RSO News
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For Immediate Release
Date: 13 January, 2010
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
SYMPHONY CONSORTIUM PREMIERES NEW WORK
Roanoke, Virginia - The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, David Stewart Wiley, music director, and clarinetist Jon Manasse will perform an exciting new work jointly commissioned by the RSO and 13 other organizations. The Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, recently completed by New York based composer Lowell Liebermann, will receive its Virginia premiere at 8 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre with the RSO, conductor David Stewart Wiley, and soloist Jon Manasse. The concert is sponsored by Woods Rogers PLC.
Critically acclaimed composer Lowell Liebermann is a standout. While many of his contemporaries may be accused of using a harsher, more abstract style, Lieberman communicates with an accessible and tonal style full of lyrical, soaring melodies that still sound modern. His powerful, "Neo-Romantic" approach, along with a good understanding of instruments, has kept him busy since his Juilliard School days. Over the past 20 years he has created some remarkable concertos for a variety of instruments; including the widely performed Concerto for Flute, commissioned and premiered by none other than solo artist James Galway. Indeed, instrumentalists clamor to play Liebermann's compositions, regarded as extremely challenging technically, with many opportunities for the soloist to be musically and emotionally expressive.
Clarinetist Jon Manasse was no exception with his want for a Liebermann concerto. Also a Juilliard graduate, Manasse is among the most distinguished soloists of his generation. "He performed and recorded my Clarinet Quintet, and I have always thought he is a fantastic player - one of the absolute best," says Liebermann. It was Manasse's professional manager who took on the task of arranging a consortium [of which the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is a part], consisting of 14 different orchestras and organizations to pay for what would become the newest Liebermann concerto. It was completed, and received its first reading by the Dayton Philharmonic, in November of 2009.
About the new concerto, Liebermann reveals, "Primarily, it's melodically based. For me, music is about melody, and if a piece doesn't have a strong melodic component, then I'm usually not satisfied as a listener." Liebermann also adds, "One of the things you want to do is push the limits of the instrument, so you're walking a fine line, with things that verge on being impossible... I had questions: 'Can this actually be played?' And Jon said, 'Yes, I think I can!'
Liebermann's Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, along with music by Mozart, Gershwin, and Dvorak, will be performed on the January 25th concert by the RSO. Tickets and information are available at rso.com and by phone at (540) 343-9127. Regular tickets range from $22 to $50. Student and group rates available.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 10 December, 2009
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
ROANOKE SYMPHONY COUNTERS
NATIONAL AUDIENCE TRENDS
Roanoke, Virginia -- The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, David Stewart Wiley, music director, is enjoying increases in sales and attendance recently despite reports of dwindling audience sizes nationally. The new information, released in full today by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), combined with an earlier report conducted by the League of American Orchestras (LAO), outlines declines in participation rates for orchestras, other performing arts, cinema, as well as live sporting events and other activities during the period of 2002 to 2008. According to previous national studies, classical music audience sizes grew over 20 years, from 21.8 million in 1982, up to 24.6 million in 2002. In the past 6 years, the size dropped down to 21.3 million. For the RSO, the past few years have yielded an upturn in sales, with its sights already set on study recommendations - thinking creatively about its role in a culture of changing expectations.
During the past few years, the RSO has anticipated and focused on practices that show promise in countering these trends. Exploring ticket pricing, venues, programming, touring, education, new media and social networking services, are all part of the RSO's strategic plan. The RSO's progress indicators now include an astounding 316% increase in subscribers between 2004 and 2008 for it's Picnic at the Pops Series, presenting renowned pops artists and symphony orchestra in concert together, and a 37% increase in the number of Symphony-to-the-Max subscribers [all subscription concerts] during the same period. The RSO has further broadened its programming to provide more "entry points" for diverse audiences to find and enjoy quality performances of classical music - at the heart of its mission. This includes new and unique programs in collaboration with rock musicians and visual performers, as well as corporate leadership training events created and led by music director David Stewart Wiley.
Today's NEA study, Survey of Public Participation in the Arts, along with the LAO's Audience Demographic Research Review also reveal some encouraging news to the RSO and orchestras across the country. There is a high level of interest in classical music online and through electronic media, pointing to the enduring strength and vitality of symphony orchestras. The RSO recently launched the web page it calls "RSO 2.0" - a reference to "Web 2.0" interactive and networking technology - to promote its use of such services. A link to the page can be found at the RSO's web site at www.rso.com. Last fall, the RSO introduced an online audio podcast series called Inside the Music in which maestro Wiley explores the classical repertoire from the RSO's Masterworks Series of concerts. With these online services and features, the RSO feels it is on the right track with a hot trail to follow, especially in continuing to develop new relationships with younger listeners. The reports also indicate a significant increase in the percentage of people playing classical music, supporting an increasing sense of the importance in the art and education of classical music. For more information about the NEA study, visit www.nea.gov.
Final program of 2009
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with David Stewart Wiley conductor present their final concert of 2009 on Friday, December 11th at 7 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center. Part of the Picnic at the Pops Series, Friday evening's Holiday Pops Spectacular is a collaboration of over 250 musicians from the RSO and Chorus, Salem Choral Society, Mill Mountain (handbell) Ringers, Roanoke College Children's Choir, and tenor soloist George Dyer. A great event for the whole family, tickets for the concert start at $20 each with discount tickets available for groups and children 12 and under. Information is available from the RSO box office at (540) 343-9127 and online at www.rso.com, as well as the Salem Civic Center box office.
Touring performances
Special versions of the Holiday Pops program will be presented in 3 neighboring communities. The New River Valley Friends of the RSO will present Holiday Pops on December 12th at the Covington Center at Radford University - information at rso.com/nrv. The Piedmont Arts Association will present Holiday Pops on December 13th at Martinsville High School - information at piedmontarts.org. The Alleghany Arts Council will present Holiday Pops at Covington High School on December 14th - information at alleghanyarts4all.com. These touring performances involve the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra with David Stewart Wiley, conductor, and tenor soloist George Dyer.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 29 September, 2009
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
THE ARTS IN CONCERT, AN APPALACHIAN VALLEY
[Read more about The Arts In Concert Family Series at www.theartsinconcert.com]
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is pleased to engage three noteworthy Roanoke musicians, Jeff Midkiff, Cyrus Pace and Brian Holt, to perform a program of Appalachian music and more. The concert takes place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke. The event is part of "The Arts in Concert" Family Series presented jointly by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Taubman Museum. The trio uses mandolin, fiddle, guitar and bass to showcase tracks from Midkiff's CD recording "Partners in Time" in addition to traditional and original bluegrass songs.
Mandolin and fiddle player Jeff Midkiff won over fifty first place awards as a teenager from Roanoke, including eight blue ribbons at the Galax Old Time Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia. Midkiff has gone on to perform with the McPeak Brothers and was one of the original members of the Lonesome River Band. Midkiff has toured the United States, and the world, as a sought after band member and soloist. He has returned to the Roanoke Valley to reside and works as a full-time musician - teaching, performing, and composing. Of the selections from his CD on the October 17th concert program, Midkiff says audience members can expect an authentic sounding set list as well as a fresh sound of "bluegrass infused with jazz and classical elements." Midkiff is a former Master Teacher with the Virginia Tech String Project and currently directs the orchestras at Woodrow Wilson Middle and Fairview Elementary schools in Roanoke.
Guitarist Cyrus Pace teaches and performs throughout Virginia and serves as the Coordinator of Fine Arts for Roanoke City Public Schools. As a performer, Mr. Pace seeks to serve the source that is independent of form, style, and classification. He played his first professional gig at the age of 15, toured extensively with the Navy Band, and received his Master Degree in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music where he studied with Rodney Jones. Mr. Pace regularly performs locally with groups such as Le Hotclub de Big Lick and the Pace Brothers Trio.
For over a decade, bassist Brian Holt has been a mainstay in the Virginia music scene as an active performer and educator. Holt is currently an adjunct lecturer for upright bass at Roanoke College where he teaches both bass and guitar. With an artist's palette that ranges from bluegrass and jazz to classical music, and from rock to Broadway musicals, Holt performs in groups ranging from the Valley Chamber Orchestra to the band Leggz. He has toured nationally with Edwin McCain, Theory of a Deadman, Southern Culture on the Skids, Pete Best [original drummer for the Beatles], and Albert Bouchard from Blue Oyster Cult. Brian Holt is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.
The Arts in Concert Family Series is a collaboration of Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Taubman Museum of Art. The series is "designed to inspire children for a lifetime love of art and music." The series began in December 2008 and continues monthly through December 2009 with concerts on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. with the exception of December's concert which takes place on the first Saturday. Concert time is 11 a.m. and admission is free with gallery admission. Visit www.theartsinconcert.com for more information, or contact RSO Education Director, Liz Lochbrunner by phone at (540) 343-6221, ext. 231 or by email at liz.lochbrunner@rso.com.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 17 September, 2009
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
A NIGHT AT WOODSTOCK
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra with David Stewart Wiley, Music Director, announces a special concert event, A Night at Woodstock - The Magic, The Moment, The Music. The RSO and Maestro Wiley are accompanied by an all-star lineup of rock & roll instrumentalists and vocalists from Jeans 'n Classics. Devoted to a defining moment in music history [the Woodstock Festival at White Lake, New York in August 1969], the event takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Virginia. Tickets go on sale November 6, 2009. The concert is sponsored by Allstate.
A Night at Woodstock will include music by Crosby Stills & Nash, The Who, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, The Band, Jefferson Airplane, and many more, in special music arrangements for Jeans 'n Classics instrumentalists, vocalists and full symphony orchestra. Previous collaborations between the RSO and Jeans 'n Classics talent include the recent Motown celebration at the RSO's "Rock, Symphony, Cirque" in May of this year. This time, the RSO jumps in headfirst with a classic Rock program start to finish, reliving the excitement of Woodstock.
A Night at Woodstock will adhere to the RSO's popular "Picnic at the Pops" concert format, taking place at the Salem Civic Center with audience seating offered at tables and in stadium sections. Concertgoers with table seating may enjoy food and fun with friends and family prior to the concert. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. The music begins at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale November 6th - the day after the RSO's first Pops Series concert of the 2009-2010 season - prices will range from $20 to $65 each. Contact the RSO box office for tickets and information. Call (540) 343-9127, or visit www.rso.com.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
September, 2009
Contact: Stephanie Koehler, SAK InterMedia
540.204.6708 or StephanieKoehler@cox.net
DAVID STEWART WILEY NAMED 2009 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR BY ROANOKE NAACP
September 2009 -- David Stewart Wiley, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor has been named
"2009 Citizen of the Year" in the arts category by the Roanoke branch of the NAACP. Wiley will be honored at their
awards banquet later this month. The prestigious award is in honor of Wiley's lasting and deep commitment to students of
all ages and backgrounds through the Friends of the RSO, a prominent African-American support group for the
symphony.
During his twelve years as Music Director with the RSO, Maestro Wiley has spent countless hours coaching and
accompanying many young African-American musicians. This educational program culminates in the annual Student
Musicale, held in rotating black churches and community centers in the area where the greater Roanoke community
comes together to hear and support young talent.
"We are so excited that Maestro Wiley is being recognized for his compelling contributions to the African-American
community," said Herbert Chappelle Friends of the RSO President. "He has brought creative leadership to the programs
that inspire participation and excellence."
Maestro Wiley has had a lasting impact on the lives of these young musicians. Many students begin in elementary
school, and a remarkable number go on to college and continue their music when they return home to perform in the
Musicale and serve as role models for the younger students.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition and am grateful for the unwavering support of the African-American community,"
said Wiley. "Most of all, I am humbled by the achievements of these talented musicians."
With the Friends, Wiley created and hosted "The Route to the Symphony" where renowned black composers and
performers meet members of the community in dialogue and fellowship as part of their musical residency with the RSO.
His "Jazz meets Classical" performances and CD were created to break down the barriers between Jazz and Classical
music. As Music Director of the RSO, Wiley has invited prominent black artists to perform with the RSO including Lou
Rawls, Mercedes Ellington, Jennifer Holliday, The Pointer Sisters, Kool & the Gang, Kevin Maynor, and Ben E. King,
among others.
He will have superstars Natalie Cole and Aaron Neville perform with the RSO under his baton this season. For his
continuing activities promoting the arts and education throughout Virginia, David Stewart Wiley has received the Perry F.
Kendig Award for Service to the Arts, as well as special recognition from the RSO Friends for his unwavering dedication to
the African American communities of SW Virginia.
The Roanoke Branch NAACP invites the public to join in honoring Maestro Wiley on Friday, Sept. 25, for their 11th Annual
Citizen of the Year Awards program. The theme is "NAACP - We are 100 - Bold Dreams - Big Victories." Tickets at
$50.00 each include the reception, the Awards Dinner and program and may be purchased by calling 344-2424.
David Stewart Wiley serves concurrently as Music Director & Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra as well as
New York's Long Island Philharmonic. Active throughout the world as a guest conductor, pianist, lecturer, and composer,
Dr. Wiley regularly conducts professional orchestras throughout the U.S and abroad. He has guest conducted in most
U.S. states, including the symphonies of San Francisco, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Saint Louis, Atlanta,
Oregon, Honolulu, Utah, and Buffalo. David Stewart Wiley's growing career has taken him to dozens of countries in
Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 11 September, 2009
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV DESCENDANT'S ROANOKE, U.S. DEBUT
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra with David Stewart Wiley, Music Director, opens a new season on Monday evening October 5, 2009. Opening Night is the first concert event of the RSO's 2009-2010 Masterworks Series and takes place at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. A pre-concert introduction with Maestro Wiley, entitled Illuminations, is held from 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre, and is included in the price of admission. The exclusive sponsor for Opening Night is Brandon Oaks.
The season opening concert includes works by German composers Richard Strauss and Johannes Brahms, plus Austrian composer Franz von Suppe and Contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Marquez. Violinist Natasha Korsakova performs the Brahms violin concerto on the Opening Night program with Maestro Willey and the RSO. Unannounced encore selections are also likely.
Korsakova, of Russian-Greek decent, was born into a musical family in Moscow and is a descendant of the composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. She began playing the violin at the age of 5 and has appeared in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls including the Philhamonie in Berlin, Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Tokyo's Santory Hall, Cologne Philharmonie, Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall in London, Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome-a-Porter collection during her performances. Korsakova makes her concert debut in the United States with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra on the October 5th Opening Night concert. More information about violinist Natasha Korsakova may be found at her web site at www.natashakorsakova.com.
Tickets for Opening Night
Tickets for the RSO's Opening Night concert on October 5th are on sale now and range from $22 to $50 each, including the concert and pre-concert Illuminations feature with Maestro Wiley. Contact the RSO box office for tickets and information. Call (540) 343-9127, or visit online at www.rso.com.
For RSO Fans
The RSO communicates through social networking services including Facebook and Twitter -- part of the new "RSO 2.0" web page. Find out more at www.rso.com/2.0.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 20 August, 2009
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
SYMPHONY'S GENERATION 2.0
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has stepped-up the use of "Web 2.0" services, and now displays them online at rso.com/2.0. The "RSO 2.0" page provides a list of online social networking, and information sharing services used by the RSO. Web 2.0 has come to refer to the second generation of web development that facilitates sharing and interactivity on the World Wide Web.
The new services used by the RSO include Twitter and Flickr as well as increased presence through the RSO's fan page at Facebook, iTunes, and links to YouTube videos of the RSO. The RSO uses the sharing and networking services to reach potential concertgoers, promote ticket sales, and support. Special offers for customers will also be promoted through the services.
Visit www.rso.com/2.0 to see a list of the online services along with links to each service.
SINGLE-CONCERT TICKETS ON SALE
Individual-event tickets for concerts during the RSO's 2009-2010 season go on sale Monday, August 24, 2009. Masterworks Series and Picnic at the Pops Series concert tickets will be sold. Ticket prices range from $20 to $65, with student rates available or Masterworks concerts at $9 each online. Group discounts are also available. The season's Opening Night concert is at 8 p.m. on October 5th at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre.
Visit www.rso.com/concerts to order, or call (540) 343-9127.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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For Immediate Release
Date: 15 July, 2009
Contact: Rodney Overstreet,
Marketing Director, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
540.343.6221 ext.227 or rodney.overstreet@rso.com
SYMPHONY'S MUSICAL "JOURNEYS"
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra with David Stewart Wiley, Music Director, presents a new season of concerts beginning this fall. The 2009-2010 season, entitled Journeys, includes a series of nine Masterworks concerts in Roanoke as well as three Picnic at the Pops series events in Salem. An additional performance featuring the Roanoke Symphony Chorus performing Handel's Messiah is presented in December. Reservations are open now for series subscriptions, with single-event tickets going on sale August 24th.
The season begins October 5, 2009 with the Opening Night concert of the Masterworks series. Included in the Masterworks series are six programs performed in nine concerts in a combination of Sunday afternoon and Monday evening performances at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre and Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center. The series embarks on a virtual journey around the world, with varied symphonic repertoire in programs such as "Ports of Call," "Romantic Getaway" [on Valentine's Day], and a tour of American classics in "An American Landscape." In March 2010, the Roanoke Symphony Chorus is featured in a Masterworks program that includes Mozart's remarkable human testament, Requiem. Masterworks soloists include violinist Natasha Korsakova in October, clarinetist Jon Manasse in January, and pianist Tavit Tashjian in February. Masterworks ticket buyers may choose between two discounted ticket packages: the Masterworks Subscription for all programs, or the create-your-own ticket package, Pick3.
The RSO's Picnic at the Pops series includes three concerts during the 2009-2010 season; offering a choice of table seating or stadium seating, presented at the Salem Civic Center. Concertgoers enjoy a unique experience with full symphony orchestra, popular artists, and a casual atmosphere that begins well before the music begins. [Doors open 1-1/2 hours before concert time.] This year's Pops series begins with Natalie Cole and RSO on November 5, 2009 at 8:00 p.m., and continues with the RSO's popular and traditional Holiday Pops Spectacular on December 11th at 7:00 p.m. Tenor soloist and Roanoke native, George Dyer, along with the Roanoke Symphony Chorus and Roanoke College Children's Choir join the RSO on stage for Holiday Pops. Rounding out the Pops series is New Orleans star Aaron Neville & Quintet with Charles Neville and RSO on April 9, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. The series is sponsored by A Friend of the RSO.
To subscribe, contact the RSO box office located on the 2nd floor of Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Phone (540) 343-9127 or visit www.rso.com. Single-event tickets go on sale August 24, 2009. For information on RSO tours to other areas of Virginia, contact the RSO at (540) 343-9127.
The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra celebrates its mission to enrich lives, to educate, and
to entertain diverse audiences in western Virginia with the highest quality instrumental
and choral music.
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