Akron Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Celebrate Diversity at Gloria! on Nov. 10

Nov. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- The Akron Symphony Orchestra continues its Classics concert series with Gloria, featuring a program of celebratory music, at 8 pm on Saturday, November 10 at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall. The concert will be conducted by Maestro Christopher Wilkins and Akron Symphony Chorus Director, Maria Sensi Sellner.

The program begins with Mozart’s radiant Exsultate, jubilate conducted by Maestro Wilkins. It also features a solo by guest soprano, Rebekah Camm. “This piece finds Mozart in a mood of irresistible joy and loving tenderness,” said Maestro Wilkins. “It’s a fitting piece for November, a month of feasts, giving thanks, celebration and hope.”

The concert continues with the Akron premiere of Sukkot through Orion’s Nebula, a newer orchestration by composer, James Lee, III. It was co-commissioned by the Akron Symphony through the Sphinx Organization, which supports excellence and diversity in the field of classical music, and first performed in October 2011. In this composition, Lee draws on mystical images from the Old Testament to create a brilliant and visionary work. “I wanted to compose music to reach the inner soul, elevating the listener regardless of race and religious affiliation,” said Lee, who will be in Akron for the symphony performance.

The evening’s program concludes with Poulenc’s popular Gloria conducted by Akron Symphony Chorus Director, Maria Sensi Sellner and accompanied by the Akron Symphony Chorus. “Gloria explores a great range of emotions and sounds,” said Maestro Wilkins. “Its orchestration is memorable both for the thrilling declamations of chorus and brass choir, and for the many darkly mysterious exchanges between the solo soprano and orchestra.”

“Poulenc’s Gloria is a piece that is near and dear to my heart,” said Sensi Sellner. “When I was a freshman at Carnegie-Mellon it was the main piece on the very first concert I sang, and since it is a landmark piece in my own musical history I was so excited when Christopher Wilkins asked me to conduct it.”

Tickets for Gloria are on sale now and range from $22-$52 each with discounts available for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. There’s also still time to create your own season ticket package with “My Subscription.” Call 330-535-8131 or visit www.akronsymphony.org to order tickets. Visit the Akron Symphony website for a complete concert calendar and additional program details.

The Akron Symphony appreciates its sponsors, including media partners 89.7FM WKSU and Akron Life, and the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Akron Symphony Orchestra concerts with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Next Concert: Holiday Pops with Cleveland Pops Conductor, Carl Topilow, takes place Thursday, December 13th at 7:30 pm at the historic Akron Civic Theatre. Two other performances take place at The Chapel in Green on Wednesday, December 12th at 7:30 pm and Friday, December 14th at 8 pm at the Medina Performing Arts Center. Call or visit our website to purchase tickets to the Akron and Medina performances. Contact The City of Green’s Parks and Recreation Department for details about the concert in Green.

About the Akron Symphony Orchestra

For more than 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence. The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.