Father/Son Provide Sneek Peek of Canton Symphony

By: Sep. 11, 2013
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

No one would have ever guessed that being a classical music critic would be an inherited trait. But don't tell Brett Amacher that. His son, Callum Amacher is now in his third year previewing and reviewing Canton Symphony Orchestra performances. Now only 12 years old, Callum started reviewing orchestra performances at age 9. He maintains a blog (www.callumndad.com), a YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/bamaonu2b), and several social media accounts where he provides keen insights on the artists, the composers, and the performance quality of the various concert series - pops, classical and casual.

"Dad" Amacher's critiquing career started in the print business, as a correspondent for the Repository. He's also had several stints as both critic and resident expert with other businesses and organizations in the Stark County area. His son, however started in the digital space writing for the aforementioned blog. Now the two are teaming up in what would be considered an old-school-traditional forum: the library. The Amachers make their first appearance at the Stark County District Library Sandy Valley Branch onSeptember 16, followed by presentations on September 25 at the Plain Community Branch and October 1 at the North Canton Public Library.

Dubbed "Symphony Sneak Peek," father and son Amacher plan to make the presentations fast-paced, fun and exciting. Each sneak peek will include audio and video excerpts from each concert. They will briefly discuss the guest artists and highlight the interesting stories behind the music.

"Our partnership with the Canton Symphony Orchestra is already great, but bringing the Symphony Sneak Peek to the library branches is just amazing. I can't wait to hear the dialogue between Mr. Amacher and his son. Callum provides a young adult's perspective on music that no adult could. It's really fantastic," commented Tena Wilson, Executive Director of the Stark County District Library.

"If you had told me when my son was born that he'd be writing classical music critiques by age 9, I would have laughed. But here he is doing it and the kids who follow him really love what he has to say," stated Mr. Amacher. "Our goal is to get more kids and adults interested in the fine arts. Studies show what a great impact it has on the individual and greater community as a whole. But sometimes it's just hard to tell someone - you have to show them."

Symphony Sneak Peeks are free to attend. There are no reservations required - just show up and enjoy.

Tickets for the symphony series start at a very affordable $15 for Casual, $18 for Pops and $25 for Masterworks concerts. There are senior, student and group discounts available. Tickets and the full concert season schedule are available online atwww.CantonSymphony.org, by calling 330-452-2094, or by walk-up at individual concerts. Some concerts do sell out in advance.

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 visitwww.CantonSymphony.org.



Videos