Westmoreland Symphony ready for live audiences at The Palace Theatre
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The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra will return to The Palace Theatre in October, to perform once again in front of live audiences.
Artistic Director Daniel Meyer announced the 2021-2022 season during the symphony’s July 9 “Summer Sparklers” concert in Greensburg’s St. Clair Park.
“If you’re wondering if your seat is still there, don’t worry — it is,” he said. “They didn’t give it away.”
“Summer Sparklers” was the first time in more than a year that the symphony had played as a whole in front of a crowd, Meyer noted. Virtual concerts during the pandemic did not include wind instruments.
“We’re beyond ecstatic to be able to welcome people back to their seats, to The Palace, to share that live music experience,” said WSO Executive Director Endy Reindl.
“This season will be a little different from past seasons,” he said. “We want to recognize this season as a celebration for the listener to have to opportunity to unplug, to come into The Palace and really enjoy an evening out.”
Dates on the 2021-2022 schedule include:
• Oct. 23: “Opening Night” will feature special guest violinist Jennifer Frautschi, a two-time Grammy Award nominee, performing Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3. The concert will open with Mozart’s Overture to the “Marriage of Figaro” and conclude with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2.
• Dec. 18: “Home for the Holidays,” featuring the All-Star Choir of Westmoreland County, returns with audience favorite holiday music, a sing-along of familiar carols and vocals by the All-Star Choir of Westmoreland County, comprised of singers from county high schools.
• Feb. 12: “In the Key of Love,” a special French-inspired Valentine’s weekend concert, will feature pianist Michael Brown performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. Also a composer, Brown was winner of the Lincoln Center’s 2018 Emerging Artist Award.
The program also features Overture to La Péri by Paul Dukas, composer of the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” music in Disney’s “Fantasia,” and Franck’s Symphony in D Minor.
• March 26: “Banks Plays Mozart” will feature classical saxophonist Steven Banks performing both Mozart’s Oboe Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise. Banks is the first saxophonist to earn a place on the Young Concert Artists roster, capturing First Prize at the 2019 Young Concert Artists International Auditions.
The evening also includes Hovhaness’ Alleluia and Fugue and Schubert’s Symphony No. 3 in D Major.
• April 23: In the season finale, “Beethoven’s Brilliance,” the WSO Chamber Choir and soloists from the Pittsburgh Opera will join the symphony to perform Beethoven’s Mass in C. The evening begins with Bach’s Suite in G Minor and also features Welsh-born composer Hillary Tann’s nature-inspired “With the Heather and Small Birds.”
Prices for the five-concert subscription are $81-$265. Prices for the four-concert Classical Subscription (not including “Home for the Holidays”) are $64-$211. Single tickets will go on sale in September.
The symphony and Pittsburgh-based Texture Contemporary Ballet also will present two performances of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Ballet,” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at The Palace.
Meyer noted that this is one of few regional presentations of the beloved holiday ballet that features dancers performing to live music. Tickets will go on sale in early September.
Two dates remain in the symphony’s summer “Live on the Lawn” series in Hempfield Park. Westmoreland Winds, a quintet of symphony wind musicians, will play July 23; while Trio Phonon, with flute, cello and harp, is scheduled for Aug. 6.
Both programs begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $10; attendance is limited to 250.
Details: 724-837-1850 or westmorelandsymphony.org