lead the Akron Symphony Orchestra in a concert of great works by Beethoven and Brahms. Zander will be joined by his 16-year-old protégé, George Li, the gold medalist at Oberlin’s Cooper International Piano Competition, in a performance of Beethoven’s sublime 4th concerto.
Zander has guest-conducted throughout the world. Ben, Beethoven and Brahms marks his third visit to conduct the Akron Symphony Orchestra since 2007. Ben, Beethoven and Brahms features Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Piano Concerto No. 4, along with Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, a dark and intense beauty that is considered Brahms’ farewell to the form.
“I can always rely on the musicians of the Akron Symphony to be driven by a deep love of music and a commitment to a very high level of performance,” said Ben Zander in a recent interview. “I can ask anything of them and they will deliver with joy and enthusiasm.”
Callbacks and Late Auditions for Titanic: The Musical on Nov. 22
November 11, 2011
The Akron Symphony is holding callbacks for Titanic: The Musical at 6 pm tonight (Nov. 22, 2011). Those who did not get a chance to audition for Titanic: The Musical on Sunday, November 20 will also have a chance to audition from 5-6 pm. Callbacks and late auditions will both take place at First Apostolic Faith Church located at 709 E. Market Street in Akron’s University Park neighborhood. Individuals interested in auditioning may contact Brenda Justice via email at bjustice@akronsymphony.org or find additional details about auditioning below.
Posted: November 1, 2011 | Updated: November 22, 2011
Akron Symphony to hold auditions for Titanic: The Musical on Nov. 20
Akron—The Akron Symphony will hold auditions for chorus and principals for a staged production of Titanic: The Musical on Sunday, November 20, 2011 from 1 PM – 8 PM at Guzzetta Hall on the University of Akron campus. Call backs will be on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. All principal and chorus roles will be cast via local audition.
Interested parties should contact Brenda Justice via email at bjustice@akronsymphony.org to schedule an audition time, no later than November 17. All audition slots are scheduled for a half hour; no walk-ins. Those auditioning should prepare 32 bars of music of their choice from the Titanic: The Musical only. Music will be provided for those who qualify for the call backs. Due to rehearsal schedule requirements, all must be local/regional residents to be considered.
The Akron Symphony’s production of the Tony-Award winning Titanic: The Musical will be held Saturday April 14, 2012, the 100th anniversary of the ship’s fateful voyage.
Opera’s Greatest Moments features internationally acclaimed Akronite, Dina Kuznetsova
October 21, 2011
Christopher Wilkins will lead the Akron Symphony Orchestra in a showcase of Opera’s Greatest Moments on October 15 at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall. Joining the Akron Symphony Orchestra is internationally acclaimed soprano and Akron resident, Dina Kuznetsova, along with the Akron Symphony Chorus led by Maria Sensi-Sellner.
“Opera’s Greatest Moments is an evening of classic operatic arias, overtures and choruses not only from Italian works of the golden age – though they are included, too – but also from masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak and Wagner ,” says Christopher Wilkins, Akron Symphony Conductor and Music Director.
News Release: Opening Night 2011
August 31, 2011
RUSSIAN ROMANTICS TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR AKRON SYMPHONY’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OPENER SEPTEMBER 17
Opening Night to include Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Prokofiev’s Suite from “Lieutenant Kijé,” and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1
AKRON–Maestro Christopher Wilkins will lead the Akron Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in the opening concert of the ASO’s 60th Anniversary Season, Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall at 8 PM. “Opening Night” will showcase some of the best in Russian Romanticism, including Tchaikovsky’s iconic Romeo and Juliet. Music from Sergei Prokofiev’s score for the 1934 Russian film Lieutenant Kijé and Finnish composer Jan Sibelius’ First Symphony will also be heard on the program. Read more
