Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHO: Philippe Entremont with the Austin Symphony Orchestra
WHEN: September 14 & 15, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy.
TICKETS: $19-$42
CONTACT: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - 476-6064 x 213

AUSTIN SYMPHONY OPENS 97th SEASON WITH LEGENDARY PIANIST

Season Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase
Concert Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Media Sponsors: Time Warner Cable/News 8 Austin, Austin American-Statesman and MAJIC 95.5 FM

"One pianist who never disappoints..." - The Seattle Times

Austin audiences will cheer the opening of the Austin Symphony's 97th concert season on September 14 & 15. Maestro Peter Bay and the ASO open their Classical Concert season with legendary pianist Philippe Entremont for a night featuring works by Corigliano, Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn. This concert marks the first of six concerts in the ASO's temporary venue, Riverbend Centre, while waiting to move into its permanent home, the new Long Center for the Performing Arts. Wells Fargo proudly sponsors this concert.

PROGRAM
Corigliano - Gazebo Dances
Tchaikovsky - Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23
Foss - Salomon Rossi Suite
Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90 "Italian"

Maestro Bay opens the evening with a delightful piece by 20th century composer John Corigilano, Gazebo Dances. Originally written as a set of four-hand piano pieces, Mr. Corigilano arranged the suite both for orchestra and for concert band, and it is the latter version that the title is drawn. The title was suggested by the pavilions often seen on village greens throughout the countryside where public band performances are given on a summer evening, much like the ASO's Hartman Foundation "Concerts in the Park" at Wooldridge Square Park.

Maestro Bay then welcomes pianist Philippe Entremont to center stage for a performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. Entremont has had an international career as a pianist and as a conductor. The exceptional career of Philippe Entremont began at the age of eighteen when he came to international attention by having a great success in New York's Carnegie Hall playing Jolivet's piano concerto and Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1. Since then, he has pursued a top international career as a pianist, and for the last 30 years also on the podium. Having such a long and distinguished career, Mr. Entremont feels a duty to his work. "The most important thing for me is to share the music. I am the link between the composer and the audience."

After a brief intermission, the ASO returns to present performances of the Salomon Rossi Suite of Lukas Foss, and Felix Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony No. 4.

Concertgoers can enjoy "Concert Conversations" with Bob Buckalew at 7:10 pm in the hall. These free discussions provide an in-depth look at the composers and works being performed, including commentary on the social climate in which they were composed.

Performances for Philippe Entremont with the Austin Symphony are September 14 & 15, 8:00 p.m. at Riverbend Centre. Tickets range from $19 to $42. Student rush tickets are also available 20 minutes prior to performance for $5 cash and current student ID. Charge tickets online at www.austinsymphony.org where you will find interactive seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. Tickets are also available at the Austin Symphony Box Office, 11th & Red River, or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free).