Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Announces 2014-15 Season - BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL WITH ANDRE WATTS & More

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's Emperor 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

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Beethoven Festival with André Watts

September 13, Hill Auditorium: 8pm

Sponsored by the UM Centers of Excellence:

Brehm, Cardiovascular, Comprehesive

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. 3 defines 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 Psalms to 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.(photo cred: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco)

Tchaikovsky & Friends

November 15, Michigan Theater: 8pm

Warm the November chill with an evening of gorgeous melodies. Sit back and enjoy Rossini's delightful "Overture to La scala di seta" 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 famous Adagietto.

"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.

Chamber Recital Series

Sponsored by CFI Group at Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor

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

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. Sponsored by Toyota.

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

Hearts for the Arts Fundraiser

Join the A2SO for the 19th annual Hearts for the Arts gala. This very special event raises money for the educational and artistic programs serving over 30,000 young people in a five-county area. A long-time favorite of symphony and community arts supporters, the evening boasts a champagne reception and silent auction, an elegant dinner, and a spectacular live auction of exciting trips and one-of-a-kind packages. The 18th annual Hearts for the Arts raised almost $70,000 to introduce even more children to the joy of live symphonic music. Stay tuned for details!

There is more to your A2SO story...

KinderConcerts: At these free 30-minute concerts, designed especially for toddlers to five-year-olds, members of your A2SO join a child movement specialist and a pianist to give a delightfully guided introduction to music through story-telling and motion. Supported by the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, David and Stephanie Pyne, and the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation. KinderConcerts take place at Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Dexter District Libraries.

Instrument Petting Zoos: SHAR Music generously donates violins and cellos, and the Graef Foundation provides the trumpets, trombones, flutes and clarinets, so that our trained "zookeepers" can guide children to make music. Youngsters learn the parts of the instrument and the basic techniques.

Meet Your Conductor: Arie Lipsky visits schools to conduct, coach in preparation for Solo and Ensemble or Festivals, introduce students to playing the flute or cello, talk about composers and conducting, and teach leadership skills.

Ensembles: A2SO professional musicians support K-8th grade music programs with lively programs about music, science, and social studies suitable for classrooms and full-school assemblies.

Daytime Youth Concerts: K-12 students learn through a concert experience designed especially for them including a written curriculum, CD and teacher workshop. This year's program is about Water and takes place in Hill Auditorium, March 18, 2015.

Side-by-Side Concerts: These are life-changing opportunities for student musicians to sit side-by-side with A2SO professionals and perform a concert on stage together.

Taste of Music: Summertime concerts at six area farmers markets include instrument petting zoos.

Open Dress Rehearsals: Young orchestra musicians and student conductors can watch a professional rehearsal in action, then meet with the musicians and Arie Lipsky.

Program Notes: These are available at the concert, on line, large print, just for kids, and even a "graduate level" edition. You choose!

Preconcert Lectures: Lively and informative talks led by Arie Lipsky and guest artist, and often the composer, give you the scoop on the story - the who, what, where, why, and when - of the music you are about to enjoy.

Additional A2SO Concert Appearances

Under the direction of UMS Choral Conductor Jerry Blackstone:

Handel Messiah, Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3:00 p.m.

Mendelssohn Elijah, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 at 8:00 p.m.

Please contact UMS at (734) 764-2538 or visit www.ums.org for tickets.

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is a premier regional orchestra offering live, symphonic music for audiences of diverse ages and classical music experiences. The A2SO touches the lives of over 76,000 people every year, from tiny tots to seasoned citizens in venues ranging from the Michigan Theater to Hill Auditorium, as well as schools in the five-county area including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter District Libraries, and senior citizen centers. For concert or educational programming information, contact the A2SO by calling (734) 994-4801 or emailing info@a2so.com. For media inquiries, contact Emily Fromm at emily@a2so.com