The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Announces 2014-2015 Season - EMPEROR CONCERTO, MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 5 and More

By: Apr. 15, 2014
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The Ann Arbor Symphony announces an exhilarating year of classic concertos, symphonies, expressive aria, and contemporary works. Join in and celebrate this season of great music, great experience and unique warmth. From André Watts, who teams with our resident, professional orchestra in the revered Hill Auditorium for an uplifting performance of Beethoven'sEmperor Concerto, to the resounding chords of the magnificent Mahler Symphony No. 5 with the hauntingly beautiful adagietto, this season has it all for you. Classical, Family, and Chamber recital season subscriptions are now available to hear outstanding performances by Michigan's premier regional orchestra and renowned guest soloists. Single tickets go on sale July 21, 2014

To order subscriptions call (734) 994-4801, email tickets@a2so.com, or purchase online at www.a2so.com. Single tickets go on sale July 21.

MAIN STAGE SERIES

Beethoven Festival with André Watts September 13, Hill Auditorium: 8pm

Sponsored by the UM centers of Excellence:
Brehm, Cardiovascular, Comprehensive
Cancer & Transplant Centers

Celebrate a gala season opener with piano legend André Watts who owns the piece he's playing like no other. Combine his extraordinary playing with one of the most recognized concertos in the world, the powerful Emperor Concerto by Beethoven, and you have a blockbuster concert experience. Enhance your all-Beethoven evening with the much-loved Symphony No. 5 and hear why people claim Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3defines what an overture is. André Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the NY Philharmonic in their Young People's Concerts broadcast. Today, this much-honored pianist is a perennial favorite with orchestras around the world. (photo cred: Steve Sherman)

Made in the USA October 11, Michigan Theater: 8pm

Brash and brassy. Raucous and rhythmic. Lyrical and lovely. This concert reflects the many facets of what makes American music ... American. The genius of American composition is celebrated in this concert - from Bernstein's affirmative Chichester Psalmsto a trip across our great USA with Michael Daugherty, to the accessibly jazzy American in Paris. Joan Kwuon, whom the NY Times describes as "fiery, intensely musical and impassioned," made her Tanglewood debut at the invitation of André Previn in 2000, and her recital debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall the following season. Her virtuosity and radiant stage presence have been seen and heard on The Today Show, CBS News and National Public Radio.

Tchaikovsky & Friends November 15, Michigan Theater: 8pm

Warm the November chill with an evening of gorgeous melodies. Sit back and enjoy Rossini's delightful "bon bon," which reveals an explosion of sound, and Schumann's majestic homage to Bach in his "Rhenish" Symphony. We welcome back by popular demand pianist Anton Nel to put his exquisite signature on Tchaikovsky's most well-known Romantic piano concerto. Anton Nel's playing will take your breath away. His deft combination of bold technique and refined artistry will set the standard for how you want to hear this piece played from now on. Nel, former chair of the UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance's Piano Department is currently the Priscilla Pond Flawn Regents Professor of Piano and Chamber music at the University of Texas at Austin. Nel will sign his CDs after the concert.

Holiday Pops December 12, Hill Auditorium 8pm

Co-Sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor

Be a part of Ann Arbor's holiday tradition in this joyful, festive concert. It is a perfect way to welcome in your holiday season. Full of music-making and merriment, the choruses of Ann Arbor's Huron and Pioneer High Schools, plus the resonant voices of the men of Measure for Measure join your A2SO to fill you with the holiday spirit. The program is a delightful mix of orchestra and voice, classical and easy-listening.

Mozart Birthday Bash January 31, Michigan Theater: 8pm

His name, one word, says it all. Mozart is a virtuoso composer in every genre - symphonies, concertos, opera, sacred song, background music - and tonight we celebrate with a tasting of all those specialties. One of your A2SO's own, Principal Oboist Timothy Michling, dazzles in Mozart's only oboe concerto, one of the hallmarks of the literature. Its deft melding of playful and wistful melodies will make this one of your favorites. Your A2SO strings take center stage in the intricately satisfying Adagio and Fugue. Coloratura Jeanette Vecchione presents a treasure trove of arias from the Great Mass in C to excerpts from the Abduction from the Seraglio. The entire orchestra concludes with the ever-popular Symphony No. 40.

Absolut Russian March 21, Michigan Theater: 8pm

Why do we love Russian music? Is it the Romantic melodies that every listener can access? The raw emotion that moves us to tears? The way it comforts our unquiet hearts and souls? Whatever your reasons, this concert presents the triumphs, exhilaration, and jubilation that is the epitome of Russian music. Savor Borodin's Prince Igor, performed as it was originally composed with chorus, and recognize the source for Stranger in Paradise. Tchaikovsky brings the poignant story of love, wrath, and pride to life in Romeo and Juliet. Surtitles translate Borodin's Russian text and tell the movement-by-movement story scored by Tchaikovsky. Shostakovich's tour de force, Symphony No. 10, takes the listener on a journey from cynicism and desolation to joyous heights and exultation.

Season Finale: Mahler April 25, Hill Auditorium:8pm

Sponsored by the Ray & Eleanor Cross Foundation

Concerts don't get better than this. Your A2SO has become a Mahler specialist, and here is what many believe is his most dynamic symphony containing the poignant and famousAdagietto.

"When you hear Mahler's Fifth, you forget that time has passed. A great performance of the Fifth is a transforming experience." - Herbert von Karajan.

Who doesn't love the Bach Double Concerto? And how can you top it with the soloists from the heart of the A2SO, Concertmaster Aaron Berofksy and Associate Concertmaster Kathryn Votapek Berofsky.

Chamber Recital Series


The finest chamber music is played by A2SO musicians and guests. These non-denominational, hour-long concerts are open to listeners of all ages. Wind, string and brass soloists and ensembles combine programs to include freshly minted pieces along with time-honored classics. All concerts are preceded by coffee and dessert. Hosted by the Jewish Community Center.
The Benard L. Maas Foundation Family Concert Series

[A2_MG_5878 Mrs. Kinds classa at Angell 2] Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts are specially designed to introduce children and their parents to the wonders of a live symphony concert. Part performance, part family outing, these affordable concerts will spark the imagination of the whole family.

Mozarts Magnificent Voyage
October 12, Michigan Theater, sponsored by Toyota
Audiences will enjoy 23 excerpts of the master's music played live on stage by the A2SO, including themes from The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni and the Marriage of Figaro. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer's life. This mesmerizing concert and story performance is 50 minutes long and recommended for audiences six and up.

Sing-Along with Santa
December 6, Bethlehem United Church of Christ
Join Santa in a Sing-Along celebration. The A2SO will treat you and your family with delightful carols and Christmas favorites for you to sing along with piano accompaniment. To help remember the fun, a photographer will snap a photo of each youngster with Santa - sent to you electronically in time for Christmas. Cookies and cider will make your holiday afternoon bright.

Disney In Concert: Magical Music from the Movies
March 22, Michigan Theater
Magical music from the movies will transport the young and young-at-heart on a musical journey. Share in the magic of Disney with your family and friends, or come solo and discover anew why these timeless motion picture scores continue to enchant us all



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