York Symphony Orchestra Presents APRIL IN PARIS

The York Symphony Orchestra will present April in Paris on Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York. The performance will feature guest conductor, Kelly Corcoran, who was named "Best Classical Conductor" in 2015 by the Nashville Scene, and world-class vocalist, Mandy Barnett. Single tickets starting at $9 for adults and $5 for students are available online at www.YorkSymphony.org and by calling 717-846-1111.

April in Paris is the seventh performance of the 2017-2018 season, World Tour: A Musical Voyage Around the Globe, and the third in the Pops Series. The performance will feature French-inspired love songs made famous by Cole Porter, Count Basie, Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

The opening of the York Symphony Orchestra concert will feature April in Paris by E. Y. Harburg. This piece was originally composed for the Broadway musical, "Walk A Little Faster," in 1932. The first half of the concert will also feature unforgettable pieces such as Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld by Jacques Offenbach, said to be the first classical full-length operetta; Where Is Your Heart, a popular song that first appeared in the film "Moulin Rouge" in 1952; and You Belong to Me by Pee Wee King, Chilton Price and Redd Stewart, a romantic pop music ballad from the 1950s.

The second half of the concert will feature love songs such as Fascinating Rhythm by Gershwin, from the Broadway musical "Lady Be Good;" I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Irving Berlin, a popular song written in 1937 and introduced in the film "On the Avenue;" and Why Can't You Behave by Cole Porter, a song written for the musical "Kiss Me Kate."

World-class vocalist Mandy Barnett will join the York Symphony Orchestra as a guest artist for this special night. Barnett began singing when she was five-years-old, and her style is rooted in the classic country and pop crooning of iconic singers and enduring sounds. As a teenager, Mandy starred as country music legend Patsy Cline in the stage show "Always ... Patsy Cline" at the celebrated Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Her albums have received glowing reviews in major trade publications and magazines, including "Time" magazine, as well as praise from veteran country artists and fans. Her second album, "I've Got a Right to Cry" was named top country album of 1999 by "Rolling Stone" magazine. Barnett has also appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "CBS Sunday Morning" and PBS's "Sessions at West 54th." In addition to her own albums, Mandy has been featured on movie soundtracks, including "A Walk on the Moon," "Traveller," "Space Cowboys," "Election," "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and "Crazy." Mandy also sang on the SpongeBob SquarePants album "The Best Day Ever," sharing the spotlight with the likes of Brian Wilson, Tommy Ramone, Flaco Jimenez and NRBQ.

April in Paris will also feature guest conductor Kelly Corcoran, named the "Best Classical Conductor" in 2015 by the Nashville Scene. Corcoran is Artistic Director of Intersection, a contemporary music ensemble dedicated to challenging the traditional concert experience with concerts for all ages. Corcoran conducted the Nashville Symphony for nine seasons, both as Associate Conductor and Director of the Symphony Chorus, where she conducted the orchestra in hundreds of performances and was the primary conductor for the education and community engagement concerts. Corcoran founded the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra thirteen years ago and continues to serve on the board. She has appeared as a guest conductor with many major orchestras both in the U.S. and abroad. Interested in many musical styles, Corcoran has also worked with a range of artists such as Bela Fleck, Brad Paisley, Amy Grant and Chris Botti, and has conducted the film scores for many movies including "Psycho" and "Casablanca" in concert. She also serves as a regular conductor with "The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses" tour.

"We're looking forward to welcoming two outstanding musicians to the stage to join us for this incredible concert," said Lawrence Golan, Music Director of the York Symphony Orchestra. "Mandy Barnett's powerful voice and Kelly Corcoran's incredible passion for conducting will combine for one unbelievable concert that our audiences won't soon forget."

The York Symphony Orchestra will present April in Paris on Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York. Single tickets starting at $9 for adults and $5 for students are available online at www.YorkSymphony.org and by calling 717-846-1111.

Made up of talented professional musicians from the greater York area and beyond, the York Symphony Orchestra has been engaging audiences with outstanding orchestral music for more than 80 years. Performing at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the York Symphony Orchestra presents an eclectic mix of classical pieces combined with contemporary arrangements. The 2017-2018 season is sponsored by M&T Bank; the Classical Series is sponsored by W. Dale Brougher Foundation; and the Pops Series is sponsored by PeoplesBank. The York Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to music education, offering programs to engage youth and adults. For more information on the York Symphony Orchestra, visit www.YorkSymphony.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YorkSymphony/.