CSO to Present BEETHOVEN'S 2nd as Part of Friday Family Movie Night, 4/3

CANTON, OHIO (March 24, 2015) - Beethoven Festival 2015 is more than concerts; it is a celebration of the life and music of the beloved composer. In keeping with that idea, the Canton Symphony Orchestra has teamed up with the Canton Palace Theatre to present two movies in April on the historic theater's big screen.

The April 3 First Friday Family Movie at 7:30pm will be "Beethoven's 2nd" - the sequel to March's First Friday Movie. This comedy movie follows the St. Bernard dog, Beethoven - named after the composer due to the dog's reaction when a character in the film plays a portion of Beethoven's 5th Symphony - as he becomes a father to a litter of puppies. The movie opened in theaters in 1993 and stars Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, and Debi Mazar. Admission is free.

Beethoven's ninth symphony has been a moving and inspiring testament throughout the world. The 2013 film, "Following the Ninth: In the Footsteps of Beethoven's Final Symphony", documents four major historical events and how witnesses lives were transformed and repaired through the message of the "Ode to Joy". Directed by Kerry Candaele and filmed over 5 continents, the film is described as part documentary, part adventure story. The film will be shown on April 9 at 7:30pm. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets are available at the Palace Theatre Box Office beginning 30 minutes before show time.

The movies are a prelude to the orchestra's two Beethoven Festival concerts two weeks later. Pianist André Watts performs Beethoven's Piano Concerti Nos. 4 and 5 (the "Emperor") on Saturday April 25 at 8:00pm. The orchestra is then joined by the Canton Symphony Chorus, University of Mount Union Concert Choir and Walsh University Chamber Singers on April 26 at 7:30pm to perform Beethoven's Choral Fantasy (with Watts) and Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy". Both concerts are at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall (2323 17th Street NW, Canton).

Tickets for the concerts start at $25. There are senior, student and group discounts available. Dress is casual and the concerts are appropriate for ages 8 and older. Tickets and a full schedule of Beethoven Festival events are available at www.cantonsymphony.org/beethoven-festival, by calling 330-452-2094, at the Zimmermann Symphony Center - 2331 17th Street NW in Canton - weekdays from 9am to 5pm or at the Umstattd Performing Arts Hall box office beginning one hour before the performances.

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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