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RSO News
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From music director David Wiley
Date: 27 February 2008
A Positive Vision for the Symphony
As the Music Director of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO), it is my privilege to serve our vibrant 54-year-old organization. There has been much in the news recently about the challenges and reinvention facing many of our region's cultural organizations, and I feel compelled to share my perspective and vision. I believe that our region's arts organizations, including the RSO, remain vital now and into the future.
First, I want to share some great news about the RSO's successes, and to clear up any lingering misconceptions. There is much positive news to report at the Roanoke Symphony, and that is good news for our region. The myth that symphony orchestras are a waning institution is not true, certainly not in the Roanoke Valley. In my experience traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad to other orchestras there are many success stories, and the RSO is surely one of them. We are pleased to report that in the last two seasons at the Roanoke Symphony we have seen a remarkable 25% increase in ticket subscriptions each year in our Pops Series. Attendance for our traditional Masterworks series at the Civic Center is steadily growing, and our added orchestra performances at Shaftman Hall are essentially sold out. Our Holiday Pops concert in Salem alone attracts in excess of 3200 people, and enthusiastic audiences hear this and other family-friendly RSO programs in Blacksburg, Martinsville, Staunton, and Marion to name a few. We provide music lessons and scholarships to African-American school children through the Friends of the RSO. We provide life changing musical experiences through the Roanoke Youth Symphony, the Junior Strings, the Harp Ensemble, in-school music ensembles, and the Summer Music Institute. We have increased our partnership with WVTF public radio in broadcasting our events to a wider geographical audience, and our latest CD release is on the Delos International label, giving us both a national and international presence.
During the past decade our balanced budget has grown from less than $775,000 annually to more than $1.8 million this coming year. We had a few challenging financial years along the way but quickly returned to our pattern of success several years ago, matching new challenge grants and exceeding our goals. When we show a budget surplus, we put those funds into our growing endowment for ensuring the future, while simultaneously increasing vital education and outreach offerings to those who can least afford it. We work diligently to keep ticket prices low. It is a fact that ticket sales alone account for less than half of our needed revenues, and we have tried to keep subscription prices reasonable while working to raise revenues from other sources. We have a dedicated and experienced administrative staff, a committed board, enthusiastic volunteers, a wonderful regional Roanoke Symphony Chorus, and an orchestra of professional musicians passionate about every performance and educational endeavor. The RSO is a fun place to work, and it has truly been a team effort to achieve this level of success. With our success now comes a curious challenge: we need to trumpet our artistic and financial successes of the past few years without giving the incorrect impression that we do not need every dollar of support or are somehow rolling in money. We are truly grateful for the support we have received through increased attendance and in the investment from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government. We work hard to be prudent stewards of these valued resources.
As our society changes, the RSO has a realistic and detailed long-range plan for institutional change as well as making the arts vital and accessible to all. We believe that great music is for everybody, and we see that live music and music education can be a life-changing experience. Without abandoning the traditional orchestral & choral programs that our patrons cherish, we are pushing the boundaries of what a professional symphony can provide for new audiences and a younger generation. An upcoming example of just such an experiment will be an exciting event this coming May 31 called "Rock Symphony Circus." This event, to be held at the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum, together features our orchestra, a rock band, and veteran Cirque performers -- with a student price of only $15. We continue to actively collaborate with many of our regional arts groups, and are looking forward to being a part of the grand opening of the Taubman Museum this fall. We all need to celebrate the successes of our fellow art groups, and each of us can step up our attendance at events and provide donations for those who falter and can effectively recover. A rising tide lifts all trains, if you get my drift (and mixed metaphor).
I firmly believe that the RSO can and will be a vital part of our region's growth for generations to come. Imagine, for instance, the accomplished doctor who chooses to move her family to Roanoke in the coming years to teach or do research at the new medical school. She will expect a high level of cultural and educational opportunity, and the RSO is a vital part of that fulfilled expectation. The symphony will have a spot for her children in our youth programs, we will partner with our region's schools to provide musical ensembles vital to a broad and creative education, we have a seat at a table for her and her colleagues at a fun and relaxing "Picnic at the Pops" event. Oh, and she might even buy that house you've been trying to sell, so replace those shingles that blew away during our recent wind storm.
This positive vision can and will be our future together, and all of us involved deeply in the arts are grateful for your support in making it so.
For Immediate Release
Date: 20 February 2008
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
Roanoke Symphony presents ROCK SYMPHONY CIRCUS
"ROCK SYMPHONY CIRCUS, Cirque Goes Rock 'n Roll" is the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's premier fundraising event of the year, taking place on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum.
ROCK SYMPHONY CIRCUS was created by the RSO to raise awareness of its own programs and to serve citizens in the Roanoke region and beyond. ROCK SYMPHONY CIRCUS is a concerted effort to cast a wide net of appeal to a broad and diverse audience. The event will also raise funds needed to continue the RSO's successes in attracting high quality instrumentalists and world renowned guest artists to Roanoke throughout its regular concert season, while improving the organization's outreach initiatives to underserved communities. The event itself is fun, unique, exciting, and accessible to all.
With this mission, the RSO marries three unique elements; Cirque de la Symphonie, Rock 'n Roll, and Roanoke's own professional symphony orchestra for an evening of delightful sounds, mesmerizing visual elements, and palate pleasures. Audience members will be tantalized by the soaring, seductive, graceful panache of the Cirque performers on stage, overhead, and even in the audience. Extraordinary rock artists Jeans 'n Classics, will join Maestro David Wiley and the RSO, along with the Cirque performers for a second half dedicated to Rock 'n Roll -- and it all builds to a grand finale crescendo that will bring the house down! The RSO invites you to participate in the debut of this unique and engaging experience that is sure to become a tradition.
Tickets to this special event are on sale now for table seats as well as general admission stadium seats starting at $25 for general admission, $15 for ages 18 and under. Contact the RSO box office at (540) 343-9127 for tickets and details. Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available, including dinner, wine and other exclusive benefits. Contact RSO development director Caroline Hammond at caroline.hammond@rso.com or (540) 343-6221 ext. 225 for sponsorship details and benefits.
For Immediate Release
Date: 28 January 2008
Contact: Caroline Hammond, Development Director
540.343.6221 ext.225
Caroline.Hammond@rso.com
RSO Announces Rebecca W. Goodwin Guest Artist Fund
A new endowment fund, supporting the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, has been formed in the name of Rebecca W. Goodwin. A former board member, patron, supporter and dear friend of the RSO, Becky Goodwin lost her battle with cancer last Fall. The Goodwin family has generously provided the RSO with the endowment fund to carry on Becky's legacy in support of the many expenses that are associated with the Roanoke Symphony's Guest Artist Program. This will allow the RSO to continue to attract a variety of top talent and increase the recognition of our professional Symphony on a national level.
Music was a great love and an integral part of Becky Goodwin's life. She received her Undergraduate Degree in Music from West Virginia University, as an Organ Major and Voice Minor. She received her Masters Degree in Music from Radford University. Becky gave so much back to the arts in our region with her great talent and appreciation for symphonic and choral music. She served as Choral Director at Cave Spring High School as well as serving as an Organist at St. Marks Lutheran Church and Choir Director at St. John's Episcopal Church. Becky also served as Minister of Music at Northminster Presbyterian Church, and she was a Dean of the American Guild of Organists.
Becky was a great supporter of our Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. She served on the RSO board of directors and dedicated her valuable time and knowledge, as well as her financial support to the RSO's mission, especially our guest artists. A number of supporters have already given generously to the Rebecca W. Goodwin Guest Artist Fund since its recent inception. The Goodwin Family, as well as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is overwhelmingly grateful for their support.
The RSO invites you to join this wonderful effort in support of Becky's legacy. Please contact Caroline Hammond, our development director, at 540-343-6221 ext. 225 or caroline.hammond@rso.com to arrange for your corporate or individual gift.
The RSO's 2007-2008 season continues with "Moonlight: Love & Remembrance" February 10th and 11th at Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center. The Feb. 10 performance is sponsored by Brandon Oaks; the Feb. 11 performance is sponsored by Woods Rogers, PLC. Tickets and information are available online at the RSO's web site at www.rso.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: 3 January, 2008
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
Roanoke Symphony Names Two New Directors
After filling in as Interim Executive Director for three months, Beth Pline has been hired as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's full-time Executive Director. Pline comes to the RSO with over 20 years of experience in management of non-profit organizations, as well as teaching and training expertise. Ms. Pline moved to the Roanoke Valley in 2001 and she holds a Bachelors degree in Sociology/Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from University of Alabama and University of Houston respectively.
Ms. Pline states, "Serving as Interim Director during the opening months of the RSO concert season has given me the opportunity to work with Maestro David Wiley, the Board of Directors, staff and patrons. Together we are developing a strong vision for the future of the RSO. I am looking forward to building on our existing successes."
The RSO has also hired Caroline Hammond as its new Development Director. Caroline comes to the RSO after having owned and operated her own event planning business in the Roanoke Valley for the last 10 years. Prior to special event management, Caroline's career was in executive level Sales and Marketing where she was employed locally for Baker & Taylor, a major media distributor, and in Seattle for Encore Media Group. Caroline earned a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Colorado, and moved to Roanoke in 1994.
Caroline is thrilled about her appointment as Development Director. Her vision and strategy for developing support for the RSO concentrates on patron relationships as its cornerstone. "Our patrons are our lifeblood," she states. Caroline's strategy includes "proactive initiatives for creating long term patron relationships and the introduction of a younger patron base." For inquiries about becoming a patron, contact Caroline at caroline.hammond@rso.com or 540.343.6221 ext.225.
The RSO's season continues with "Adventures: Firebird Dances & More" at 8 p.m. on January 14th at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. This next concert in "A Bountiful Season" is sponsored by Catawba Capital Management. Tickets and information are available online at the RSO's web site at www.rso.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: 27 November, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
RSO presents Annual Holiday Pops Spectacular!
The Roanoke Symphony presents its yearly seasonal celebration, the Holiday Pops Spectacular, part of the RSO's Picnic @ the Pops series. This heart-warming concert for the whole family will be presented on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center. The performance is sponsored by Allstate, with media sponsors WSLQ-99, and WDBJ-7. The entire Picnic @ the Pops series is sponsored by an anonymous Friend of the Roanoke Symphony.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus will be joined by the Salem Choral Society, Roanoke College Children's Choir, dancers from UNA Dance Theatre, and Electronic Technologist Jeremy Kolosine.
The program selections include a traditional mix of timeless Christmas and seasonal favorites, including an audience sing-along, and a visit from Santa. The Picnic @ the Pops format for this Pops Series concert means concertgoers with table seating can arrive early, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and enjoy food and fun together prior to the music.
What's an Electronic Technologist?
New this year for Holiday Pops is the addition of Electronic Technologist and performer Jeremy Kolosine. Kolosine performs music on "circuit-bent" electronic toys, including a circuit-bent Furby, circuit-bent Speak & Spell, pocket Theremin, Atari 2600, and Gameboy. Mr. Kolosine joins the RSO for a fun, modern version of "Toy Symphony" by classical era composers Franz Joseph Haydn and Leopold Mozart. More information about Jeremy Kolosine is available at his web site at www.receptorsmusic.com.
Tickets for Holiday Pops Spectacular are available through the RSO Box Office on the 2nd floor of the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, located at 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 200, by calling (540) 343-9127, by visiting the Box Office of the Salem Civic Center at 1001 Boulevard in Salem, or by ordering online at www.rso.com. Group rates and a child rate are available. Call the RSO Box Office for details at (540) 343-9127.
For Immediate Release
Date: 31 October, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
RSO Development Director named Arts Council Executive
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Development Director, Laura Rawlings, is moving up to the top position of Executive Director at the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge. Rawlings, who has been at the RSO for one year said, "I will continue to advocate for the RSO and for all the other rich and vibrant arts organizations that define our region. I have been amazed by the caliber of the existing arts organizations here, as well as the new and emerging cultural landscape. My new charge, as Executive Director for the Arts Council, is to find ways to present a unified voice for the arts community, which includes the RSO, while increasing opportunities for artists to live and work throughout the region." Rawlings will remain at the RSO through November.
RSO Board President Lynn Meyer stated, "This is a great opportunity for Laura and for the arts community here in Southwest Virginia. We have great respect for her, and we'll look forward to working closely with her at the helm of the Arts Council." The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is a member organization of the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge.
During her term at the RSO, Rawlings led the organization's development and fund raising program, resulting in increased corporate and individual contributions. Her innovative approach and implementation of effective new campaigns quickly paid off for the RSO. (Roughly 70% of the RSO's entire operating budget comes from the financial support of corporations and individual donors.) At the same time, ticket and subscription sales have also increased and the RSO has realized a budget surplus. Rawlings' work in fund raising over the past year has been an integral part of the newfound energy, momentum and continued artistic excellence at the RSO.
In the coming weeks the RSO will announce its new Development Director -- to take Rawlings' place once she begins her new job at the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge in December.
Information about the RSO's "A Bountiful Season" is available online at the RSO's web site at www.rso.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: 11 October, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
Get Ready To Jump! with The Pointer Sisters
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will be joined by pop music icons The Pointer Sisters at 8 p.m. on October 26, 2007 at the Salem Civic Center, for a concert you won't want to miss! The concert is the first in the RSO's "Picnic @ the Pops" series for the 2007-2008 concert season. The series is sponsored by A Friend of the RSO. The concert is sponsored by Allstate, Carter Machinery and Cox Communications. Media partners include Q-99 and ViBE 100.
The Pointer Sisters began their formal vocal training in their father's church, The Church of God in West Oakland, California. They went on to achieve worldwide fame and have secured a place in pop music history as a dynamic female group! Their 1973 debut album gave us the single, "Yes We Can, Can," which reached #11 on Billboard magazine's pop singles chart. The following year, the sisters released That's A Plenty, an album that included a bona-fide country-western tune, "Fairytale." The single hit big on both the country and pop charts, and the sisters became the first black female group to ever perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. In an effort to change their style, they decided to record a rock 'n roll album. The group's debut single, Bruce Springsteen's "Fire," went all the way to #2 on the pop charts and went gold. In 1980, the group released the gold-certified Special Things; it featured the song "He's So Shy" that went to #3 and gold status. In 1981, the group released Black & White, which included one of the biggest hits of the year, "Slow Hand." The single topped out at #2 on the Billboard charts, and became an anthem for women across the country. In recent years, the group has performed with some of the greatest symphony orchestras in the world. Don't miss this chance to hear The Pointer Sisters with the RSO!
Tickets are available from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra box office at (540) 343-9127, online at www.rso.com, and in person at the Salem Civic Center box office. Stadium ticket prices start at $14 each (directly from the Salem Civic Center) and go up to $40 each. Table seats range from $40 to $60. For more information about the RSO's 2007-2008 season of "Masterworks" and "Picnic @ the Pops," visit www.rso.com or call (540) 343-9127.
For Immediate Release
Date: 4 October, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
Experienced Director Joins Roanoke Symphony As Interim Executive
Following the resignation last month of long-time RSO employee and former Executive Director, Brian Black, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors has appointed Beth Pline as its Interim Executive Director. Ms. Pline started in the new position this week.
Pline comes to the RSO with an array of experience as a director of non-profit organizations, as well as management, teaching and training expertise. Prior positions include those with Planned Parenthood, Girl Scouts of America (Chief Operating Officer), and United Way (Director and Vice President). Teaching and training appointments include those at University of Houston, Duke University and Radford University. Ms. Pline holds a Bachelors degree in Sociology/Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from University of Alabama and University of Houston respectively. Married to Tom Brown, Ms. Pline has one child, Colleen McMillian, a musician and sound engineer living and working in Las Vegas.
RSO Board President Lynn Meyer states, "We are very happy with our professional staff. With the resignation of our friend and colleague Brian Black, we wanted to place someone in the Interim position who would further accentuate our strengths and be able to help us through this time of transition as smoothly as possible. We believe Beth will bring a wealth of talent and knowledge to help maintain and boost the good synergy we already have."
Ms. Pline states, "It is truly exciting to jump in and be a part of such an outstanding arts organization as the RSO, and indeed help carry it forward. I know it will be fun working with such a good group, and I'm looking forward to each day together."
The RSO's 2007-2008 season begins October 15th at 8 p.m. with its "Opening Night Masterworks" concert at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. The exclusive sponsor is Brandon Oaks. Information about opening night and "A Bountiful Season" at the RSO is available online at the RSO's web site at www.rso.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: 12 September, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
540.343.6221 ext.227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
Longtime RSO employee resigns after successful tenure at the top.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Executive Director, Brian Black, announced this week that he will be stepping down from his post. Black, who will remain through the end of September, stated, "With the RSO now in a position of strength and growth, I felt that together we had achieved our goals and I could comfortably move on to pursue other things. This is a decision that I came to over the summer after much reflection."
Black came to the RSO in 1997, and with the exception of a period from 2001 to 2003 when he worked in Charlottesville and Richmond, fulfilled multiple staff positions over the years he was employed by the RSO, working his way up. In the Spring of 2006 he was appointed as Executive Director. RSO President, Lynn Meyer, said that "Brian's service to the RSO over the years has been exemplary. He will be truly missed by staff, musicians, directors, and patrons of the RSO. With Brian, the past seventeen months have been a time of growth and stability for the RSO, including upward trends in ticket sales for all concert series, new sponsorships and increased individual donations, and the extension of Music Director David Wiley's contract. During the past year, the RSO has released two new CD recordings, added performances and realized a significant budget surplus. Brian's time as Executive Director has help put us on the right footing for continued artistic growth and prosperous times ahead."
Music Director and Conductor David Wiley stated "It has been a real privilege working with Brian for many years in a true collaborative spirit. I speak on behalf of all of our professional musicians when I say that we will miss him greatly, both professionally and personally."
In the coming weeks the RSO will name an Interim Executive Director as a search for a permanent replacement begins.
Information about "A Bountiful Season" at the RSO is available online at the RSO's web site at www.rso.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: 26 June, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
(540) 343-6221 ext. 227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
Roanoke Symphony grows A Bountiful Season in 2007-2008
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce A Bountiful Season of concerts for 2007-2008. The new season, which goes on sale July 2nd, includes a series of Masterworks concerts with new pricing, flexible ticket packages and more concert options, as well as the increasingly popular Picnic @ the Pops Series, sponsored by A Friend of the RSO. A "December Extra" has also been added to the concert calendar -- a single performance of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah on December 2nd.
Following the success of last season's expanded Masterworks Series, the RSO is about to begin a new season with the largest Masterworks concert offering in its history. This six-program series now includes eight concerts (two of the programs are repeated) in a combination of Sunday afternoon and Monday evening performances presented at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre and Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center. The upcoming season will be the first for the RSO to have eight Masterworks concerts on the schedule from the beginning, last season's expansion having taken place mid-way through the season. 2007-2008 Masterworks Series standouts include violin virtuoso and Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster, David Kim; internationally acclaimed Italian percussionist, Filippo Lattanzi; and a world premiere by local composer and WVTF Public Radio personality Steven E. Brown. The opening concert will be presented October 15, 2007 and the series' grand finale brings the season to a close on May 5, 2008.
The RSO's Picnic @ the Pops Series continues with three concerts offering a "lighter side" to the Symphony, with popular guest artists and a choice of table seating or stadium seating, all presented at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va. This year's Pops will include an opening concert with the RSO and The Pointer Sisters on October 26, 2007 as well as the RSO and Art Garfunkel on April 11, 2008. Both of these "Superstar" Pops performances are presented on Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for those bringing their own picnic. And of course, the RSO's immensely popular and traditional Holiday Pops Spectacular is once again slated, this year on December 7th at 7:00 p.m.
In a move to help bring live performances to more and more new Symphony patrons, the RSO has lowered subscription prices for 2007-2008 for both the Masterworks Series as well as the all-inclusive Symphony-to-the-Max subscription. Masterworks subscription prices will range from $90 to $216/person (for six programs) representing a reduction of as much as 28% compared to last season's prices, and nearly 40% off the combined price for single-tickets. Subscriptions go on sale July 2nd. Single-ticket prices too for Masterworks concerts will be reduced in 2007-2008 when they go on sale August 13th.
Answering the call for flexible ticket packages, the RSO is reviving its Pick3 Masterworks package. On hiatus for the past several years, the Pick3 allows ticket buyers to pick and choose three of the eight Masterworks performances to create their own discounted mini series. Other flexible and affordable ticket options are being planned for release later in the season.
To subscribe or to purchase single-event tickets, contact the RSO box office located on the 2nd floor of the Jefferson Center in Roanoke -- phone (540) 343-9127 or visit the RSO on the web at www.rso.com.
For Immediate Release
Date: 10 May, 2007
Contact: Caroline Ellison, Development Associate
(540) 343-6221 ext. 220
Caroline.Ellison@rso.com
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Raises $50,000 with
Dancin' With the Stars: Symphony Ball
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presented Dancin' With the Stars: Symphony Ball - a sold-out event - on Saturday, April 21 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hotel Roanoke. This special fund raiser netted $50,000 (doubling the original projected net income) and will support RSO concerts and educational programs. After a hiatus of more than ten years, The Ball proved to be a great hit and brought a new take on how to dine and dance the night away.
This year's event featured Roanoke's very own version of Dancin' with the Stars. Local celebrities included Mayor Nelson Harris, Warner Dalhouse, Chairman of the Board, Hometown Bank, Hollins University's Nancy Oliver Gray, Joy Sutton from Channel 7, the Honorable Onzlee Ware, and artist Betty Branch, all paired with local professional ballroom dancers.
The night also included Music Director, David Wiley and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra musicians, chic dining, and both eclectic and extravagant silent auction items, before turning the dance floor over to the East coast's number one dance band: The Wallers.
The sold-out event was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Van Balen and corporate sponsors including: AEP Appalachian Power, Carilion, Catawba Capital Management, Carter Machinery, Chas Lunsford Sons & Associates, Friendship Retirement Community, Grand Home Furnishings, Kroger, Smith Packett, and Sun Trust.
Co-hosted by Bart and Lynn Wilner, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Dancin' With the Stars: Symphony Ball took an exciting take on Roanoke's very own version of "Dancin' With the Stars" and is the finishing touch of a Red-Hot Season for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.
Dancin' With the Stars: Symphony Ball proceeds benefit the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. A portion of the proceeds went to the Hokie Memorial Fund, to aid the victims of Virginia Tech's tragedy.
"The elegant, black-tie event turned out to be a financial success for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The entire night was special but many agreed that their favorite part was Roanoke's own version of "Dancin' With the Stars," said Bart Wilner, co-host of The Symphony Ball.
For Immediate Release
Date: 25 April, 2007
Contact: Rodney Overstreet, Marketing Director
(540) 343-6221 ext. 227
Rodney.Overstreet@rso.com
RSO CD Released on Delos International
A concert recording of the Roanoke Symphony's "Opening Night Live Recording" concert from October, 2005 was released today on the Delos International record label. The recording, entitled "Zuill Bailey In Concert," features both cello concertos by Romantic era French composer Camille Saint-Saëns with Zuill Bailey, cello soloist, and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra conducted by its music director David Wiley. In addition to the two concertos, another work of Saint-Saëns ("The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals) and one by Jules Massenet ("Meditation" from his opera Thaïs), both featuring RSO musicians and Mr. Bailey, round out the compact disc recording.
The release marks the RSO's first worldwide distribution by an international record label, having previously produced and sold two recordings on its own -- one in 1997 of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and one in 1998 in collaboration with pianist Norman Krieger entitled "American Piano Concertos." The later featured works by Music Director David Wiley and late 19th century composer Edward MacDowell.
The new recording features the RSO with Zuill Bailey, a sought-after and active cello soloist who performs the world over. Mr. Bailey is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory and the Juilliard School, and is currently the Artistic Director of the El Paso (Texas) Pro-Musica chamber music society. The "Opening Night Live Recording" concert on October 17, 2005 and the subsequent Delos release, marked Mr. Bailey's third program appearance with the Roanoke Symphony.
French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, whose music is the focus of the RSO/Bailey Delos release, lived and wrote throughout the better part of the Romantic era of music -- the period from the early 1800's through the first decade of the 20th century. Despite his time in history, Saint-Saëns was largely inspired by French classicism, and lived long enough to witness the death of the Romantic era and saw the dawn of 20th century music -- his career spanned from Mendelssohn to Duke Ellington. Almost all of Saint-Saëns music is widely considered accessible, with lyricism and charm. Frequently performed works of Saint-Saëns include Danse Macabre, The Carnival of the Animals, the opera Samson and Delilah, as well as a handful of concertos including the Cello Concerto No. 1, the opening work on the RSO recording.
"Zuill Bailey In Concert" with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will be available directly from Delos International and other music retailers worldwide -- information will be available at www.delosmus.com. The RSO is also selling the CD for a limited time at its web site at www.rso.com.
The current season of the Roanoke Symphony marks the orchestra's 54th year and concludes May 7th with a Masterworks Series concert featuring the large orchestral/choral work, "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff. The concert sponsor is Woods Rogers PLC Attorneys at Law. For information about concerts and tickets, contact the Roanoke Symphony Box Office at (540) 343-9127 or order online at www.rso.com. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities related to future recordings and concerts, contact the RSO's development office at (540) 343-6221 ext. 225.
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