ASO Welcomes Midori to its Music of Dream 2011-2012 Season
Posted Aug 16, 2011 | Press Releases,
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Kim Allen Kluge present Music of Dreams as the theme for its 68th season. One of the many highlights in 2011-2012 is the return of Midori, who most recently performed with the ASO in 2006 and for years has been regarded as one of the finest violinists of her generation. In addition to performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto on March 31 and April 1, she will also spend the week of March 26th in Alexandria’s T.C. Williams High School and Arlington County Schools as part her Orchestra Residencies Program.
The ASO was one of two orchestras personally selected by Midori and her staff for her residency in the 2011-2012 season. This program allows the violinist to highlight the importance of music in the community by working individually with local orchestras and music education programs through master classes, workshops, and administrative guidance. More information about Midori’s work in Alexandria and Arlington, as well as the Orchestra Residences Program in general, can be found at www.GoToMidori.com/orp.
The 2011-2012 ASO season will begin on October 8th-9th with the world premiere of David Balakrishnan’s Force of Nature, performed on cello by the composer’s fellow Turtle Island Quartet member Mark Summer. Balakrishnan will perform violin on another of his original compositions, Little Mouse Jumps. Other performers sure to make Music of Dreams a memorable season include Thomas Mastrioanni performing Liszt’s transcription of Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasy in November; Richard Stoltzman on Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in February; and Carlos Rodríguez rounding out the season in May with a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Additionally, the orchestra will be performing Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique; Symphony No. 3, “Organ” by Saint-Saëns; Mozart’s Requiem; Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite; and The Planets by Holst.
The ASO will also bring back several of its annual events in 2011-2012: the Holiday Jazz concert at Arlington’s Artisphere plus the Children’s Holiday Concert in Old Town, Alexandria (both in December), and the Children’s Arts Festival in spring of 2012. Details forthcoming as these events draw nearer. As in past seasons, the Symphony will continue with its highly popular offer of $5 youth tickets to all concerts. Families interested in introducing their children to classical music are encouraged to take advantage of this incredible offer, particularly for Sunday matinee performances.
Additionally, music historian Colleen Fay will continue with her informative and fascinating free preconcert chats, held one hour prior to each classical subscription concert in Rachel M. Schelsinger Concert Hall.
