Akron Symphony Plays Host to World Renowned Conductor, Teacher: Zander
Free events, Mahler’s 2nd, and a debut in Severance Hall mark “Zander Week” in Northeast Ohio

Akron—January 16, 2008—Next month, the Akron Symphony will begin a week-long collaboration with world renowned conductor, teacher, speaker, and author Benjamin Zander. From Classical Fever, a free concert for the people of Akron (February 3), to a free lecture on Zander’s leadership philosophy, The Art of Possibility (February 5), to an Akron Symphony Classic Series concert featuring Mahler’s 2nd Symphony (February 9), and culminating with an encore performance of the Mahler in Cleveland’s Severance Hall (February 10), “Zander Week” will take Northeast Ohio audiences on a journey that offers startling new perspectives on music and personal growth.

Resurrection Symphony
On Saturday, February 9, for the fifth concert of the Akron Symphony’s Classic Series, Benjamin Zander will lead the ASO in a performance of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, Resurrection at E.J. Thomas Hall, beginning at 8 p.m. His success in recording many of Mahler’s other works has solidified Zander’s reputation among the world’s finest Mahler interpreters. As an Akron exclusive, Zander will also deliver one of his trademark pre-concert talks at 7 p.m. The Akron Symphony Chorus will take part in the performance, as well as mezzo-soprano, Susan Platts; and soprano, Lyne Fortin. Many will recall Ms. Fortin’s striking performance as Violetta in last season’s semi-staged opera, La Traviata. The combination of Mahler, the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, two remarkable singers, Mahler—all led by Benjamin Zander makes this a concert experience unlike any other in the Akron Symphony’s entire history. The concert is sponsored by the Brennan Family Foundation with a post-concert reception, courtesy of UnitedHealthCare.

Encore at Severance Hall
The week’s climax comes on Sunday, February 10 as Zander leads the Akron Symphony in an encore performance of the Mahler 2nd, marking the ASO’s debut in Cleveland’s Severance Hall. The Sunday afternoon concert begins at 3:00 and will be a great opportunity for Akron to support its hometown orchestra on the road. The encore performance is sponsored by KeyBank and Kulas Foundation.

A free concert for Akron
On Sunday, February 3, Benjamin Zander will present Classical Fever, a free concert to introduce newcomers to classical music, or anyone else who might enjoy watching a master create spontaneous musical magic with a deliberately unrehearsed orchestra. Zander once said that Classical Fever is for anyone who has either never been to a classical music concert, or for those who have—and hated it. Mr. Zander will open up the concert half an hour early to meet with members of the Akron Youth Symphony and any area students who may wish to come. Catch the “fever” at E.J. Thomas Hall at 7:30 p.m. The concert is being presented by KeyBank.

Discover The Art of Possibility
On Tuesday, February 5, audiences will get to see a different side of the Maestro when Benjamin Zander takes to the stage of E.J. Thomas Hall as part of The University of Akron’s Forum Series. During his presentation, The Art of Possibility, Zander will discuss leadership in the workplace using music as a metaphor for personal and professional fulfillment. This special collaboration between FirstEnergy Foundation, the Akron Symphony, and E.J. Thomas Hall begins at 4:00 p.m. and is also open to everyone at no cost.

Benjamin Zander: Music’s Ambassador to the World
From his early days in his native England studying with the legendary Benjamin Britten, to his current post as Music Director of the Boston Philharmonic, Benjamin Zander has lived a life that proves possibility and art go hand in hand.

From the world’s most revered concert halls, to private meetings with royalty and world leaders (Nelson Mandela is a friend), to his four appearances as a keynote speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he was presented with the Crystal award for “outstanding contributions in the Arts and international relations,” Benjamin Zander has walked the talk of success.

His book, The Art of Possibility, has been translated into fifteen languages, and is a bona fide best-seller— as are his recordings for Telarc with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London. He has the distinction of being the only conductor holding a contract with a major label to record all of the Mahler Symphonies. Not only are these recording heralded by critics as the best of the best (the New York Times named Zander’s CD of Mahler’s Fourth as one of the 10 best recordings of 2001), but each is accompanied by a “discussion disc” on which Zander talks about the music in a way that opens the ears of the most inexperienced listeners. Even as a recording artist, he has found a way to teach.

Tickets and information
For more information, please call the Akron Symphony at 330.535.8131 or visit AkronSymphony.org.

Single tickets for Resurrection Symphony on February 9 start at $20 with discounts and specials for seniors, students, and groups of ten or more. Student rush tickets are also available at the E.J. Thomas box office a half hour before the concert begins for $5.

Tickets for the encore performance at Severance Hall also start at $20 and are available by calling 800.686.1141.

Media Support
PBS 45 & 49 is the Akron Symphony’s official Classic Series media partner, along with WKSU-FM and Akron Life & Leisure magazine.

Other Support
The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Akron Symphony with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The University of Akron also supports the Akron Symphony and its programs.

“Zander Week 2007-2008” Chronological Event Schedule

Classical Fever
Sunday, February 3
E.J. Thomas Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission
A free and unique interactive concert experience with Maestro Zander and the Akron Symphony Orchestra.

The Art of Possibility
Tuesday, February 5
E.J. Thomas Hall, 4:00 p.m.
Free Admission
World famous conductor, Benjamin Zander, opens us to the world of Possibility! Using the art of conducting as a metaphor for leadership in the workplace, Meastro Zander offers us a deeply moving and transformational presentation, which creates new paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment. Through music, personal anecdotes, and stories, and with his quintessential unquenchable energy, the Maestro gives us the visionary experience of a lifetime.

Resurrection Symphony
Saturday, February 9
E.J. Thomas Hall, 8:00 p.m.
Benjamin Zander, guest conductor
Lyne Fortin, soprano
Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano
Mahler – Symphony No. 2
Tickets start at $20; call 330.535.8131
** Maestro Zander will offer a pre-concert discussion at 7:00 p.m.

Resurrection Symphony: encore!
Sunday, February 10
Severance Hall, 3:00 p.m.
Benjamin Zander, guest conductor
Lyne Fortin, soprano
Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano
Mahler – Symphony No. 2
Tickets start at $20; call 800.686.1141

Artist biographies and photos are available in digital format by visiting the Akron Symphony Press Room at www.AkronSymphony.org. This online resource offers journalists and the public access to the latest information about the Akron Symphony, including archived news releases, downloadable high-resolution photos and media kit materials.

###

• Home Page