British Pianist Daniel Grimwood to Headline Benefits for The Atlantic Classical Orchestra, 12/10 and 12/11

Fort Pierce, FL - Atlantic Classical Orchestra will present the U.S. premiere of German composer Adolf von Henselt's Piano Concerto in two special events hosted by the Stuart Friends and Vero Friends of Atlantic Classical Orchestra. Performed by the celebrated UK pianist Daniel Grimwood, with members of the orchestra, the incredible work clearly portrays why Henselt is heralded as one of six composers (Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Chopin, Schumann, Listzt, Thalberg and Henselt himself) born in the early 1800's who shaped the development of romantic piano music.

The December events, taking place prior to the orchestra's season opening concert, benefit the orchestra and hosted by the ACO's Friends of Stuart and Friends of Vero. Taking placeDecember 10 in Stuart at 5:30 PM at the Sailfish Point Country Club, and at December 11 in Vero Beach at 4:30 PM at the Orchard Island Beach Club, these two celebrations also honor the 90th anniversary of Andrew McMullan, conductor laureate of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra.

"We are honored that our Friends at Stuart and Vero Beach have put together such wonderful events to not only kick off the 2014 season in a unique manner, with a US premiere, but also to honor a wonderful man of the community, Andrew McMullan, who was instrumental in the creation and shaping of the orchestra at its beginning. Mr. McMullan's support over the years has been such a boon to the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, and it is with great pleasure that we pay tribute to this talented man," stated Anne Berquist,Executive Director of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra.

Described by Felix Aprahamian, the late widely respected British music critic and concert organizer as "the finest all-round musician I have ever known", Daniel Grimwood is more than just a pianist. His interest in historic keyboards has led him to perform on pianos of all ages, harpsichords, virginals and organs. As a musical polymath he has written for various publications and can occasionally be found at his desk composing or performing on the viola. THE ACO is pleased to bring this renowned artist to Florida. Accompanying Mr. Grimwood in the December 10 and 11 concerts will be orchestra members Nelly Kovalev,violin I; Valentin Mansurov, violin II; Sandra Robbins, viola; Ashley Garritson, cello, andLuis Gomez, bass.

More information on the above celebrations can be found at: http://atlanticclassicalorchestra.com/events/fundraisers-special-events/

Now entering its 24th season, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra (ACO) has developed a reputation as a world-class performing arts organization dedicated to presenting performances of both orchestral and chamber music in the rapidly growing urban communities on Florida's eastern seaboard north of Miami. While its core repertory is based in the late 18th and early 19th century, the orchestra has developed an active commitment to the rediscovery of much unjustly neglected music from the Romantic era, written for an orchestra of classical proportions alongside championing the best and most accessible of contemporary music with a special emphasis on the younger generation of American composers.

The ACO is composed of members drawn not only from Florida's principal musical organizations, but also major orchestras throughout the USA. The orchestra's artistic vision, high caliber of playing and variety of works performed have resulted in such acclaim by the press as, "What a remarkable group the Atlantic Classical Orchestra has become....under Grammy- nominated Music Director, Stewart Robertson, it has become an ambitious and poised group that could claim an honored place in even the most culturally rich communities".-Palm Beach Post.

First led by conductor Andrew McMullan, in 2004, the ACO baton was passed to Grammy-nominated Maestro Stewart Robertson, the second and current Music Director of the ACO. Bringing with him experience gained from his two decade tenure as Music Director of the internationally acclaimed Glimmerglass Opera and an equally successful stint as Music Director of the Florida Grand Opera, Maestro Robertson continued the phenomenal artistic growth begun by Maestro McMullan.

The only resident performing arts organization of Florida's Treasure Coast, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra's educational and outreach efforts include am ongoing relationship with the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony. In 2009, a new partnership garnered spectacular results - teaming with Miami's Dranoff International Two Piano Competition, members of the ACO and prizewinning piano duos from the Dranoff performed special education programs in schools throughout South Florida, culminating in two free Family Concerts featuring the full ACO in performances of Saint-Saens' The Carnival of the Animals.

The ACO released its first recording, an all-Schumann CD, with guest artist renowned violinist Elmar Oliveira in February 2013.

For more information about the ACO, and events offered during the 2014 season, please visit the orchestra's web site at www.atlanticclassicalorchestra.com/