The Abilene Philharmonic concludes its Classical Concert Series on April 21st with a program entitled “New World.” The concert includes Beethoven’s Consecration of the House, Horn Concerto No. 1 by R. Strauss (featuring guest soloist Greg Hustis), and the well-known Symphony No. 9, “New World,” by Antonín Dvořák.
Dvořák, a Czech composer of the late Romantic musical period, arrived in the United States in 1892. He searched to discover what he considered to be intrinsically “American music,” much as he had earlier utilized Czech folk idioms. Dvořák became interested in the Native American and African-American spirituals. Many of the themes in his Symphony No. 9 can be attributed to folk melodies from these ethnic groups.
Attendees to the Abilene Philharmonic on April 12th are in for a special treat. The Maestro will step off of the podium and sit down at the piano for an intimate evening of familiar Cabaret favorites. Returning Abilene favorite Kristen Hertzenberg, along with Abilene’s own Pure Gold Chorus, will share their special talents. This unique event, with all proceeds benefitting the Philharmonic, takes place at the Paramount Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the occasion includes a cash bar. Tickets are $20 and are available by calling the Philharmonic Office at 325.677.6710 or by visiting abilenephilharmonic.org.
A fantastic conclusion to the Philharmonic’s 2011-2012 season would not be complete without a spectacular Pops concert. On May 5th, Broadway a la Carte II will feature Kristi Tingle and Jason Forbach bringing the best of Broadway to the stage, including hits from Guys & Dolls, Cabaret, Miss Saigon, and more. Music lovers who appreciated Broadway a la Carte, won’t want to miss this one-night-only event.
Ms. Tingle has said she is thrilled to be back in Abilene to perform with the Abilene Philharmonic. Ms. Tingle has been a guest soloist with symphonies across the United States, appearing at events in Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
Mr. Forbach has recently completed work on a labor of love and a lifetime goal; his first self-produced solo album entitled A New Leading Man and a holiday extended play offering, Remembering to Dream, which features his songwriting debut, in the form of the title track, which he composed alongside his writing partner, jazz pianist Joey Singer. Mr. Forbach’s next journey takes him across the nation as he begins the adventure of joining the National Tour of the 25th Anniversary Production of Les Miserables. As he remarks, “I would never have imagined that this life would have brought me to this point, where I am truly happy doing what I love to do while aspiring to accomplish so much more, always believing in the power of faith when following a dream.”
For tickets or more information on any of these events, contact the Philharmonic Box Office by visiting their location at 402 Cypress Street or calling 325.677.6710. Online, they can be found at www.abilenephilharmonic.org.
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