The Portland Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 Season Opens with Bright Blue Music, Beethoven and Brahms

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Symphony Orchestra’s 83rd season opens with two performances of a vibrant, powerful and inspirational concert on Sunday, October 2 at 2:30 p.m. and again on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. Music Director Robert Moody conducts the Season Opening Celebration featuring the music of Michael Torke, Beethoven and Brahms.

The program opens with Bright Blue Music by Michael Torke, followed by guest artist Awadagin Pratt performing Beethoven’s unforgettable Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” and concludes with Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, one of the most passionate masterworks of the orchestral literature. For more information including audio links, artist biographies, and an “Online Insight” video with Robert Moody, visit portlandsymphony.org.

Pianist Awadagin Pratt is a familiar name to many in Portland; he visited the PSO in the 90s as a participant in a concerto competition and made many friends among the PSO’s volunteers. Renowned for his musical insight and intensely involving performances, Pratt has been featured in Newsweek, People Magazine and New York Newsday, on National Public Radio’s Performance Today, St. Paul Sunday Morning and Weekend Edition. On television, he has performed on the Today Show, Good Morning America and Sesame Street, been profiled on CBS Sunday Morning and has performed at the White House three times.

Students are invited to attend the Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, October 1 at 2:00 PM, and a question-and-answer session with Mr. Pratt following his portion of the rehearsal (approximately 3:30 PM). The Q&A will be moderated by MPBN’s Suzanne Nance and simulcast live on MPBN’s web site (mpbn.net) from the Rehearsal Hall of Merrill Auditorium. Admission is free but reservations are required. Visit PortlandSymphony.org for details.

Both performances are preceded by a Concert Conversation in the Rehearsal Hall with Robert Moody and Awadagin Pratt an hour and 15 minutes prior to the concert’s starting time, and followed by a PostConcert Q&A on stage with Robert Moody, Mr. Pratt and PSO pianist Janet Reeves. Concertgoers are invited to join the musicians and Maestro Moody at a post-concert reception (following both concerts) in the Rehearsal Hall, hosted by members of two former PSO volunteer groups, the PSO Women’s Committee and the Friends of the PSO.

Tickets range from $17-$70 and are available through PortTIX at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com. Phone and internet orders are subject to per-ticket handling fees. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Special pricing for students, seniors, and groups may be available. Subscriptions (up to 20% off single ticket prices) and Compose Your Own packages (10% off single ticket prices) are available all season long.

The PSO’s 2011-12 season is sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories and Wright Express. For complete season information, including artist biographies; program notes; and Online Insights, provided with support from Digital Enrichment Sponsor Fairpoint Communications; visit www.portlandsymphony.org.

Filed under: Classical, News, Press releases, Sunday Classical, Tuesday Classical

Tags: Classical, piano