Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Presents AUTUMN CELLOBRATION, 10/19

Join Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra as they return to Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater, Saturday, October 19 at 8 p.m. to celebrate autumn with Autumn Cellobration and special guests Julie Albers and Aaron Berofsky. The A2SO embarks on a series of lush musical selections whose rich tones warm the theater.

The concert features Dvo?ák's Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70. Famous for the rich orchestration and crescendos that quickly back down to tranquility, Dvo?ák paints the picture of autumn through the verdant and warm sounds. Symphony No. 7 is among one of the strongest examples of Dvo?ák's art form, presenting an abundance of unforgettable themes.

"I am overjoyed to welcome Julie Albers back to our stage in Prokofiev's Sinfonia Concertante. She plays one of the most challenging cello works in the repertoire with grace and fire," says Arie Lipsky, A2SO Music Director. The Sinfonia Concertante is a large-scale work for cello and orchestra. Dedicated to cello master, Mstislav Rostropovich, this three-movement tour de force was among Prokofiev's final completed works and demonstrates his great interest in the cello.

Ms. Albers is recognized for her prodigious ability, alluring performance style and great musicianship. Born into a musical family, she began violin studies with her mother at the young age two, switching to cello at four. She has won the grand prize for competitions in both South Korea and France. Currently, she is Assistant professor and holds the Mary Jean and Charles Yates Cello Chair at the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Albers also enjoys being actively involved with the Albers String Trio and the Cortona Trio. This is Ms. Alber's third appearance with the A2SO.

Combining the unmistakable influence of Debussy with his love of native Hungarian folk music, Bartók composed Two Portraits, Op. 5 in 1908. This two-movement gem showcases the superb fineness of our soloing concertmaster Aaron Berofsky.

Robert Albritton, winner of the 2012-13 Pursuit of the Podium will be conducting the "Toreador Song," from Bizet's Carmen. Pursuit of the Podium rose over $20,000 for the A2SO's music education programs.

The A2SO is a premier regional orchestra offering live symphonic music to over 76,000 patrons of all ages in venues ranging from the historic Michigan Theater and Hill Auditorium as well as schools, daycares, libraries, and various senior citizen centers in the five-county area. For tickets visit a2so.com, email tickets@a2so.com or call (734) 994-4801. Single tickets range from $12 to $60, subscriptions start at just $48; Student, Senior, and Group discounts are available. First-time subscribers may buy one season subscription and get one free.

Photo Credit: Lisa-Marie-Mazzucco

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