San Antonio Symphony to Celebrate 75th Anniversary with Joshua Bell, 6/14

One of the city's most venerable cultural institutions, the San Antonio Symphony, will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a classical concert and post-concert celebration on Saturday, June 14. The concert will feature international violin sensation Joshua Bell at the Majestic Theatre, beginning at 8 p.m. From the stunningly powerful violin concerto of Sibelius to the sultry sounds of Bolero, showcasing the entire orchestra, Bell joins San Antonio Symphony Music Director Sebastian Lang-Lessing and the San Antonio Symphony in a program that will include musical selections performed during the June 1939 inaugural concert to include works from Wagner and Strauss.

"I am so gratified to be part of this world-class orchestra as it marks its 75th year," Lang-Lessing said. "Together we will continue to build on its legacy toward another 75 years of success."

More festivities will unfold after the concert in the lobby of the St. Anthony Hotel, which will have just completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Champagne, flaming desserts, 1930s jazz, a full bar and valet parking are included in the $75 price. VIP tickets to the concert also are $75. Both may be purchased at the San Antonio Symphony Box Office, (210) 223-8624 or www.sasymphony.org. For groups of 10 or more, call (210) 554-1066. Special room rates are also available at the St. Anthony Hotel, click HERE for more information.

"Considering the Symphony's many triumphs and the foundation it provides for cultural arts in San Antonio, this anniversary is really a citywide celebration," said San Antonio Symphony Board President Dennert Ware. "We hope to see all classical music lovers and patrons of other performing arts take part in the festivities as we celebrate the Symphony's ongoing success in enriching our whole community through outstanding live performances of music for 75 years."

The San Antonio Symphony was founded in 1939 by Max Reiter, a Jewish conductor in exile from Italy. By 1945, its popular community support enabled Reiter to establish the San Antonio Symphony Grand Opera Festival, bringing world-class stars and productions to the Municipal Auditorium. This early Symphony venue will be reborn in September as the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts; the San Antonio Symphony will serve as its resident symphony orchestra.

Through its years of enriching the community through performance seasons, outreach concerts and educational concerts for students, the San Antonio Symphony has garnered awards for its musical excellence and creative programming. About the San Antonio Symphony: The San Antonio Symphony is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission to inspire and enrich our community by vigorously influencing the artistic fabric of San Antonio through excellent symphonic performance, education and service. The San Antonio Symphony, with more than 70 professional musicians, serves over 130,000 people per year including 40,000 students. For more information about the Symphony visit www.sasymphony.org

. To purchase tickets, call the Tobin Center box office at (210) 223-8624.