EPSO News


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.

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.

Classical Guitar, Dance and the Sea Featured
November Classical Concerts
The November 20 and 21 classical concerts of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra will feature Classical Guitar, Dance and artistic impressions of the Sea. Sponsored by Helen of Troy, the concerts begin at 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre.

The program begins with French composer Emmanuel Chabrier’s most famous piece España, inspired by the Spanish jota, a dance known throughout Spain originating in Aragon. Next, Classical Guitarist Robert Belinić will take the stage with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra to perform an El Paso favorite, Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un Gentilhombre. Born in Croatia in 1981, Mr. Belinić began playing the drums at age 3. At age 11, he entered the music school in Kutina to study the classical guitar. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Ivo Vuljevic Award for outstanding young Croatian musicians, and was a prize winner in the 2006 Parkening International Guitar Competition in California. Mr. Belinic has performed throughout the United States and Europe, and has been praised by critics for his intense passion, energy, charisma and musicality.

The second half of the program will feature Piazzolla’s Milonga del Angel and Jacob Gade’s Tango Jalousie. Both pieces will be interpreted and danced by Mando and Melissa Rodriguez, internationally winning ballroom dancers and owners of Shundo Ballroom Dance Studio in El Paso. The program concludes with composer Debussy’s largest and most important orchestral work La Mer. Attracted by the sea and by artistic impressions of the sea, Debussy spent nearly two years working on this piece. In comparing music to art, Debussy once said, “Music has this over painting; it can bring together all manner of variations of color and light – a point not often observed though it is quite obvious.”

Tickets for the November 20 & 21 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. 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, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 concerts. “Opening Notes” is an informal discussion of the evening’s program and composers.

RECAP:
Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre @ the Plaza Theatre
“Opening Notes” Pre-concert talk
Free: Open to public

Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21, 7:30pm, Plaza Theatre
Sarah Ioannides, Conductor
Robert Belinić, Guitar
Melissa and Mando Rodriguez, Dancers
Chabrier España
Rodrigo Fantasia para un Gentilhombre
Piazzolla Milonga del Angel
Gade Tango Jalousie
Debussy La Mer

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

EPSO 79th Season begins September 25&26
Russian Spectacular
The 2009-2010 El Paso Symphony Season will open on September 25 and 26, 7:30pm under the star-studded canopy of the historic Plaza Theatre with a commanding Russian program. Under the direction of Sarah Ioannides, violinist Jennifer Koh, described by The Strad as “a risk-taking, high-octane player of the kind who grabs the listener by the ears and refuses to let go,” will join the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35. A virtuoso with natural flair, Jennifer’s playing combines an intensity and elegance that mesmerizes her audience. Jennifer has performed with many of America's top orchestras and on leading recital series including solo appearances with the orchestras of Atlanta, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Houston, and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC. She has also been heard in recital in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia; and in chamber music in New York at the 92nd Street Y.

Prokofiev’s strong and poetic Symphony No. 5, B-flat major, op. 100 will round out the second half of the program. Prokofiev said of his Symphony, "I conceived it as a symphony of the grandeur of the human spirit." The composer Kabalevsky, whose music will be heard in EPSO’s October concerts, called it "the embodiment of man's courage, energy and spiritual grandeur." Tickets start at $11 to $37 and are available at (915) 532-3776 or online at www.epso.org. 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.

Pre-Concert Events:

EPSO, in partnership with the El Paso Museum of Art, will present “Music Sandwiched In” a discussion and performance of art and music with Sarah Ioannides, Museum Director Michael Tomor and violinist Jennifer Koh on Thursday, September 24 at 12:00pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

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 September 24, 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, September 25 & Saturday, September 26 concerts. “Opening Notes” is an informal discussion of the evening’s program and composers with guest speakers Sarah Ioannides and Jennifer Koh.


RECAP:
Thursday, September 24, 12:00pm, El Paso Museum of Art
“Music Sandwiched In” Discussion and Performance of Art and Music
Sarah Ioannides, Jennifer Koh and Museum Director Michael Tomor
Free: Open to public

Thursday, September 24, 5:30pm, Plaza Theatre
“Backstage Pass” Behind the Scenes Look at a Dress Rehearsal
Donation: $8 and $6 for children
Reservations required (915) 532-3776

Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre @ the Plaza Theatre
“Opening Notes” Pre-concert talk with
Sarah Ioannides & Jennifer Koh
Free: Open to public

Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26, 7:30pm, Plaza Theatre
Opening Concerts “Russian Spectacular”
Sarah Ioannides, Conductor
Jennifer Koh, Violinist
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, D major, op. 35
Prokofiev Symphony No.5, B-flat major, op. 100
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

EPSO Holds Auditions
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will be holding auditions for the 2009-2010 Season for the following positions:

Assistant Principal Second Violin (possible 1 year section first violin)
Principal Contrabass (possible section bass)
3rd Bassoon/Contrabassoon
Principal Keyboard

Auditions will be held on Sunday August 30, 2009, 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 14, 2009. Download application and requirements below.


Audition Requirements

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.

International Violist and President of Curtis Institute of Music Performs with EPSO
Violist Roberto Diaz will perform Walton’s Viola Concerto with the El Paso Symphony under the direction of Sarah Ioannides on November 21 and 22, 2008, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Mr. Diaz’ has established an international reputation and has received critical acclaim for his amazing accomplishments on the viola. “…a rich, deep, mellifluous tone, impeccable intonation, an attractive, even vibrato, a nimble left hand, a smooth bow arm, and an excellent sense of timing and tempo. All these qualities make him a real star of his instrument…” American Record Guide. “…put the viola in the hands of Roberto Diaz and any preconceptions evaporate within several measures…” Washington Post.

In addition to his solo career, Mr. Diaz is an active chamber musician and in 2006 he was chosen as the new President of the Curtis Institute of Music. His dual roles as performer and educator have had a significant impact on American musical live. He is highly respected by his peers, having served as the principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and principal violist of the National Symphony under Mstislav Rostropovich.

In memory of Haydn’s and Mendelssohn’s 200 years, the November 21 and 22 concerts sponsored by Western Refining also include Haydn’s Overture to La Fedelta Premiata (Fidelity’s Reward) and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 also known as the Italian Symphony. Haydn wrote the opera La Fedelta Premiata for the opening of a new opera house in 1781. Haydn was very proud of this opera, writing to a friend that “I assure you that no such work has been heard in Paris up to now, nor perhaps in Vienna either.” Mendelssohn, one of the greatest child prodigies of any time, started the Italian Symphony as a result of a trip to Italy in 1830 when he was 72. From the time of its premiere critics spoke of its refinement and classical balance and to date the Italian Symphony remains a very popular work.

Audience members can learn more about the program with Roberto Diaz and Sarah Ioannides at Opening Notes hosted by Dr. Benjamin Loeb, 6:30pm prior to the Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 concerts in the Philanthropy Theatre.

Spanish & Latin Program Features Virtuoso Violinst and World Premiere
Described as spirited, gifted and powerful by critics, 21 year old British violinist Chloë Hanslip will perform with the El Paso Symphony under the direction of Sarah Ioannides on October 17 and 18, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Chloë Hanslip will join the El Paso Symphony in a performance of Korngold’s romantic Violin Concerto. Like the composer Korngold, Chloë Hanslip is considered a child prodigy. She took her first Suzuki lesson at age three and at age four made her solo debut in London’s Purcell Room. At age ten, she appeared as the “infant prodigy violinist” in Ralph Fiennes’ film adaptation of Pushkin’s “Evgeny Onegin” and played in some of the world’s major concerts halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. At 13, she released her first CD. She made her BBC Proms debut in 2002 and her US concerto debut in 2003. At age 21, she has already established herself as in international artist of distinction. Her most recent recording for Naxos, of the John Adams Violin Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra entered the Classical Charts in Britain at number 2. Gramophone magazine concluded that “Playing like this should secure Chloë Hanslip’s reputation for life”.

Despite all her accomplishments at such a young age, Chloë Hanslip describes herself as “I`m a pretty normal person who just happens to be able to play the violin...” She loves to shop, read and listen to music. “I love things like Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Gorillaz, Linkin Park and Pink Martini” reveals Hanslip to The Scotsman. She has a passion for cars and Formula One racing, and enjoys salsa dancing and Bhangra at her local gym. More information on Chloë Hanslip is available on her website www.chloehanslip.com.

The Spanish and Latin flavored program, sponsored by GCC Grupos Cementos de Chihuahua, also includes De Falla’s La Vida Breve and Three Cornered Hat Suite No. 2, Revueltas’ Sensemaya and the World Premiere of an EPSO commission by area composer Osvaldo Mendoza, A la Deriva. Born and raised in Juarez, Mendoza has served as an Apprentice Conductor of EPSO for the past two years. He received his Bachelors degree in Theory and Composition from the University of Texas at El Paso and is currently furthering his composition studies at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music. The El Paso Symphony and Maestra Sarah Ioannides are pleased to welcome this special commission by Osvaldo titled, A la Deriva. “Osvaldo is extremely talented and we are very proud to have him write a special piece for this concert,” Ruth Ellen Jacobson, Executive Director.

Audience members can learn more about the program with Osvaldo Mendoza, Sarah Ioannides and Choë Hanslip at Opening Notes hosted by Dr. Dena Kay Jones, 6:30pm prior to the Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 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.

SARAH IOANNIDES AND THE EL PASO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CELEBRATE FOUR YEARS OF MUSIC MAKING!
2008-2009 Season Opens on September 19 and 20
To mark Maestra Ioannides fourth season with EPSO, Sarah and the Orchestra have planned a special season filled with surprises. Sarah and the Orchestra have spent the better half of the year working on this remarkable season that celebrates Music and Life. Sarah writes “As Music Director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra it is a great honor to enter my 4th season with the orchestra and present to you a vision that is created from an inner and an outer perspective. We wish you another fabulous experience with us this season and hope this year becomes one of your most cherished memories with EPSO.”

The 2008-2009 season will open on September 19 and 20 in spectacular form, featuring pianist Lukas Vondracek performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”. Lukas Vondracek performed at his first concert at the tender age of 4 and now, at the age of 21, he has visited 25 different countries and performed in over 850 concerts. This program will also include Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. The sweep and power of the Symphony No. 2 has made it one of its composer’s most popular works. It is filled with feelings of patriotism and hope. Conductor Simon Parmet wrote "The second symphony is a song of praise for summer and the joy of life.” This spirited concert begins with the joyful Shostakovich’s Festive Overture. This overture is an example of Shostakovich at his best.

Described as spirited, gifted and powerful by critics, young British violinist Chloë Hanslip will perform with the El Paso Symphony on October 17 and 18. The program includes De Falla’s La Vida Breve and Three Cornered Hat Suite No. 2, Revueltas’ Sensemaya, Korngold’s Violin Concerto and an EPSO commission written by Osvaldo Mendoza. Born and raised in Juarez, Osvaldo Mendoza has served as an Apprentice Conductor of EPSO for the past two years and is furthering his composition studies at the prestigious Peabody School of Music this fall.

The November 21 and 22 classical concerts will feature violist Roberto Diaz. As a professor of viola at Curtis and former principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Mr. Díaz has already had a significant impact on American musical life and continues to do so in his dual roles as performer and educator. Mr. Diaz will perform William Walton’s Viola Concerto. Rounding out this program is Haydn’s La Fedelta Premiata Overture and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4.

For the fourth consecutive season, the El Paso Symphony will collaborate with El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Festival. On January 23 and 24, the El Paso Symphony, led by Sarah Ioannides and featuring pianist Awadagin Pratt and cellist Ben Hong will debut the US Premier of Academy Award-winning composer Dario Marianelli’s Atonement Suite for Cello, Piano and Orchestra. The program which begins with Dvorak’s In Nature’s Realm will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.

On February 20 and 21, Sarah Ioannides will hand over the podium to guest conductor Andrew Grams. Mr. Grams will lead the El Paso Symphony and special guest Eric Ruske, Horn in Strauss’ Concerto No. 1 for Horn and Orchestra. Andrew Grams begins his one-year tenure as the Resident Conductor of the Florida Orchestra this season and has just completed his three-year term as Assistant Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra/American Symphony Orchestra League Conducting Fellow having been appointed to that post by Franz Welser-Möst in June 2004. In addition to conducting EPSO this season, Maestro Grams will make his Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra debuts this season. Led by Maestro Grams, the Symphony will also perform Borodin’s Prince Igor Overture and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8.

The popular Downtown KidsPalooza Family Art and Music Festival will hit downtown El Paso on March 28. From 11:00am to 5:00pm families will have opportunities to experience concerts, workshops and activities provided by the partners of Downtown KidsPalooza.

The classical series will culminate on April 17 and 18 with a celebration of American music, highlighting the Plaza Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ in an exciting organ transcription of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with guest Douglas Major. This phenomenal program also includes Copland’s Fanfare of the Common Man and Appalachian Spring, Barber’s Toccata Festiva and Gershwin’s American in Paris.

Season tickets for the Classical Series range from $63 to $201. Individual concert tickets are $11 to $37. Call the Symphony office at (915) 532-3776 for information or visit www.epso.org. 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.

SEASON RECAP: All classical concerts begin at 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre.
September 19 & 20, 2008 –Soloist: Lukas Vondracek, Piano
Shostakovich Festive Overture, op. 96
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, op. 73, E-flat major “Emperor”
Sibelius Symphony No. 2, op. 43, D major

October 17 & 18, 2008 – Soloist: Chloë Hanslip, Violin
Spanish & Latin Favorites
De Falla La Vida Breve: Interlude & Dance
Korngold Violin Concerto, op. 35, D major
Revueltas Sensemaya
Mendoza EPSO Commission (World Premiere)
De Falla Three Cornered Hat Suite No.2

November 21 & 22, 2008– Soloist: Roberto Diaz, viola
Birthday Celebration In Memory Of
William Walton, 25 years/Mendelssohn, 200 years
Haydn, 200years
Haydn La Fedelta Premiata Overture (Fidelity’s Reward)
Walton Viola Concerto
Mendelssohn Symphony No.4, op.90, A major “Italian”

January 23 & 24, 2009 – El Paso Pro Musica Film Festival Celebration
Soloists: Ben Hong, cello and Awadagin Pratt, piano
Dvořák In Nature’s Realm, op. 91
Dario Marianelli Atonement Suite for Cello, Piano and Orchestra
(US Premeire of Oscar Winning Composer, Music from the Film)
Beethoven Symphony No.7

February 20 & 21, 2009 – Andrew Grams, Guest Conductor
Soloists: Eric Ruske, Horn
Borodin Prince Igor Overture
Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1
Dvořák Symphony No.8

April 17 & 18, 2009- Organ Soloist: Douglas Major
Americana Program- Year of the Organ
Copland Fanfare for the Common Man
Barber Toccata Festiva, op. 36
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (transcribed for Organ and Orchestra)
Copland Appalachian Spring
Gershwin An American in Paris

El Paso Opera Conductor Takes EPSO Baton
Raymond Harvey Guest Conducts in February
El Paso Opera’s Music Director, Raymond Harvey, will step in for Sarah Ioannides to conduct the El Paso Symphony Orchestra on February 22 and 23, 2008, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Sarah Ioannides and Scott Hartman are due to have their first baby at the beginning of March. Ioannides will return to El Paso in April to conduct the final concerts of the Season on April 11 and 12, 2008. On behalf of the El Paso Symphony Board of Trustees, Orchestra and Staff, we wish to congratulate Sarah and Scott and we wish them all the best!

Raymond Harvey has garnered critical acclaim on symphonic podiums throughout the United States. He currently is in his ninth season as Music Director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and was previously Music Director of the Springfield Symphony in Massachusetts and the Fresno Philharmonic in California. He has appeared as guest conductor with many of the country's leading orchestras, including those of Philadelphia, Atlanta, St. Louis, Utah, Indianapolis, Rochester, Buffalo, Detroit, Louisville, New Orleans and Minnesota, as well as the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts and the Boston Pops. Ioannides is pleased to welcome Raymond Harvey “I am delighted to have Maestro Harvey making his El Paso Symphony Orchestra debut with us. Many of our patrons and orchestra are most familiar with his excellent musicianship. This will be a special occasion for all.”

Harvey has made a slight change in the program. Originally to be all Grieg, the February program will feature Samuel Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal, Grieg’s Piano Concerto and Shumann’s Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish”. Returning to El Paso to perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the El Paso Symphony is Brazilian born pianist Arnaldo Cohen. In December 2006, the New York Times declared Cohen as “technically flawless in treacherously difficult selections” and called his performance “a model of balance and imagination.” His command of the piano repertoire has consistently drawn similar praise, such as the Milwaukee Journal’s review of his Brahms Concerto No. 1 with the Milwaukee Symphony under Andreas Delfs in March 2006: “The combination of technical command and expressive insight he demonstrated is every musician’s goal.”

The February Classical Concerts are generously sponsored by Western Refining and is made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.


SUMMARY OF EVENTS:
February 22 and 23, 2008, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre
El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Raymond Harvey, Guest Conductor
Featuring Arnaldo Cohen, Piano
Program:
Barber Overture to The School for Scandal
Grieg Piano Concerto
Schumann Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish”
Tickets: $11 to $37; students tickets $6 and $8
Available at 915.532.3776 or www.ticketmaster.com

Backstage Pass: February 21, 6pm, Tour and Dinner, Reservations required – 915.532.3776
Opening Notes: February 22 and 23, 2008, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre – open to all


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Ring In 2008 with EPSO
Rossetti String Quartet
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra led by Maestra Sarah Ioannides will ring in the New Year with the highly sophisticated Rossetti String Quartet on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26, 2008, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre. Presented in collaboration with the El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Music Festival, the Rossetti String Quartet has been praised by critics as a “vital force among chamber music ensembles” and hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “a provocative ensemble (whose) achievement is stunning, its future brilliant.” The Quartet which is named after 19th century Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, whose artistic ideals about the use of color, poetry, and naturalism are embodied in the Quartet's musicianship, will perform Spohr’s String Quartet Concerto in A minor, op. 131. Members of the Rossetti String Quartet, each an accomplished musical artist and active soloist, includes: violinist and founding member Henry Gronnier; violinist and founding member Thomas Diener; Cellist Eric Gaenslen; and Violinist and newest member Timothy Fain.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra and Maestra Ioannides begin the program with Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie Overture. This overture, from the opera The Thieving Magpie, is most well known for its use of snare drum. It has provided the background score for many television and radio commericials and made an appearance in the Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film “A Clockwork Orange”. Rounding out the program is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 also known as the Pastorale Symphony. The Pastorale Symphony contains some of Beethoven’s most beautiful writing. Originally labeled as "Recollections of Country Life", the symphony begins with an "Awakening of Cheerful Feelings on Arriving in the Country," setting the idyllic mood of the symphony. Throughout the remaining four movements, Beethoven walks his audience through his love of nature.

Individual concert tickets for these performances are $11 to $37. Student tickets are available at $6 and $8. Tickets may be purchased through the El Paso Symphony (915) 532-3776 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

Join Maestra Sarah Ioannides and the Orchestra for a Backstage Pass and experience an “up close and personal” look of the behind-the-scenes making of a concert at Thursday’s, January 24 dress rehearsal. Your backstage experience begins with a tour at 6:00pm of the Plaza Theatre followed by a casual dinner with the conductor and musicians at 6:30pm. Stay for rehearsal at 7:30pm and observe the interaction between the musicians and conductor. An educational and fun evening the whole family can enjoy. Tour and rehearsal is free. Dinner is $8 for adults and $6 for children 5 to 12 years of age. Reservations required, call (915) 532-3776.

Prior to both Friday’s and Saturday’s performance, Dr. Dena Kay Jones will present a discussion of the evening’s performance with “inside scoops” into the compositions, composers and performers. These lively and insightful discussions are held at 6:30pm in the Philanthropy Theatre located in the annex of the Plaza Theatre.

This weekend’s program is generously 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” and made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Downtown KidsPalooza
Family Art & Music Festival
On March 8, 2008 from 10am to 4pm something quite extraordinary will happen in downtown El Paso -- children will take to the streets! In a remarkable inaugural event, children along with friends and family will be boarding trolleys all over downtown to attend a multitude of places and happenings as they embark on a remarkable cultural cruise of downtown El Paso. Saturday, March 8th is the day of the very first “Downtown KidsPalooza” -- an event you will not want to miss. From the magnificent Plaza Theatre to the newly renovated Cleveland Square, to the Insights Museum, the Museum of Art and historic Union Plaza, cultural experiences will be but a trolley stop away.
A group representing El Paso’s prominent downtown arts organizations has come together to collaborate on this one day fun-filled family event that includes:

Children’s Concerts ♪ Art & Music Workshops ♪ Earth Harp
Dancers, Puppet Shows & Live Theater ♪ Games & Activities ♪ Music & Science ♪ Explore Locomotive Bells & Whistles ♪ Tut Exhibit ♪ Live Music ♪ Food & Drinks

Downtown KidsPalooza is made possible through the generous support of Walmart, The Cardwell Foundation, TVO North America, Hunt Family Foundation, Rocky Mountain Mortgage, Applebee’s, Village Inn, Mrs. Robert M. Graham, Sr., Mrs. Frances R. Axelson, Inter National Bank, Price’s Creameries, El Paso Times, Southwest Parent Magazine, and The Children’s Hospital at Providence sponsoring the Earth Harp.

From 10:00am to 4:00pm families will have opportunities to experience concerts, workshops and activities provided by the partners of Downtown KidsPalooza.

Download the schedule of events below.




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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.