Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Symphonic Band Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 'Generations' Concert, 11/14

Founded in 1979, the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band (Brian P. Worsdale, Artistic Director) will celebrate their anniversary with "Generations: A 30-Year Celebration." This special concert will be performed on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Peter Norton Symphony Space. 

Featured on the program will be Respighi's The Pines of Rome, Shostakovich's Festive Overture, and the "Bacchanale" from Saint-Saens' Samson and Delilah, as well as such familiar musical favorites as selections from La Cage Aux Folles (Jerry Herman), Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen), and The Thunderer (John Philip Sousa). Highlighting this festive evening will be the world premiere of Allegro Scherzando: A Celebration for Piano and Concert Band, composed by James Adler, with Mr. Adler as guest soloist.

Guest soloist James Adler has been described as a pianist who "can create whatever type of music he wants at the keyboard" (Chicago Sun-Times). An equally-renowned composer, Mr. Adler's extensive list of compositions is headed by Memento Mori: An AIDS Requiem, "a unique, well-crafted, emotionally rich piece" (American Record Guide). Mr. Adler made his orchestral performing debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has appeared in recital on the Orchestra's Allied Arts Piano Series. Other highlights include appearances on the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts Series at the Chicago Cultural Center; featured soloist performances at AlIce Tully Hall; and a special London orchestral performance at the Royal Albert Hall, broadcast by the BBC. A native of Chicago, James Adler is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. A member of the Fine Arts Department faculty at Saint Peter's College (where he has also served as choral director), he has adjudicated at national and international music competitions and is the recipient of an award from ASCAP for outstanding composition achievement each year since 1978. He has received grants from Meet The Composer and from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and he is a laureate in Who's Who in American Music and the International Who's Who in Music.

Today, the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps stands as one of the most diverse and talented community ensembles in New York City. Our 70-person symphonic band performs several concerts each year, delighting audiences with a mix of original works for band, classical transcriptions, show-tunes, popular favorites, and more. In February we made our acclaimed ensemble debut in concert at Carnegie Hall. Our award-winning marching band has thrilled millions in parades and festivals from coast to coast. As a member of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA), we had the honor of marching in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade, the first LGBT organization ever to receive such an invitation.

"Generations: A 30-Year Celebration" will play November 14th at 8 pm at the Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2597 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY. Tickets are $15, $18 and $25 and can be purchased on the Symphony Space website: symphonyspace.org

For more information on the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band, visit www.lgbac.org