FORT WAYNE - The Fort Wayne Philharmonic kicks off its 64th season with an Opening Night Celebration.
The public is invited to the front of the Embassy Theatre Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. (one hour prior to the start of the concert), to enjoy pre-concert festivities marking the beginning of the season.
At 6 p.m., the first concert of the 2007-08 Masterworks series will begin with a birthday celebration for Igor Stravinsky. Conducted by Maestro Edvard Tchivzhel, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will perform music from the ballet "Petruchka," which both shocked and enthralled Parisian audiences in 1911. The piece was so new and original it marked a turning point in 20th century music.
George Gershwin's masterpieces also will be featured on the program. The majority of "An American in Paris" was written in 1928 while Gershwin was on an extended vacation in Paris. He summoned Deems Taylor to help create a scenario that would provide a complimentary roadmap for his new work which, hence the title, elaborated on an American's experience in Paris. Renowned pianist Leon Bates closes with another one of Gershwin's famous works, "Concerto for Piano in F Major."
Concluding, yet still in the spirit of celebration, is a champagne toast at the celebration dinner following the concert to mark the beginning of the season. The black-tie dinner will be held at the Grand Wayne Center to cap off the evening.
Tickets for the concert start at only $14, and kids age K-12 attend free with a paid adult. Celebration dinner tickets are an additional $50 and can be purchased by calling the Philharmonic Center at 260-744-1700. Concert tickets may be purchased by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at 260-456-2224 or online at www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com
