Kimberly Valerio to Perform with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in BEETHOVEN EROICA, 11/14-15

Kimberly Valerio will perform as flute soloist with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) on November 14 and 15 in a program titled Beethoven "Eroica." Music Director José-Luis Novo will lead the orchestra in these Lexus Classic Series concerts beginning at 8:00pm in the newly renovated auditorium of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.

The concerts will begin with Le Tombeau de Couperin by Maurice Ravel. Next Kimberly Valerio will take to the stage as soloist to perform Charles Tomlinson Griffes' Poem for Flute and Orchestra and Albert Franz Doppler's Fantasie Pastorale Hongroisewith the orchestra. After intermission, the program will conclude with Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Ms. Valerio has served as Principal Flute of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra since 1998 and as Principal Flute with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the Peabody Conservatory where she studied with Mark Sparks. Her sound has been described as having "sparkle and verve" by the Baltimore Sun, "gorgeous sound," "sweet purity" by the Capital Gazette, and "graceful elegance" by the Severna Park Voice.

During the 2014-15 season, Maestro Novo and the ASO are featuring "Music of the Great War," and both Le Tombeau de Couperin and Poem for Flute and Orchestra are products of the period 1914 - 1918. Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica", written more than a century earlier in 1804, is a milestone of classical-style composition that displays great emotional range. The conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein said that the first and second movements are "perhaps the greatest two movements in all symphonic music."

Concert tickets range in price from $35 to $60 and are $10 for students. Tickets are available online atwww.annapolissymphony.org, by calling the ASO at 410-263-0907, or by visiting the office in Room 204 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.

About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

Now in its 53rd season, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is led by renowned Music Director José-Luis Novo and features 70 professional musicians who perform a variety of symphonic concerts for audiences of all ages. Additionally, the non-profit organization provides educational programs through its partnerships with local schools, as well as various other community outreach efforts. The ASO's vision is to be the best regional orchestra in the country and recognized as a jewel in the Washington/Baltimore area.

About José-Luis Novo

Since his appointment as Music Director and Conductor of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in 2005, José-Luis Novo, holder of The Philip Richebourg Chair, has instilled a new and vibrant artistic vision. Maestro Novo's drive for artistic excellence along with his innovative thematic programming and collaborations with esteemed guest artists has resulted in unprecedented artistic growth,critical acclaim, and admiring audiences.

In addition to his post at the helm of the ASO, Maestro José-Luis Novo has served Music Director and Conductor of the Binghamton Philharmonic (New York) since 2003. Prior to these appointments, he was Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of both Music Director Emeritus Jesús López-Cobos and former Music Director Paavo Järvi and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under the late Erich Kunzel.

Since 1999 he has been on the conducting faculty at the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he currently holds the position of Associate Conductor. In addition, he has conducted many noteworthy college and youth orchestras including the Curtis Institute Orchestra, the University of Maryland Symphony, the Ithaca College Symphony and the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra.

About Kimberly Valerio

Flutist Kimberly Valerio holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the Peabody Conservatory where she studied with Mark Sparks. Her principal teachers have included Mary Louise Poor, Bonnie Lake, Donald Peck, and Walfrid Kujala. In addition, she has performed in master classes with Carol Wincenc, Robert Willoughby, Donald Peck and was a featured performer in the James Galway Masterclass at the National Flute Association's 1997 Chicago convention. Ms. Valerio has been awarded first place honors in many competitions including the Chicago Flute Society, the Liberty Freemont Concert Society, the Society of American Musicians, Chicago's Musical Arts, and the Elmhurst Symphony Young Artist Competition. Ms. Valerio's past teaching appointments include St. Mary's College, Salisbury State University, Anne Arundel Community College, and the Peabody Preparatory.

She has been playing Principal Flute with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra since 1998 and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra since 2004. In addition to her appointment with both orchestras she performed with the Saint Louis Symphony throughout their 2002-2004 seasons, Baltimore Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Spoleto Festival Orchestra U.S.A., Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, South Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Chesapeake Orchestra.

To request an interview with Maestro Novo and/or Ms. Valerio please contact Jeth Mill, Executive Director. For more information on the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, visit www.annapolissymphony.org, or call 410-263-1132.

About Lexus

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 231 dealers. Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering five hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When it began, Lexus offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 10 vehicles, from the sporty CT 200h hybrid to the V10 supercar, the LFA. Lexus is the official Vehicle of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.