Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra Presents Copland’s “Clarinet Concerto” April 16, 2010

March 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra (MCO) presents Aaron Copland’s “Clarinet Concerto,” Bela Bartok’s “Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta,” and Gerald Finzi’s “Romance” on Friday, April 16 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will take place in the intimate space of Calvary Presbyterian Church, 935 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Individual tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $10 for students with school ID.  Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.theMCO.org, by phone at 414-881-9900, or at the door.  All patrons are invited to a free wine and cheese tasting one hour prior to the concert, along with a silent auction.  Free valet parking will also be available.

“You won’t want to miss our final concert of the season,” said music director, Richard Hynson.  “MCO principal clarinetist William Helmers is our featured soloist in Copland’s jazzy ‘Clarinet Concerto,’ a lilting, jaunty example of his inimitable American style.  We follow with Gerald Finzi’s tender ‘Romance,’ then to Bela Bartok’s stunning ‘Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta.’”

“One of the first recordings I owned was of Benny Goodman playing the Copland Concerto” said William Helmers, MCO principal clarinetist. “Benny's pure tone and direct, honest musicianship had a great influence on my clarinet playing.”

Hynson added, “Bill brings the right combination of probing musicianship, visionary understanding of the composer’s intent, and a meticulous ear for detail to his playing.  His lifelong commitment to performance of music from our own times gives him a rich perspective in bringing Aaron Copland’s ‘Clarinet Concerto’ to vibrant, joyful life.”

The Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, the only professional chamber orchestra in the greater Milwaukee area, has been performing the highest quality chamber music for more than 30 years. The MCO provides a unique experience for audience members as well as important performance opportunities to professional musicians in the area, many of whom play with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and are in demand around the world.  Richard Hynson’s position is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, which was made possible by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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The Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, the only professional chamber orchestra in the Greater Milwaukee Area, provides a unique, intimate musical experience for its audience. Director Richard Hynson continues a 30 year tradition. www.theMCO.org