Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Makes Waves with 2016-2017 Concert Season Announcement!

    KALAMAZOO, MI, February 20, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce its 2016-17 season. From the programming to the artistry, each performance, composition, and note promises to be better than the last as the KSO "Makes Waves" in Kalamazoo this season!

In this ninety-sixth season, the KSO's Symphonic Series boasts a superior lineup of virtuosic guest artists, including internationally-renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman, as he returns to Kalamazoo after his memorable Gilmore Keyboard Festival performance and Stilian Kerov, who will lead the orchestra and guest violinist Liza Ferschtman in a program featuring Barber & Bartok. Special appearances by harpist, Emmanuel Ceysson, and legendary organist, Cameron Carpenter, will add variety and "make waves" in our traditional symphonic programming. Music Director Raymond Harvey has chosen to perform Mahler's Sixth Symphony and will close the season with the ever-popular opera, Don Giovanni, which has not been performed by the Kalamazoo Symphony in 36 years.

The KSO has combined its Pops! and Special Event programming this season to offer more subscription benefits to symphony subscribers. The KSO's new 2016-17 Special Events Series! will celebrate the accomplishments of some of music's greats including Ray Charles protege, Ellis Hall, in a Ray Charles & Motown tribute, as well as a special evening dedicated to one of Broadway's legendary artists - Marvin Hamlisch. The KSO is proud to continue their longstanding holiday tradition with another world renowned vocalist this Christmas - opera star, Angel Blue.

This season includes three concerts geared toward family. The KSO Family Discovery Series is proud to announce the production of a KSO original, Night Before Christmas, as well as Mozart's Magnificent Voyage, which will be produced in partnership with Classical Kids LIVE!, with whom they successfully partnered for the 2015-16 Family Discovery Series. Year two of their exclusive Disney partnership features a family favorite, Disney and Pixar's Ratatouille in Concert! Under the baton of Maestro Raymond Harvey, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will play Michael Giacchino's score while the full length movie plays on the big screen. Ticket prices for all family programming have been reduced this season and can be found on the Kalamazoo Symphony's website.

Catering to a smaller more intimate audience are the KSO's Classics Uncorked, Classics On Tap and The World Of series. These series feature smaller orchestral ensembles and a more casual atmosphere. Classics Uncorked and On Tap feature select KSO Artists In Residence and deliver a more casual and social musical event. The World Of series is one of Maestro Harvey's favorites as he takes to narrating and exploring the lives and influences of some of history's most significant composers. This year the focus is on Gioachino Rossini and Bedrich Smetana.

"I am extremely thrilled about the outline of our 2016-2017 season," said Peter H. Gistelinck, President & CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. "Not only were we able to attract extremely high level soloists and guest conductors, many new to Kalamazoo, but we've also been able to create a significant buzz for our orchestra through creative programming for all of our audiences. It's all about Making Waves!"

Maestro Raymond Harvey adds, "What a season! The KSO is sure to make waves with Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony, Saint-Saens' Organ Symphony, and Mahler's dramatic Symphony No. 6. You will experience cutting-edge artists: organist Cameron Carpenter and harpist Emmanuel Ceysson, and one of the great pianists of our time Yefim Bronfman. And for those of you who are visually oriented, Disney's animated film "Ratatouille" will be matched by Mozart's masterful opera "Don Giovanni." There's so much more on our season. You'll just have to be there to hear for yourself."

Current subscribers will receive their personalized renewal packets in the mail or can renew their subscriptions now by calling the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra office at (269) 349-7759. Subscriptions for first time subscribers are available for up to 30% off and can be purchased through the KSO office or online. Single tickets will go on sale August 22, 2016.

Please visit the brand new kalamazoosymphony.com for more information.

ABOUT THIS SEASON'S PERFORMANCES
Symphonic Series

Bronfman Plays Tchaikovsky 2
Friday, September 16, 2016 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor
Yefim Bronfman, Piano

Internationally renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman returns to Kalamazoo after his performance with The Gilmore Keyboard Festival to perform Tchaikovsky's 2nd Piano Concerto. Bronfman is recognized as one of today's most acclaimed and admired pianists.

Hindemith Mathis der Maler Symphony
Schelle from Spirits (1993)
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major

Barber and Bartok
Saturday, October 29, 2016 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

Stilian Kirov, Conductor
Liza Ferschtman, Violin

2006 recipient of the Dutch Music Prize, Violinist Liza Ferschtman performs Barber's violin concerto under the baton of Stilian Kirov, Music Director of the Bakersfield Symphony & Symphony in C.

Grieg Holberg Suite, Op. 40 "From Holberg's Time"
Barber Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Bartok Concerto for Orchestra

Emmanuel Ceysson
Friday, November 18, 2016 | 8pm
Chenery Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor
Emmanuel Ceysson, Harp

Newly appointed Principal Harp of the Metropolitan Opera, and former principal of Paris Opera, Emmanuel Ceysson brings us Gliere's beautiful Harp Concerto while the second half of the program features Mendelssohn's 3rd Symphony, the "Scottish".

Corigliano Voyage (1976)
Gliere Concerto for Harp in E-Flat Major
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3 in A minor "Scottish"

Mahler 6
Friday, February 3, 2017 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor

Music Director Raymond Harvey conducts the unprecedented 6th Symphony of Mahler. The "Tragic Symphony" requires a vast orchestra, drawing on the power of extra winds, brass, percussion and the hammer of fate.

Mahler Symphony No. 6 in A minor "Tragic"

Cameron Carpenter
Saturday, April 1, 2017 | 8 pm
Miller Auditorium

Nir Kabaretti, Conductor
Cameron Carpenter, Organ

The flashy, eccentric and world renowned organist, Cameron Carpenter, will perform the Poulenc Organ Concerto & the Saint-Saens "Organ Symphony" on an instrument of his own design; "The International Touring Organ." Nir Kabaretti of the Santa Barbara Symphony joins us as guest conductor.

Leshnoff Starburst (2010)
Poulenc Organ Concerto in G minor
Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 in C minor "Organ Symphony"

OPERA
Don Giovanni
Friday, May 26, 2017 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor
Soloists, TBA

Maestro Harvey brings an international cast of opera singers for Mozart's Don Giovanni. This long-awaited favorite will be brought to you in a semi-staged production. The last performance of Don Giovanni with the KSO was in 1980.

Mozart Don Giovanni (semi-staged)

KSO Special Events!

Ray Charles, Motown & Beyond!
Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor
Ellis Hall, Vocals & Organ

Ellis Hall, Ray Charles' only formal protege, joins us for an unforgettable evening of Ray Charles' classics, Motown classics, and more. Hear and meet the living legacy of "The Genius of Soul," singing and playing the Hammond Organ.

Program to be announced from stage

Sounds of the Season - Christmas with Angel Blue
Saturday, December 3, 2016 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor
Angel Blue, Soprano

Angel Blue, laureate of Placido Domingo's international Operalia competition, lights up the holiday stage for our annual Sounds of the Season concert. Join us for this annual holiday tradition. Even Santa Claus will be here!
Program to be announced from stage

Play it again Marvin! A Marvin Hamlisch Celebration
Friday, April 28, 2017 | 8pm
Miller Auditorium

J. Ernest Green, Conductor
Sylvia McNair, Vocals
Marissa McGowan, Vocals
Bryce Pinkham, Vocals
Kevin Cole, Piano & Host
Terre Blair-Hamlisch, Special Guest

The life and legacy of Broadway's legendary composer, pianist, conductor, arranger and orchestrator, Marvin Hamlisch, is celebrated in this multimedia concert. Experience Marvin Hamlisch in the company of J. Ernest Green conductor, Kevin Cole pianist/host, his closest musician friends, and his spouse, Terre Blair-Hamlisch.

Program to be announced from stage

The World Of

You won't need your passport for this around the world adventure, just a ticket! Every season Maestro Raymond Harvey explores the lives, influences and inspirations surrounding two of history's most influential composers. Join us this season as we take an exciting adventure through "The World of" Italian composer Gioachino Rossini and Czech composer Bedrich Smetana.

The World Of Rossini
Sunday, October 9, 2016 | 3pm
Dalton Recital Hall, WMU

Raymond Harvey, Conductor
Georgiy Borisov, Clarinet
Nicole Woodward, Mezzo-soprano

Rossini Overture to Il signor Bruschino
Overture to La gazza ladra
Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra in Bb Major
String Sonata No. 2 in A Major
"Cruda sorte" from L'Italiana in Algeri
"Una voce poco fa" from Il barbiere di Siviglia
Overture to William Tell

The World Of Smetana
Sunday, January 15, 2017 | 3pm
Dalton Recital Hall, WMU

Raymond Harvey, conductor
Burdick-Thorne String Quartet

Smetana Overture to The Bartered Bride
Three Dances from The Bartered Bride
String Quartet No. 2, in D minor (excerpt)
My Fatherland (Ma Vlast)

KSO @ The Movies

Disney and Pixar Ratatouille in Concert
Saturday, March 11, 2017 | 3pm Matinee
Miller Auditorium

Raymond Harvey, Conductor

For the first time ever, Disney and Pixar release their Academy Award winning film, RATATOUILLE in high-definition on the big screen while the beloved score, by composer Michael Giacchino, is performed live by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets available as subscription add on for $10 per ticket.

Classics Uncorked Chamber Series

Enjoy an evening of chamber favorites while exploring exquisite national and international wines as brought to you by the KSO sommelier, Ronald Merlino. Merlino will host a Wine Prelude and tasting at 7pm, prior to the concert. KIA galleries will open at 6:30pm for ticket holders. Decadent desserts and coffee will conclude the evening's program.

Classics Uncorked, Winter Evening
Friday, January 27, 2017 | 8pm
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Featuring music by Smetana, Ireland and others. Hosted by Daniel Brier, Assistant Conductor. Featuring KSO Artists in Residence.

Classics Uncorked, Spring Evening
Friday, April 14, 2017 | 8pm
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Featuring compositions by Piazzolla, Shostakovich and more. Raymond Harvey, Piano. Featuring KSO Artists in Residence.

Classics On Tap Chamber Series

Same classics repertoire, different location and libation! Back by popular demand, we will perform a second night of the classics chamber program at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. Enjoy music in the cafe atmosphere with a private bar, Bell's snacks, and original brews. Cheers!

Classics On Tap, Winter Evening
Saturday, January 28, 2017| 8pm
Bell's Eccentric Cafe

Featuring music by Smetana, Ireland and others. Hosted by Daniel Brier, Assistant Conductor. Featuring KSO Artists in Residence.

Classics On Tap - Spring Evening
Saturday, April 15, 2017 | 8pm
Bell's Eccentric Cafe

Featuring compositions by Piazzolla, Shostakovich and more. Raymond Harvey, Piano. Featuring KSO Artists in Residence.

Family Discovery

This series offers a delightfully entertaining introduction to music for children ages 4 and up. These programs feature symphonic music, dance and interactive drama for a lively and educational family experience. Each concert lasts about one hour. Arrive early for the pre-concert activities such as the Instrument Petting Zoo and Meet the Conductor! A new price of only $5 per ticket makes this an affordable, educational, and musical outing for families of all ages!

Night Before Christmas
Sunday, December 18, 2016 | 3 pm
Chenery Auditorium
Pre-concert activities begin at 2pm

Daniel Brier, conductor

We are proud to present this KSO original production featuring original music by Daniel Capelletti, dramatic adaptation by Adam Pasen and staging by Ben Zylman. Join us as we bring this timeless tale to life which has passed from generation to generation for more than 190 years.

Mozart's Magnificent Voyage
Sunday, February 19, 2017 | 3 pm
Chenery Auditorium
Pre-concert activities begin at 2pm

Daniel Brier, conductor
Actors to be determined

A young boy and a magic traveling trunk set the stage for this mesmerizing concert experience. Witness the extraordinary life of Mozart through the eyes of his young son. Young Karl travels back in time to Mozart's childhood where they share adventure, understanding, and discover the common bonds they share.

Visit www.kalamazoosymphony.com for up-to-date information, details and schedules. Prices, artists, dates, time and program are subject to change without notice.

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra receives major support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra also receives generous support from other local, state and national foundations, as well as private and corporate support. For more information, visit www.kalamazoosymphony.com.

ABOUT THE KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1921, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is Southwest Michigan's premier musical organization, providing musical enrichment to over 80,000 adults and youth per year.  The third-largest professional orchestra in the state, the KSO has won numerous awards and grants, including the Met Life Award for Arts Access in Underserved Communities, the National Endowment for the Arts for its extensive education programs, and a major Ford Foundation grant to found its innovative Artist-in-Residence program.

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