Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Andre Watts to perform with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

By Pegasus News wire

Andre Watts, one of today’s most beloved piano virtuosos, joins the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya for a blockbuster opening celebration September 19, 20 and 21 at Bass Performance Hall. Watts will perform Rachmaninoff’s enduringly popular "Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Opus 18," celebrated for its enchantingly romantic melodies. The concert also features Beethoven’s "Consecration of the House Overture," Peruvian Jimmy Lopez’ razzle dazzle "FIESTA!" and Respighi’s symphonic poem "The Pines of Rome."

The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Learn more about the music at Symphonic Insights, featuring host Shields-Collins “Buddy” Bray, one hour before each concert in the audience chamber. All Friday performances include free, pre-concert entertainment in the lobby. These performances have no intermission and feature a slightly shorter program (Beethoven’s overture is not included), and the concerts end at approximately 9 p.m. so patrons are free to enjoy the rest of the evening on the town.

Watts burst upon the music world at 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in its Young People’s Concerts, broadcast nationwide on CBS. Only two weeks later, Mr. Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt's "E-flat Concerto" with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. He remains one of today’s most celebrated and beloved superstars. His performances each year with the world's great orchestras and conductors and his sold-out recitals and appearances at the most prestigious international festivals take him to every corner of the globe.

Tickets are $10-$78 and are available online at www.fwsymphony.org, by telephone at 817-665-6000, or by visiting the FWSO Ticket Office at 330 E. Fourth Street, Suite 200, in downtown Fort Worth. The ticket office is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Call 817-665-6500, ext. 150 for details.

Source: FWSO

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