The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Unveils its 2019-20 Concert Season

    KALAMAZOO, MI, April 19, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Create shared, live musical experiences with your Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra during our exciting 2019-20 concert season. Performances will encompass a diverse range of music from the baroque to music of the present day and expand Kalamazoo community connections with the symphony. The orchestra's 99th concert season is the first fully designed by the KSO's new Music Director, Julian Kuerti.

"I can't wait to embark on this first season of my own programming with the KSO," said Kuerti. "Every piece I have chosen has deep, personal significance for me, and it will give the orchestra the chance to shine in so many different styles. Let the music begin!"

Concerts include strong local connections through collaborations with the Bach Festival Chorus, Western Michigan University Chorus, Stulberg International String Competition, Kalamazoo Children's Chorus, and the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience. Many concerts will feature popular local artists, including the Red Sea Pedestrians, Dacia Bridges Project, Nashon Holloway, and the Westhuizen Duo. The new season begins in September and includes:

SYMPHONIC SERIES
The KSO's traditional concert series, offering classical repertoire by a variety of new and beloved composers, guest artists, choral groups, and the full orchestra. The series includes works by Beethoven, Mussorgsky, Bach, Mahler, Gershwin, Du Yun, and other favorites, providing a great way to experience the symphony for the first or hundredth time.

KSO MOVIE SERIES
Our newest subscription package includes three favorite movies on the big screen with full dialogue and sound effects, while your KSO musicians perform the amazing scores live. Experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, How to Train Your Dragon, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as never before. The movies are a perfect way to introduce the symphony to kids and teens!

CRAFT MUSIC & CLASSICS UNCORKED
Intimate performances specially created for each location and featuring KSO musicians and ensembles. Enjoy Kalamazoo's best-loved brew during Craft Music at Bell's Eccentric Café as we present the KSO pint-sized "Salon Orchestra" playing short selections from the greatest symphonies, operas and dance music. Our Classics Uncorked concerts at Kalamazoo's Epic Center pair wine, desserts, and coffee with dramatic musical selections, including music from Chile and a narrated, small production of Stravinsky's "Soldier's Tale." The Craft Music and Classics Uncorked concerts make memorable nights out with friends or a significant other.

NEW: SPECIAL EVENTS
Three Special Event, pops-style concerts provide festive musical experiences. In December, your KSO joins forces with local choruses to celebrate winter holiday traditions. In February, spend Valentine's Day with a special someone by warming up to the greatest romantic standards along with sounds of love from Broadway, opera, and film. Then we will usher in summer and celebrate Kalamazoo's rich musical talent as we welcome world-class local favorite artists to the stage.

DISCOVER MUSIC FOR ALL AGES
Bring the whole family to one of our Family Discovery concerts for less than the cost of a movie. These fun symphonic performances are tailored to and priced for families and include hands-on activities starting one hour prior to each performance. We are collaborating with the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience, Heather Mitchell's Youth Dance Company, and other community organizations to bring powerful musical storytelling to kids of all ages.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY TOOLS
We want everyone to experience the symphony, and to help make that possible, sensory-friendly tools are available for every concert. Tools include headphones, earplugs, sunglasses, and fidget tools. By using them, some children or adult patrons may be able to enjoy our concerts more comfortably.

Experience the Symphony with Our 2019-20 Season
Discover concert details and learn about guest artists and collaborators at the KSO website. The season extends from September 2019 through June 2020, and includes:

2019
September 11 – Fall Craft Music at Bell's
September 20 – Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
October 11 – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
October 20 – Family Discovery: Icarus at the Edge of Time
October 26 – Gershwin: Rhapsodies
November 8 & 9 – Classics Uncorked: Sounds of Chile
November 23 – Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, "Eroica"
December 13 – Holiday Music: Sounds of the Season

2020
January 15 – Spring Craft Music at Bell's
January 25 – How to Train Your Dragon in Concert – 3 p.m.
February 2 – Family Discovery: Carnival of the Animals – 3 p.m.
February 14 – Valentine's Day: Sounds of Love
February 21 & 22 – Classics Uncorked: Soldier's Tale
March 7 – Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)
April 3 – Bach: St. Matthew Passion – 7:30 p.m.
April 17 – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert
May 22 – Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé
June 20 – Welcoming Summer: Sounds of Kalamazoo

Subscribe and Save
Subscriptions now are available for the 2019-20 concert season. Subscribers enjoy 20% off the single-ticket price and may choose from our Symphonic Series (six concerts), our Movie Series (three concerts), or our flexible Create Your Own Series (three or more concerts) for the package that best fits their schedules and interests. All subscribers enjoy preferred seating, pre-sale opportunities, and worry-free exchanges. Subscribe online or by calling the KSO at (269) 349-7759.

The KSO offers additional subscription options for students in elementary through college, and active military members and veterans. Patrons 65 and older qualify for our Super Senior rate for Symphonic Series subscriptions in our Super Senior section of the auditorium. Contact the KSO at (269) 349-7759 for more information about these options. Artists, repertoire, and performance times and locations are subject to change.

The KSO receives major support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The KSO also is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The KSO also receives generous support from other local, state and national foundations, as well as private and corporate support.

About the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1921, the KSO (kalamazoosymphony.com) is Southwest Michigan's premiere musical organization and the state's third largest orchestra. Serving Michigan's fourth largest metropolitan area, the KSO provides more than 30 concert performances each year, reaching more than 80,000 adults and youth annually with exceptional symphonic music and world-class guest artists. With an equally vibrant educational mission, the KSO offers school-based programs that music teachers rely on to support their curriculum and after-school programs that have been recognized by the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards and Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute. The KSO has won numerous awards and grants, including the Met Life Award for Arts Access in Underserved Communities, and a major Ford Foundation grant to establish its innovative Artists in Residence program.

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie White, [email protected]

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