Canton Symphony Orchestra to Perform Edward Elgar's ENIGMA VARIATIONS, 11/24

CANTON, Ohio (November 19, 2013) - Imagine your best friend is a world renown musician and you open your Christmas gift from him: a song dedicated to you. But wait! It's not only dedicated to you... it's composed about you.

That's a gift Edward Elgar gave thirteen of his friends and family, keeping one for himself. Dedicated by Elgar to "my friends pictured within," Enigma Variations were composed with his closest family - his wife - and closest friends in mind. His friends included several musicians, an architect, two aristocrats, an actor, one of his piano students, some neighbors, and a critic/publisher.

The Canton Symphony Orchestra will perform Elgar's Enigma on Sunday, November 24 at 7:30pm at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall (2323 17th Street NW - Canton).

Each variation of the piece was composed to reflect the personality of the subject family or friend. In the final variation, Edgar depicts his struggles, his hopes, and his ideals, and brings the score to a majestic close on a note of triumph.

The nickname "Enigma," which appears on the title page of the published score, alludes to a cryptic remark made by Elgar that there is a hidden theme that, although never actually played, runs in silent counterpoint to the main theme of the work. Much futile effort was spent by friends, critics, and commentators in trying to discover the identity of this "unheard" theme. Regardless of the guess, however, Elgar's response was always the same: to smile benignly from behind his walrus-moustache and say, "Ah, that's telling!" Whatever the secret of the enigma was - if there ever really was one - it went with the composer to his grave.

Continuing its legacy as one of the premiere orchestras in the country, performing world-class music with world-class guest artists, the evening lineup also includesThanksgiving and Forefather's Day from Charles Ives' Holidays Symphony and the ever-popular Piano Concerto in a minor by Edvard Grieg.

The evening's guest artist is Alexander Schimpf, world-renown pianist from Germany, who will be featured on Grieg's piano concerto.

Tickets for the concert range from $25-$45. There are senior, student and group discounts available. Dress is casual and the concert is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Tickets and the full concert season schedule are available online atwww.CantonSymphony.org, by calling 330-452-2094, at the box office window located inside the Cultural Center for the Arts (weekdays 10am-2pm), or by walk-up.

The orchestra has also implemented "Student Rush" pricing this year. Beginning one hour prior to any MasterWorks concert, students may purchase any available ticket for only $10 when they show a valid student ID at the Box Office.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain. Under the direction of Gerhardt Zimmermann, the orchestra performs classical, pops, holiday, and educational programs. Most performances are in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio (at McKinley High School across from C.T. Branin Natatorium). Parking at McKinley High School is free. For more information, please visit www.CantonSymphony.org.

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