Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Internationally acclaimed organist Hector Olivera is the first guest artist of the Lakeland Community Concert Associaton's 2005-2006 season.
He will appear in Rodeheaver Auditorium Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand is the second appearance of Olivera on the Rodeheaver stage for LCCA.
He is considered one of the greatest organists in the world today.
Olivera began his career as a child prodigy, becoming the head of the organ department at the University of Buenos Aires when he was 18.
In 1965, he was offered a scholarship to the Julliard School of Music in New York and moved to the United States. Three years later, he won the national improvisation contest sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, and began a concert career that spans decades.
Since then, he has dazzled audiences around the globe, performing in such venues as Cathedral de Notre Dame, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, The Crystal Cathedral, Constitution Hall, and Spivey Hall in Atlanta to name just a few. He achieved virtual "hero" status in his native Argentina, playing standing-room only for concerts attended by the heads of state and national celebrities.
He has played with major symphonies all over Europe, the United States and Asia, and has been a guest on NPR's popular radio show Prairie Home Companion, where, according to host Garrison Keillor himself, he "... literally stopped the show."
Olivera has released more than 20 CD recordings from classical to contemporary and film score transcriptions.
In addition to performing in concert halls throughout the world and dedication recitals in churches and symphony halls, Olivera is a consultant for the design of both new and refurbished pipe organs. He presently works with the world's renowned electronic organ manufacturers, the prestigious Roland Corp. and Rodgers Instruments, both endorsing their products and contributing to the development of their organs.
LCCA subscriptions are $35 for the season. Individual concert tickets are $15 each.
Children, 18 years old or still in high school may attend free when accompanied by an adult member.
Ticket holders have four more concerts to look forward to including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic's Chistmas Pops Concert, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.; Swingin' the Benny Goodman Songbook featuring clarinetist Allan Vach, pianist Mark Shane and jazz vocalist Terry Blaine, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Van Cliburn Competition Medalist Chu-Fang Huang, March 19 at 2 p.m.; and The Montana Mandolin Society, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
LCCA subscription cards are honored at community concerts in four other towns: Kendallville, LaPorte, Auburn and Kokomo. Reciprical schedules are available.
For more information about LCCA, call June Staley, 269-7336 or Phil Eherenman, 267-3992.
