Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, Tchaikovsky and More Set for BSO's 2015-16 Season

Brevard County, Florida - Music Director and Principal Conductor Christopher Confessore has announced concerts and events for the 2015-2016 season. Maestro Confessore will lead the Orchestra for 23 performances including six subscription concerts and three free concerts.

"If I had to choose one word to describe the Brevard Symphony Orchestra's 2015-2016 season I would choose EPIC," said Maestro Confessore. "Two monumental masterpieces bookend our season - Beethoven's Ninth Symphony opens the season in October and Mahler's Fifth Symphony closes the season. These are two massive pieces that are great audience favorites because they cover an enormous range of emotions and use a large number of performers. Other landmark works on the season include Mozart's Jupiter Symphony, Schumann's Spring Symphony and Tchaikovsky's Winter Dreams Symphony. I can't wait to blow the roof off of the King Center with this amazing season of EPIC symphonic music!"

Few musical experiences match the scope and power of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Every performance of Beethoven's Ninth is an event - The BSO's October 24th performance marks just the second time in the BSO's 62 year history the orchestra has tackled this symphony. The Orchestra also presents the World Premiere of Mark Piszczek's Songs from the Gulf of Sorrows, a work dedicated to the wildlife victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.

On November 21st, the BSO is excited to perform Tchaikovsky's rarely-heard First Symphony, Winter Dreams. The Orchestra will also be joined by violinist Elmar Oliveira in a performance of Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto. The concert opens with a work selected by an audience vote from earlier in the year.

The Orchestra presents Mozart's final symphony on January 23rd. Its grace and elegance epitomize the Classical era, and its densely contrapuntal Finale helped earn it the nickname Jupiter. BSO Concertmaster Lisa Ferrigno gets the counterpoint going with a performance of Bach's E Major Violin Concerto, and the concert opens with American master John Corigliano's Voyage for Strings.

Rich Ridenour will be the BSO's featured pianist on February 20th for the Orchestra's annual subscription POPS concert. A true showman - his I Love a Piano program is sure to be a hit with everyone. Along with Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Rich pays tribute to legendary pianists Liberace, Billy Joel, Victor Borge, and Rachmaninoff.

The BSO welcomes spring on March 12th with a performance of Robert Schumann's Spring Symphony, a work completed in a burst of inspiration at lightning speed - just over a month. After intermission, the Orchestra will perform Bruch's rhapsodic Scottish Fantasy featuring Paul Huang, a young violinist whose star is on the rise. Peter Maxwell Davies' An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise brings the concert to a celebratory and unforgettable conclusion.

On April 9th, an orchestra more than 80 musicians strong takes the stage for the BSO's season finale. Like Beethoven's Ninth which opened the season, "Mahler Week" is an event for every orchestra and its community. This will be the Orchestra's first-ever performance of Gustav Mahler's Fifth Symphony. Pianist Tanya Bannister gets the evening off to a blazing start as she performs Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1.

Finally, on April 30th, the Orchestra presents a special additional performance featuring Broadway's leading man Hugh Panaro. Critically lauded and adored by fans, veteran performer Hugh Panaro has captivated audiences throughout his career and is best known for his role as The Phantom of the Opera. Showcasing the evening will be iconic music from The Phantom of the Opera, The Music Man, and Les Miserables. Also featured will be beloved melodies by Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and more.

"Brevard County has come to expect the best from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra for over six decades and this season will deliver the best in classical and pops music," said BSO Executive Director Fran Delisle, "From Beethoven to Broadway, the BSO has a season that is sure to captivate music lovers of all ages."

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Season Highlights Include:

Symphony Under the Stars

Saturday, July 4, 2015 - 8:00pm

Cocoa Riverfront Park

Guests will experience an evening of fabulous patriotic and Pops classics while viewing the awesome fireworks display presented by the Cities of Cocoa and Rockledge. A fun-filled day for family and friends to enjoy the talents of our community and salute our great nation! Events throughout the day, BSO Concert begins at 8:00 pm.

FREE

Sunday With the Symphony

Sunday, August 16, 2015 - 3:00pm

Barnes & Noble, West Melbourne

Meet the BSO's Principal Conductor/Music Director, Christopher Confessore. The Maestro will share highlights of the upcoming season and answer audience questions. Meet BSO musicians and enjoy the sounds of a BSO Ensemble.

Barnes & Noble will donate proceeds from book fair sales to BSO with use of a special promotion code.

FREE

Sunday With the Symphony

Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 3:00pm

Barnes & Noble, Merritt Island

Meet the BSO's Principal Conductor/Music Director, Christopher Confessore. The Maestro will share highlights of the upcoming season and answer audience questions. Meet BSO musicians and enjoy the sounds of a BSO Ensemble.

Barnes & Noble will donate proceeds from book fair sales to BSO with use of a special promotion code.

FREE

Family Concert & Cultural Arts Showcase

Sunday, September 20, 2015

King Center for the Performing Arts

Join the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, for the third annual Cultural Arts Showcase. Visitors will enjoy special performances throughout the day from your favorite arts groups, including two FREE family concerts featuring the BSO at 2pm and 4pm. Guests will also have a chance to learn about, and experience, the cultural arts along the Space Coast including the BSO's instrument petting zoo.

For more information, visit www.culturalartsshowcase.com

FREE

Ode to Joy!

Saturday, October 24, 2014 - 8:00pm

King Center for the Performing Arts

Mark Piszczek - Songs from the Gulf of Sorrows {World Premiere}

Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 9

Featuring Brevard Community Chorus & Guest Soloists

$20-$50

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1

Saturday, November 21, 2015 - 8:00pm

King Center for the Performing Arts

Audience Choice!

Samuel Barber - Violin Concerto - Elmar Oliveira, violin

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 1 Winter Dreams

$20-$50

Voyage to Jupiter

Saturday, January 23, 2016 - 2:00pm & 8:00pm

King Center for the Performing Arts

John Corigliano - Voyage for String Orchestra

Johann Sebastian Bach - Violin Concerto in E Major - Lisa Ferrigno, violin

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony No. 41 Jupiter

$20-$50

POPS! I Love a Piano

Saturday, February 20, 2016 - 2:00pm & 8:00pm

King Center for the Performing Arts

A true showman - Rich Ridenour's I Love a Piano program is sure to be a hit with everyone. Establishing his career performing his own musical arrangements of classical masterworks and today's popular piano favorites, our featured artist will entertain audiences by paying tribute to legendary pianists Liberace, Billy Joel, Victor Borge, Rachmaninoff and more!

$20-$50

Scottish Spring

Saturday, March 12, 2016 - 2:00pm & 8:00pm

King Center for the Performing Arts

Robert Schumann - Symphony No. 1 Spring

Max Bruch - Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra -Paul Huang, violin

Peter Maxwell Davies - An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise

$20-$50

Mahler Symphony No. 5

Saturday, April 9, 2016 - 8:00pm

King Center for the Performing Arts

Franz Liszt - Piano Concerto No. 1 - Tanya Bannister, piano

Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 5

$20-$50

Hugh Panaro in Concert

Saturday, April 30, 2016 - 8:00pm
King Center for the Performing Arts

Spend an unforgettable evening with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and vocalist Hugh Panaro, one of Broadway's most popular leading men, for a program featuring Broadway's greatest hits! Expect to hear songs he's performed on stage and much more...Including iconic music from The Phantom of the Opera, The Music Man, and Les Miserables will showcase the evening. Also featured will be beloved melodies by Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Cole Porter.

$20-$50

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Season tickets are on sale now via the BSO's website at www.brevardsymphony.com or by calling the BSO's administrative offices at (321) 242-2024. Single tickets will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, September 15, 2015 via the orchestra's website or by calling the King Center Box Office at (321) 242-2219. Box office fees will apply. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce that ticket prices will remain the same for the 2015-2016 season.

Season subscribers will save 30-50% off single tickets when purchased in advance. Subscribers can compose their own season by choosing one of three season ticket packages with choices from evening performances, matinee performances, or a combination of both. Benefits include FREE exchanges, priority seating, and opportunities to purchase guest tickets at discounted prices such as the orchestra's full house concert.

For the orchestra's October 24th performance, season ticket holders can purchase friends and family tickets for only $10. BSO subscribers will also be able to purchase guest tickets for other subscription performances at season ticket prices.

The friends and family referral program will return in 2015-2016. By bringing in new BSO subscribers, current season ticket holders will receive 25% off their orders. This offer stacks up to four times. Subscribers who refer four new season ticket holders, at their level or higher, will receive their season ticket free for the entire season.

Season ticket holders will receive an exclusive invitation to the orchestra's subscribers-only event "Up, Close and Classical." This ever popular event gives subscribers beyond-the-stage insights into the making of a symphony concert and includes a casual pre-rehearsal dinner, special meet-and-greet with Maestro Confessore and BSO musicians.

Patrons who are new to the Brevard Symphony Orchestra can purchase the Symphony Adventure Passport for only $75. With the Symphony Adventure Passport, patrons can escape to the BSO and enjoy the world-class music throughout the 2015-2016 season. This program is designed to provide patrons, ages 21 and up, with an easy, flexible, and affordable way to take a break from their busy lives and experience the BSO's exceptional programming at the King Center for the Performing Arts. Passport holders will have a choice of up to three performances to attend during their first season with the BSO and have the option to choose their performance up to the day before the concert.

The orchestra is honored to welcome active military to attend subscription performances and offer a 50% discount on tickets in areas two and three. Offer is valid in areas two and three, with military I.D., for season subscriptions and single tickets.

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is happy to offer 20% off for groups of 20 or more and 50% off for groups of 50 or more in areas two and three. Group tickets are available for purchase through the BSO administrative office at (321) 242-2024. Groups are also invited to enhance their group experience by requesting backstage tours and special meet-and-greets with the Maestro, guest artist and symphony musicians whenever possible. Groups are also invited to host private, pre-concert receptions and dinners in one of the King Center's event spaces, additional charges will apply.

Programs for Teachers, Students and Families:

The BSO continues its commitment to arts education in the community by offering a variety of programs for teachers, students and families.

5th Grade Concerts

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra, partnering with the Brevard County School Board and through support received from local foundations and businesses, offers a free symphonic concert at the King Center each February for all 5th grade public school students.

A study guide is developed for all teachers combines all learning aspects of a symphony performance from biographies of the composers to seating within the orchestra, performance etiquette and much more. All this information is blended, with musical examples, into class lesson plans. This allows students time, in advance of the concert, to learn about what they will soon be enjoying, therefore enhancing their learning experience. For many students this is their first visit to the King Center for the Performing Arts as well as their first symphonic performance. All Study Guide materials incorporate the Sunshine State Standards and connection to FCAT curriculums.

This concert is also open to private and home school students for a nominal fee. Chaperones are free. Advance reservations are necessary.

BSO Kids! Concert Club

The orchestra invites Brevard County students in grades 4-12 to join the BSO Kids! Concert Club. The club is FREE for all members. Benefits include $5 subscription tickets and $6 tickets to individual concerts for members and one guest to any BSO subscription concert and a special invitation from Maestro Confessore to attend open rehearsals of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra at the King Center at no cost.

College RUSH Tickets

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra offers local college students the opportunity to purchase same-day RUSH tickets for certain concerts for only $10 in area three. College students are encouraged to stay in "tune" with the @BrevardSymphony on the Orchestra's social media channels to stay updated on which concerts same-day rush tickets will be available. Once announced, tickets will be available for sale at the King Center Box Office on the day of the concert. Quantities are limited. Limit two (2) per person with valid I.D.

Subscription Season Concert Tickets

The BSO gladly offers full-time teachers and students of all ages 50% off individual tickets and season subscriptions in Areas Two and Three. Subscriptions must be purchased through the BSO Administration Office and will include a $10 processing fee on the entire ticket order. Individual tickets must be purchased through the box office window of the King Center. Student I.D. is required and a small handling fee will apply. Limit two (2) per person with valid I.D.

Classroom Fundraising Opportunities

The BSO offers local teachers and parents a creative approach for classroom fundraising. With this fun and simple method, teachers can take advantage of special discounts and let the BSO help raise money for classrooms. Fundraiser groups receive the highest discount available for tickets. Organizations set new prices on tickets, sell directly to those they know that would enjoy the performance and keep the proceeds. Local non-profits and charitable organizations are also invited to participate.

Instrument Petting Zoo

The instrument petting zoo is an opportunity for curious students (adults too) to see, hear, and touch the instruments they may play in beginning band or orchestra. It offers a rare opportunity for children to try instruments they may not otherwise be exposed to and to spark their interest in music. The instrument petting zoo will be available at various symphony events throughout the year. Visit the BSO's website at www.brevardsymphony.com to learn more.

The BSO is Brevard's premier professional orchestra. For over 60 years, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra has brought quality performances, educational programs and outreach opportunities to the community. Our mission is to entertain and enrich individuals and communities, by creating exceptional, live symphonic music. The BSO is orchestra-in-residence at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Florida. For more information, contact the Brevard Symphony Orchestra at (321) 242-2024 or visit our website at www.BrevardSymphony.com.

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