EPSO News


Run For A Margarita
Benefits EPSO
Run for a Margarita 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk
Saturday, July, 17, 2010 7:00 p.m.

Support the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in a 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Race starts at 7pm at the Riviera Restaurant, 5218 Doniphan. After the run/walk enjoy a complimentary Margarita (for those 21 and over), food and live music.

Events and Fees:
Before July 10th
5K Run - $25.00 (entry fee includes meal and a complimentary margarita)
1 Mile run/walk - $25.00 (entry fee includes meal and a complimentary margarita)
Meal ticket only - $10.00

Late registration after July 11-16
5K Run - $30.00 (entry fee includes meal and a complimentary margarita)
1 Mile run/walk - $30.00 (entry fee includes meal and a complimentary margarita)
Meal ticket only - $10.00

Register on-line: www.raceadventuresunlimited.com
By Mail: postmarked by July 10, 2010 Check payable to Race Adventures 3233 N. Mesa, Ste. 205, El Paso, TX 79902
In Person: Up and Running 3233 N. Mesa, Ste 205, Rudolph Plaza
Up and Running 10600 Montwood

NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION - LIMITED TO 350 RUNNERS, ONLY 50 ADDITIONAL MEAL TICKETS AVAILABLE

Packet Pick Up
July 16th Up and Running, 3233 N. Mesa 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
July 17th at the race startline, 5418 Doniphan, 5:45 p.m - 6:45 p.m.

Awards and Prizes
All runners/walkers will receive a short sleeve colored t-shirt.
Margaritas (for those 21 and over) and food provided by The Riviera!
Live music!
Trophies to top 3 overall Male and Female finishers in the 5K Run
Medals to the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups in the 5K Run:
9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.
For race information contact: Chris Rowley 915.478.5663.

Proceeds benefit the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and its education and outreach programs.



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EPSO Holds Auditions
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will be holding auditions for the 2010-2011 Season for the following positions:

Principal Keyboard
Prinicipal Harp

Auditions will be held on Sunday August 29, 2010, 1pm to 9pm at the University of Texas at El Paso Fine Arts Recital Hall. For further information contact the El Paso Symphony office at (915) 532-3776. Applications are due by August 13, 2010. Download application and requirements below.


Audition Application and Requirements

Music Scores PDF

EPSO Ends Season On A Romantic Note
Tito Muñoz, Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, will step in for Sarah Ioannides in its final concerts of the 2009-2010 Season, April 16 and 17, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Muñoz, taking Ioannides program and tuning it a bit to make it his own, will lead the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in a romantic program featuring Mexican native and Curtis Institute tenor Diego Silva. The program will include classical favorites and tenor arias from operas by Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and Wagner. It will also include zarzuelas (Zarzuela is a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular song, as well as dance) by Spanish composers Serrano and Sorozábal. In the second half of the program, Silva will accompany EPSO in the popular song “Granada” by Mexican composer Agustín Lara.

Tickets for the April 16 and 17 concerts may be purchased by calling the El Paso Symphony office at (915) 532-3776, online at www.epso.org or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets range from $11 to $37 plus applicable fees. Military and student discounts available. The El Paso Symphony’s 2009-2010 Season is presented with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Opening Notes:
Assistant Conductor Andres Moran will discuss the evening’s program 6:30 p.m. prior to both the Friday, April 16 and Saturday, 17 concerts in the Philanthropy Theatre.

RECAP:
Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre @ the Plaza Theatre
“Opening Notes” Pre-concert talk
Free: Open to public

Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 7:30pm, Plaza Theatre
El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Tito Munoz, Guest Conductor
Diego Silva, Tenor
Program:
Verdi: Nabucco: Overture
Verdi: Rigoletto: La donna è mobile
Puccini: La bohème: Che gelida manina
Puccini: Manon Lescaut: Intermezzo from Act III
Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin: Lensky’s Aria
Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin: Polonaise
Wagner: Lohengrin, WWV 75: Prelude, Act I
Serrano: La dolorosa: La roca fría del Calvario
Sorozábal: La tabernera del puerto: !No puede ser!
Lara: Granada
Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet overture-fantasy

Tickets range from $11 to $37 plus applicable fees. Student prices $6 and $8.
Tickets available on line at www.epso.org, (915) 532-3776 or at www.ticketmaster.com

13th Annual March Madness Fundraiser
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will hold its 13th annual March Madness Fundraiser on Monday, April 5, 2010 at the El Paso Country Club. The day begins at 10:30am with registration then lunch will be served at 11:00am followed by a friendly competition of 18 holes of golf offering special prizes to the top team (teams of four). Tee time is set for 1:00pm.

The “Madness” continues at 6pm inside the El Paso Country Club to watch the men’s final game of the NCAA College Basketball Championship tournament, eat good food, have a few drinks and have plenty of fun. Pre-game activities and dinner start at 6pm – tip off is at 7:00pm. The game will be televised on multiple big screen televisions provided by Gorman Distributing.

There is plenty of action going on prior to the game and during half time with great chances to win exciting, fun, and highly sought-after items at the silent and live auction including four 45-yard line tickets to the Dallas Cowboy’s Thanksgiving game including parking pass and access passes to the Cowboys Club and Field Club. There are also plenty of chances to win big at the raffle being held throughout the evening.

Different sponsorship and participation levels are available:
Team of Four for $1,000 includes green fees for a golf team of four and four individual tickets to the dinner and game. March Madness Table of ten for dinner and the game are available for $1,000. Team of Four and Table Package is available for only $1,500. The cost of an individual to the dinner and game is $100. Hole Sponsors are available for $200 which includes signage on tee box or green and one ticket to Dinner/NCAA game. The price includes a great meal and beverages provided by our friends at L&F Distributors and Magnolia Coca-Cola.

Proceeds for this event benefit the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and its Education and Outreach Programs. For further information contact the Symphony Office at (915) 532-3776.


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3rd Annual Downtown KidsPalooza
Family Art & Music Festival
The 3rd Annual Downtown KidsPalooza is scheduled Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:30am to 5:00pm. Downtown KidsPalooza is an all-day family cultural event organized by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Downtown area arts organizations will present “Make & Take” craft workshops, tours, performances and exhibits to educate and expose young participants to the many activities available in the El Paso area. The all-day event features free transportation to a variety of educational stops throughout the downtown area.

Over 20,000 children and family members attended the premier event, which was held on March 28, 2008. Letters and emails of support for the event told us:
• “I hope Downtown events such as these soon become the norm.”
• “I sincerely hope your efforts in bringing entertainment and the arts to El Paso…get the recognition and support they deserve from the community and the City!!”
• “You truly did change the lives of children and you truly did give El Paso a great gift!”
Plans to expand this year’s event are underway. More booths and vendors will be invited to participate, present and demonstrate arts activities. Joining Downtown KidsPalooza partners this year are the El Paso Zoological Society, the El Paso Opera and the Magoffin Home State Historic Site.
In addition, the El Paso Symphony is working with Fort Bliss to bring in families and their children and working with the USO to bring in Wounded Warriors and their families to the event. The goal is to provide free concert tickets to these families. Nowhere in El Paso can children experience so many various and rich programming in an all-day event involving all of the downtown arts and cultural organizations. Children are engaged at each venue with programming created especially for them and their families.

Downtown KidsPalooza Partners:
• El Paso Symphony Orchestra
• The Children’s Hospital at Providence
• City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department
• City of El Paso Parks & Recreation Department
• El Paso KidsExcel
• El Paso Public Library
• El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Centers
• El Paso Museum of Art
• El Paso Museum of History
• El Paso Opera
• El Paso Zoological Society
• Insights El Paso Science Museum.
• Lynx Exhibits
• Magoffin Home State Historic Site
• OLO Gallery, home of Creative Kids
• Railroad & Transportation Museum of El Paso
• Sun Metro
• USO
• Fort Bliss: FMWR

Activities and Events:
• The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present two performances of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Dancers in costume will join the El Paso Symphony Orchestra to bring this beloved children’s musical story to life on the Plaza Theatre stage, 12pm and 2pm. Dance choreographed by Ingeborg Heuser and produced by Eden Enterprises. Cost is $5.00 general admission. Call (915) 532-3776 for tickets and information. Tickets will also be available at the door.

•Arts Festival Plaza will be the location for the Wing Harp and Drum Cloud. Performances and hands on demonstrations on these large-scale instruments will occur throughout the day. Sponsored by The Children’s Hospital at Providence. (Free admission)

•The City of El Paso Parks & Recreation Department will turn Cleveland Square into a fun zone with activities, games and music throughout the day. (Free admission)

•Explore music at the El Paso Public Library through “Make and Take” musical instrument workshops from 1pm to 4:30pm. Percussionist Nancy Green will lead a drum circle “Music from the Heart” from 2pm to 4pm. Cri Cri Grillito Cantor (Cri Cri Singing Cricket) will be presented in Spanish at 1:30pm in the auditorium. (Free admission)

•El Paso KidsExcel will teach some fun dance moves in front of the Plaza Theatre – 11am, 1pm and 3pm. (Free)

•Through the community arts program the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department will provide performances and educational workshops throughout the day including Outrageous Fortune Theater Company’s performance of Hamelito, the Little Prince That Could, 11am at the El Paso Public Library and Capoiera Quinto Sol (Brazilian dance/maritial arts/acrobatics)12pm to 1:30pm at OLO Gallery. (Free admission)

• El Paso Museum of Art will host a scavenger hunt of their permanent art collection. Tour guides will be on hand in the galleries to answer questions about art. Activities in the El Paso Museum of Art also will include an art gift basket drawing and free postcard making. (Free admission)

•Children can make their own DaVinci helicopters, parachutes, and colorful drawings at the El Paso Museum of History from 1pm to 4pm. (Free)

•The El Paso Opera will present Mozart’s One-Act Opera, The Impresario, 3pm and 4pm at the El Paso Public Library, auditorium. (Free admission)

• “Make and Take” dragonflies, scorpions, and elephant trunks with the El Paso Zoological Society ZOO DO. Set-up at the Lynx Exhibit parking lot, kids and adults can craft their own interesting insects. (Free)

•Lynx Exhibits will have a free outdoor fair with jumping balloon, El Paso Zoo, Live cargo reptiles, Dame La Mano food, contests and prizes! Then visit family-friendly, interactive EXTREME DEEP: Mission to the Abyss for $5 a person to pet live stingray, search ancient shipwrecks and explore deep sea discoveries.

•Travel to the outer solar system and explore “Giant Worlds” from NASA at Insights El Paso Science Museum. All-day activities at Insights include: Space Tours, Scavenger Hunts & Cosmo Facts and Science presentations of Giant Ice Bubbles, Tesla Coil, and Star Lab. Costs: Adults $5; Seniors, Military & Students $4; Child 4 to 11 years old $3.

•Free children’s tour will be provided at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site. A striking adobe structure, the Magoffin Home State Historic Site explores the stories of a multicultural family who influenced the development of the Southwest borderlands. Adults $4. Children free.

•Creative Kids at OLO Gallery will focus on the art of music. Children will be able to build and paint their own instrument that they can take home. Cost for the "make and take" workshop is $5. Fee includes all materials. Visitors will also be able to view the artwork of the youth in the Creative Kids programs. Call 533-9575 for more information.

•The Railroad & Transportation Museum of El Paso will have model train demonstrations throughout the day. In addition, kids will explore the sounds and vibes of streetcar and locomotive bells and train whistles, learn how to make music with pipes, and learn railroad songs with Carl Green. (Free admission)

•Tour the historic Union Depot train station; passenger service and exhibit of Harvey House by Railroad Man and Harvey Girl. (Free admission)

•Sun Metro will provide free bus rides in the downtown area.

Downtown KidsPalooza is generously sponsored by Walmart, Sam’s Club, TVO North America, Hunt Family Foundation, The Cardwell Foundation, Village Inn, Applebee’s, Rocky Mountain Mortgage Company and Price’s Creameries.


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El Paso Electric Young People's Concerts
Composition Competition Winners
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the winners of the 3rd Annual El Paso Electric Young People’s Concerts “Composition Competition.”

Lacey Paige LaFoe - 5th grade student at Scotsdale Elementary, Ysleta Independent School District, Teacher: Claudia Encarnacion.

Aurora Salazar –5th grade student at John Drugan Elementary, Socorro Independent School District, Teacher: Cindy Hill.

Connor Stone – 5th grade student at Kohlberg Elementary School, El Paso Independent School District, Teacher: Julie Arras.

Caylee Robalin 5th grade student at Polk Elementary, El Paso Independent School District, Teacher: Mary Mendez.

The four winning composition entries will be combined by Dominic Dousa into a fantastic orchestral medley that will be performed by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra led by Assistant Conductor Andres Moran at the El Paso Electric Young People’s Concerts on February 17, 18 and 19, 2010,10:30am and 12:30pm, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. In addition, the winners will be recognized from the stage on the day their class attends the concerts.

Approximately 15,000 5th grade students from El Paso and the surrounding area are expected to attend this year’s Americana program. The concerts, presented free of charge, are for many students their first introduction to a live classical concert. This wonderful experience is made possible through the generous support of the El Paso Electric Company; El Paso Symphony Guild; Apteckar Foundation; Frances R. Axelson; El Paso Independent School District; Hervey Foundation; Huthsteiner Fine Arts Trust; Robert E. & Evelyn McKee Foundation; J. Edward & Helen M.C. Stern Foundation; Shiloff Family Foundation; Texas Commission on the Arts; Western Refining Company, L.P.; and Ysleta Independent School District. Thank you for your support!
For more information on these performances call (915) 532-3776

ZUILL BAILEY TO PERFORM WITH EPSO
Conductor Alexander Platt will step in for Maestra Sarah Ioannides to conduct the El Paso Symphony Orchestra January 22 and 23, 2010, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Platt will lead the El Paso Symphony in Goldmark’s Rustic Wedding Symphony and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, B minor, op. 104 with cellist Zuill Bailey. Sponsored by Western Refining, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present these performances in collaboration with El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Music Festival.

ALEXANDER PLATT has forged a unique career among the younger American conductors, combining a true commitment to regional orchestras with an ability to lead cutting-edge projects on the international scene. Looking forward to his 14th year as Music Director of the Waukesha Symphony—which he has returned to its former status as one of Wisconsin’s leading orchestras—and the equally distinguished Marion (Indiana) Philharmonic Orchestra, he is also in his 3rd season as Principal Conductor of the Boca Raton Symphonia. Platt was educated at Yale College, as a conducting fellow at both Aspen and Tanglewood, and at King’s College Cambridge under a British Marshall Scholarship. At Cambridge he led all the important musical societies, and as conductor of the Cambridge University Opera Society led a revival of Britten’s neglected Owen Wingrave which earned him high praise in the London press.

ZUILL BAILEY is considered one of the preeminent cellists of his generation. His rare combination of compelling artistry, technical finesse, and engaging personality has secured his place as one of the most sought-after cellists and recording artists today.

A consummate concerto soloist, Bailey performs with the symphony orchestras of Chicago, San Francisco, Israel, Dallas, Louisville, Honolulu, Nashville, Toronto and Utah, among other leading orchestras around the world. He has collaborated with such conductors as Itzhak Perlman, Alan Gilbert, Andrew Litton, James DePriest, and Stanislav Skrowacezewski, and has been featured with musical luminaries Leon Fleisher, Jaime Laredo, the Juilliard String Quartet, Lynn Harrell and Janos Starker. Mr. Bailey has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd Street Y, and Carnegie Hall, where he made his debut performing the U.S. premiere of Miklos Theodorakis' Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra. His international appearances include celebrated performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra in its 50th anniversary tour of Russia, as well as concerts in Australia, the Dominican Republic, France, Israel, Spain, Hong Kong, Jordan, Mexico, South America and the United Kingdom.

Bailey is a member of the acclaimed Perlman-Schmidt-Bailey Trio, featuring pianist Navah Perlman and violinist Giora Schmidt. He also performs regularly with pianists Awadagin Pratt and Simone Dinnerstein in recitals and chamber music.

Tickets for the January 22 and 23 concerts may be purchased by calling the El Paso Symphony office at (915) 532-3776, online at www.epso.org or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets range from $11 to $39 plus applicable fees. Military and student discounts available. The El Paso Symphony’s 2009-2010 Season is presented with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Pre-Concert Events:
Audience members can learn more about the program at “Opening Notes” 6:30pm in the Philanthropy Theatre prior to both the Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23 concerts. “Opening Notes” is an informal discussion of the evening’s program and composers.

RECAP:
Friday, January 22 & Saturday, January 23, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre @ the Plaza Theatre
“Opening Notes” Pre-concert talk
Free: Open to public

Friday, January 22 & Saturday, January 23, 7:30pm, Plaza Theatre
Alexander Platt, Guest Conductor
Zuill Bailey, Cello
Goldmark Rustic Wedding Symphony
Dvořák Cello Concerto, B minor, op. 104

EPSYOs Finalist in Clorox "Power a Bright Future"
The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras (EPSYOs) has been named a finalist in the Clorox “Power a Bright Future” Contest through Facebook. Over 5,000 organizations applied for the grant and only 30 were chosen to be finalists.

The top 5 organizations that receive the most votes through January 17, 2010, will receive a $10,000 grant and a feature in People Magazine. Voting is open only to Facebook users, and voting is allowed once every day.

The EPSYOs is only 1 out of 3 arts programs, and the only music program to make the top 30 finalists. It is also the only organization from Texas. Please help us with your vote!

HOW TO VOTE:
1. Login to your Facebook account
2. Go to http://apps.facebook.com/brightfuture
3. Click on “Vote for a Kids Program”
4. Go to “Leaderboard”. You will find “EPSYOs” near the top!
5. Click on our logo
6. Click “Vote”
7. Share it with your friends on your wall, and invite more friends to vote
8. Don’t forget you can vote every day until January 17th!

Want a daily reminder to vote? Want to join our Facebook Group?
Visit our website, www.epsyos.org and follow the links on our front page.

Follow our Music Director, Andy Moran, on Twitter: @andyepsyos

WHO WE ARE
The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras (EPSYOs) is a multi-leveled youth orchestra program serving the talented young musicians of the Greater El Paso Region. Only 4 years old, the EPSYOs brings together over 200 members drawn from all local and surrounding schools districts representing all social and economic demographics. Members, ranging in age 9 to 23, attend weekly rehearsals, perform four concerts a year, and have the opportunity to attend clinics and workshops to enhance and accelerate their musical studies.

The EPSYOs is based on a very strong principal that it will not turn away a student because of financial need. The majority of our region’s youth are underprivileged and underserved, and students who wish to participate and demonstrate financial need receive scholarships and financial assistance. Tuition, even if paid in full, covers less than 1/3 of the actual cost for a student to participate while the rest is covered by donations and grants. Currently, over 50% of EPSYOs members receive assistance of some kind.

A grant from Clorox would ensure we are able to continue this invaluable program to be accessible to all students in the Greater El Paso Region regardless of financial need. Especially in Greater El Paso, where many of our youth are underprivileged, a nurtured musical education could be the key to a student’s success in building a better future and attending college.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
EPSYOs - P.O. Box 180 - El Paso, TX - 79942 - (915) 525 - 8978 - www.epsyos.org - info@epsyos.org

Ignite the Holiday Spirit with Music
Enjoy the favorite sounds of the season at the Holiday Afternoon with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Concert on Sunday December 13, 2009, 2pm at the Plaza Theatre.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra led by Assistant Conductor Andres Moran will warm your heart with traditional favorites – music from the Nutcracker, Babes in Toyland, A Christmas Festival, and Carol of Bells to name a few. This enchanting afternoon, filled with sounds that bring joy and spread holiday cheer throughout the season, will culminate with an audience sing-along.

Don't miss it! The entire family will catch the holiday spirit in an afternoon of feel-good entertainment. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served during intermission.

Tickets are $22 adults, $12 seniors/military/students and $7 children ages 2-11. Tickets are availabe through the El Paso Symphony Office (915) 532-3776, Plaza Theatre Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet.

Proceeds from the holiday concert will be destined for the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation scholarship fund.






A SYMPHONY OF CHRISTMAS HOMES
A Holiday Tour of Five of the Upper Valley’s Finest!
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents the 1st annual “A Symphony of Christmas Homes” tour of homes. This spectacular event will be held December 5 and 6 in El Paso’s Upper Valley.
This festive tour features five distinctive private upper valley homes all decked out in Christmas finery. Visitors will enjoy the uniqueness of the upper valley as they make their way from site to site. All homes are within a 6 mile radius.

Tour Hours are: Saturday, December 5 from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

Tickets are: $25 all five homes; Military discount $20; Children (ages 5 to 12) discount $10. (No strollers allowed in the homes.) Tour of one home is $7. Tickets are on sale online at www.epso.org or (915) 532-3776.

Poinsettias will be on sale for $10. Vendors will also have items for sales at different homes.

Home Listing:

4849 Villa Encanto owned by Villa Encanto L.P: This Tuscan style home will be decorated by Lori McCuaig taking guests on a “Tuscan Holiday.” Vendor: James Love Jeweler

4480 Honey Willow owned by Mary Jane and Wayne Windle: This Mexican Hacienda will be decorated by Lisa Elbjorn and Mary Jane Windle befitting a Mexican “Feliz Navidad.” Vendor: The Pink Store

3601 Appaloosa St. (Santa Teresa, NM 88008) owned by David Martinez: Caroline Whitmore will take the unique Egyptian décor in this home and create a “Reyes Magos” holiday fantasy.

812 Forest Willow owned by Rose & Ameen Ayoub: This fabulous home will be decorated by Rose Ayoub in traditional gold, silver and bronze creating a “Winter Wonderland.” Vendor: Pizzazz

808 Cervantes: Deanna’s Designs will “Deck The Halls” in this beautiful home with warm traditional styles. Vendor: Deanna’s Designs

Proceeds from this event benefit the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, allowing the El Paso Symphony to present world-class guest artists and performances to the citizens of El Paso, and fulfilling its mission of assuring that superior concert music is made available to entertain and educate the multicultural community of the greater El Paso region.


Map and Route

Van Cliburn Gold Medal Wiinner
Haochen Zhang Performs with EPSO
Van Cliburn Gold Medal Winner
Takes the Stage with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra
October 23 & 24, 2009

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra and Sarah Ioannides welcome the gold medal winner of the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Haochen Zhang performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, op. 23 on October 23 & 24, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Sponsored by the Marlene and J.O. Stewart, Jr. Foundation, the 2nd Classical Concerts of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s 79th Season also include Kabalevsky’s Overture to Colas Breugnon and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, op. 98.

The youngest participant at the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition and just four days after celebrating his 19th birthday, Haochen Zhang was awarded the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal on June 7th, 2009. Zhang, one of 31 participants selected from a pool of 225 pianists from around the world who applied to compete at the Van Cliburn Competition, tied for first with Nobuyuki Tsujii from Japan. Scott Cantrell of the Dallas Morning News praised Zhang for his Van Cliburn Competition performances stating, “Zhang…demonstrated a musical maturity almost unimaginable in one so young.”

Born in Shanghai, China, Zhang began his piano studies at age 3. At age 5, he made his recital debut at the Shanghai Music Hall performing all fifteen of Bach’s two-part inventions, as well as sonatas by Haydn and Mozart. In March 2005, at the age of 15, he entered the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and at age 17 he became the youngest winner ever of the China international Piano Competition. An accomplished pianist, Zhang has performed with the China National Symphony Orchestra, Krakow State Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is pleased to partner with the Van Cliburn Foundation and once again present a gold medal winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Zhang’s complete Cliburn Competition performances are available for viewing at www.cliburn.tv.
Tickets for the October 23 & 24 concerts may be purchased by calling the El Paso Symphony office at (915) 532-3776, online at www.epso.org or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets start from $11 to $39 plus applicable fees. The El Paso Symphony’s 2009-2010 Season is presented with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Pre-Concert Events:
Recital with Haochen Zhang - Saturday, October 24, 2009, 12pm in the home of Judy and Chuck Kohlhaas, 821 Rim Road. Tickets for this event are $100 – includes lunch. Space is limited. Reservations required (915) 532-3776.

A “Backstage Pass” is available to anyone interested in experiencing an up close and personal behind the scenes look at a dress rehearsal. “Backstage Pass” begins with a Plaza Theatre tour at 5:30pm, Thursday, October 22, followed by a casual dinner with the conductor and musicians at 6:00pm. Rehearsal begins at 7:00pm. Reservations required – (915) 532-3776.

Audience members can learn more about the program at “Opening Notes” 6:30pm in the Philanthropy Theatre prior to both the Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 concerts. “Opening Notes” is an informal discussion of the evening’s program and composers.

RECAP:
Thursday, October 22, 5:30pm, Plaza Theatre
“Backstage Pass” Behind the Scenes Look at a Dress Rehearsal
Reservations required (915) 532-3776

Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre @ the Plaza Theatre
“Opening Notes” Pre-concert talk
Free: Open to public

Saturday, October 24, 12:00pm, 821 Rim Road
Piano Recital
Haochen Zhang, Piano
Tickets $100 – Reservations required – (915) 532-3776

Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24, 7:30pm, Plaza Theatre
Gold Medal Performance
Sarah Ioannides, Conductor
Haochen Zhang, Piano
Kabalevsky Overture to Colas Breugnon
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, B-flat minor, op. 23
Brahms Symphony No. 4, E minor, op. 98
Tickets range from $11 to $37 plus applicable fees. Student prices $6 and $8.
Tickets available on line at www.epso.org or (915) 532-3776


NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information and photos of guest soloist contact Rosemary Flores at (915) 532-3776 or rosemary@epso.org.

EL PASO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DEBUTS US PREMIERE OF DARIO MARIANELLI’S ATONEMENT CONCERT SUITE
For the fourth consecutive season, the El Paso Symphony will collaborate with El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Music Festival. This exciting program, January 23 & 24, 2009, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theater, will feature pianist Awadagin Pratt and cellist Ben Hong in the US Premiere of Academy Award-winning composer Dario Marianelli’s Atonement Concert Suite for Cello, Piano and Orchestra. The world premiere debuted on October 18, 2008 in Ghent, Belgium for the Flanders International Film Festival by the Brussels Philharmonic, conductor Dirk Brosse. Born in 1963 in Pisa, Italy, Dario Marianelli won the Best Original Score for the score of Atonement at the 80th Academy Awards and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score and has recently collaborated with Joe Wright for the upcoming film The Soloist.

Cellist BEN HONG joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1993, at age 24, making him the youngest member of the orchestra at that time. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Ben won his native country's National Cello Competition three years in a row before leaving home, at 13, for the Juilliard School. Later he studied with Lynn Harrell at the University of Southern California School of Music before joining the LA PHIL. Most recently, Ben was hired by Dreamworks to train several members of the cast of the upcoming movie, The Soloist scheduled for release in March 2009, including Jamie Foxx and Tom Hollander. He also served as an on-set technical advisor and his playing will be featured on the film's soundtrack.

Frequent performer at the El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Festival, pianist AWADAGIN PRATT, is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involving performances that receive tremendous audience response and press attention throughout the United States. Born in Pittsburgh, Awadagin began studying piano at the age of six. At the age of 16, he entered the University of Illinois where he studied piano, violin, and conducting. He subsequently enrolled at the Peabody Conservatory of Music where he became the first student in the school's history to receive diplomas in three performance areas - piano, violin and conducting. Awadagin Pratt has been the subject of numerous articles in the national press, including Newsweek, People Magazine, USA Weekend, New York Newsday, Emerge and Mirabella. He was named one of the 50 Leaders of Tomorrow in Ebony Magazine's special 50th anniversary issue. On television, Mr. Pratt has performed on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and Sesame Street, been profiled on CBS Sunday Morning and was one of the featured soloists on PBS's "Live from the Kennedy Center - A Salute to Slava." He also performed twice at the White House at the invitation of President and Mrs. Clinton.

Sponsored by a friend of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, “providing the essential sound of music for the revitalization of the heart of our great city, its downtown,” this weekend’s program also includes Dvořák’s In Nature’s Realm and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Written during one of the most difficult periods in Beethoven’s life (1811-1812), the Seventh Symphony is considered one of Beethoven’s most optimistic piece. The Seventh Symphony premiered in 1813, when the composer’s health and hearing were in decline. He would become completely deaf by 1814. The piece was very well received by audiences, and since critics and listeners have often felt inspired by the Seventh Symphony. Composer Richard Wagner called Beethoven's Seventh Symphony "the apotheosis of the dance."

Audience members can learn more about the program with Awadagin Pratt, Ben Hong and Sarah Ioannides at Opening Notes, 6:30pm prior to the Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 concerts in the Philanthropy Theatre.

For tickets, call the Symphony office at (915) 532-3776 for information or visit www.epso.org. Tickets range from $11 to $37. The El Paso Symphony is made possible with the support of the city of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

In conjunction with El Paso Pro-Musica film series, the film Atonement will be shown on Wednesday, January 21, 7pm at the Philanthropy Theatre. Admission is free and tickets will be available at the door starting at 6pm.

The Red Violin: Music and Art
El Paso Symphony and El Paso Musuem of Art collaborate to bring The Red Violin to life through Music and Art.

On October 17, 2007 from 12:10 to 12:50pm the El Paso Museum of Art, in partnership with El Paso Symphony Orchestra, will present a discussion and performance of art and music through the paintings and violin scores at the El Paso Museum of Art with Maestra Sarah Iaonnides, Museum Director Dr. Michael Tomor, and violinist Lara St. John.

This unique presentation will include a live discussion on Francios Girard’s Oscar-winning 1998 film The Red Violin and Corigliano’s Red Violin Suite from his award-winning score to the film. The Red Violin tells the story of a cursed violin that travels the globe, passing from doomed owner to doomed owner until the violin disappears and reappears at the end of movie in the hands of a little girl. The real red violin, a 1720 Mendelssohn Stradivari, which inspired this film is currently owned by violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn. She was 16 years old when the Strad was presented to her as a gift from her grandfather. All that is known about the violin was that it vanished from sight soon after it was built and documented, and centuries later, in 1945, it quitely came into possession of a wealthy businessman. Elizabeth Pitcairn and the story of her red violin are currently highlighted on the latest issue of Strings Magazine – www.stringsmagazine.com.

In response to the Red Violin's history, Dr. Michael Tomor, Director of the El Paso Museum of Art will give very brief vignettes on the art of the 17th century in Italy through St. Bernice (1640) by Bernardo Strozzi, 19th century France and Western Europe through Portrait of a Man by Nicoles Langilliere (1717), the 19th and 20th century Canada through Emil Carlson's Still Life and 21st century America through Still Life by Peter Max (2006).

On display will be several rare and beautiful violins. Guest speakers, Dr. Joseph Sylan professor of Music History and Literature at NMSU and Laurence Gibson professor of Music at UTEP, will speak on the history of violins. Dr. Sylvan will have on hand his very own 1620 Giovanni Paolo Maggini. Maggini (1580 – 1630), born in Botticino,Italy, is considered one of the most important instrument makers of the Brescian school. Maggini is known to have made at least sixty violins, nine violas, two violoncellos, one double bass.

Lara St. John and Laurence Gibson will compare and demonstrate their Guadagnini violins. Lara St. John currently performs on the 1779 “Salabue” Guadagnini, currently valued at around $1 million, thanks to an anonymous donor and Heinl & Co. of Toronto which she calls the “Resurrection”. Mr. Gibson owns and performs on a 1776 Guadagnini which was discovered in an old castle in Switzerland.

Lara St. John’s violin has it own interesting background, at least that which is known, from the 20th century onwards. Ms. St. John’s writes about her violin “Apparently a loving father bought it back in the 20s or 30s for his young violinist son, in California. This boy was doing very well - he studied with Zimbalist - and at the age of 16 played a concerto at the Hollywood Bowl. At the age of 17, he contracted tuberculosis and died that year. His father was heartbroken, so much so that he entombed the Guadagnini and some bows along with his son. (The details are a bit sketchy, but I have to assume that he had a mausoleum erected for him). This was the case for about fifty years, until finally the violin came back to light again. I am not sure if the father passed away, or if he decided it should be played again, or what, but apparently it was sold to an amateur for a while in the 80s. Finally, it started making the rounds of various luthiers, some of whom were rather spooked by the story. A few years ago it came up for auction and was bought by an anonymous donor who has now lent it to me. I am somehow not at all freaked out by the history of this violin - mainly because the whole thing happened out of a father's love for his son. The Guad is in extraordinary condition, practically never having had a scratch or crack, and is beautiful to look at as well as to play. There is a depth and strength to it which I have never felt on any Stradivarius, or other violin. I am very lucky and grateful to have this living link to a past era, the violin presumably having much more history to it than the later portion that I know. I mean, when this fiddle was made, Beethoven himself was 9 years old! Cool. One can only imagine where it's been, and who has heard it.”

At 5:00pm the film The Red Violin will be shown in the Museum’s El Paso Energy Auditorium. Discussion and film are free and open to the public.

On October 19 and 20, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre, Maestra Sarah Ioannides and the El Paso Symphony with guest violinist Lara St. John will perform Corigliano’s The Red Violin Suite. The program will also include Liszt’s Totentanz arranged for violin and orchestra and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. Tickets for the concerts range from $11 to $37 and are available through the El Paso Symphony Box Office, 532-3776.

El Paso Symphony Orchestra Association
P.O. Box 180
El Paso, Texas 79942
General Information and Tickets (915) 532-3776
(915) 533-8162 Fax
www.epso.org
National Texas
Texas

Programs and artists are subject to change without notice. The El Paso Symphony is made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.