Colorado Symphony Announces Summer Season

April 22, 2011 - PRLog -- This July, the Colorado Symphony presents a remarkable array of classical masterpieces and new orchestral collaborations, including three riveting concerts under the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Highlights at Red Rocks include the symphonic debut of multiple Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan, the return of Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel of "Wicked" fame, and an unforgettable night with pop/rock legends Chicago.

"The Colorado Symphony is thrilled to partner with Sarah McLachlan in her first-ever symphony concert and we can't imagine a better place for this momentous debut than under the stars at Red Rocks," said James W. Palermo, President & CEO, Colorado Symphony. "In programming the Colorado Symphony's summer series, we endeavored to offer a rich variety of concert experiences that will engage new audiences and continue to inspire our most dedicated patrons. The series will accomplish exactly that, while making summer 2011 an extraordinary time for live symphonic music in Colorado."

At "Summer Seasonings at Boettcher Concert Hall" presented by PCL Construction, concertgoers will enjoy al fresco dining and the beauty of a summer's eve before making the short trip indoors to their concert seats. "Summer Seasonings" features an evening of "Russian Masterpieces" and the return of "Best of Beethoven," as well as a John Williams Spectacular featuring music from movies such as "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars." Plus, music lovers won't want to miss "Mozart Under Moonlight" and a light classics tribute to legendary Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler at CenterFest at the Arvada Center.

Tickets go on sale exclusively to Colorado Symphony subscribers today - Friday, April 22. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 29 at www.coloradosymphony.org and the Colorado Symphony Box Office.

Be sure to save the date for Independence Eve at Civic Center Park: Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Don't miss this free community concert at Civic Center Park, led by resident conductor Scott O'Neil and featuring patriotic favorites with a creative light show and spectacular fireworks. Produced in partnership with the Civic Center Conservancy and the City & County of Denver, this is one of the summer's most memorable community concerts.

"SYMPHONY ON THE ROCKS" SUMMER SERIES - RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE

Sarah McLachlan
Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Multiple Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan makes her symphonic debut with the Colorado Symphony at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, just five days before her Hollywood Bowl debut with orchestra. With more than 40 million records sold, Sarah celebrates her recent release, "Laws of Illusion," described by The New York Times as "a collection of ballads, hymns, and waltzes, sung in long arcs of melody with a voice that enfolds its strength in breathy intimacy."

Idina Menzel
Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel - the Tony award-winning "Elphaba" from the international blockbuster "Wicked" - returns by popular demand for one-night-only at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with the Colorado Symphony. With a diverse repertoire of classic pop, musical theater favorites (including hits from "Wicked," "Rent" and "Glee") as well as songs from her album "I Stand," Idina Menzel demonstrates why she is one of the great vocal performers of our time.

Chicago
Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
The Colorado Symphony's "Symphony on the Rocks" Summer Series concludes with one of the longest running and most successful pop/rock and roll groups of all time, Chicago. Performing for more than 40 years, this iconic band has sold more than 38 million units in the U.S. and continues to tour the world.

Red Rocks concerts will occur rain or shine. In the event of rain, guest artists may perform without the Symphony.

"SUMMER SEASONINGS AT BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL" PRESENTED BY PCL

This summer, enjoy a garden of musical delights as you dine outside al fresco-style before your Colorado Symphony concert. "Summer Seasonings at Boettcher Concert Hall" offers the blissful opportunity of pre-concert fine dining and the chance to soak in the rays of the setting sun, just before enjoying a splendid concert with the Colorado Symphony. Al fresco dining packages are $50 and include a three-course meal, stunning views of the Front Range at sunset and a glass of champagne, coffee or tea. Whether it's Beethoven, Russian masters or John Williams on the program, the "Summer Seasonings" series is the ideal recipe for a perfect summer's eve.

Best of Beethoven
Friday, July 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
This very first "Inside the Score" concert was a huge hit among symphony patrons! See it again, or for the first time, as resident conductor Scott O'Neil serves up Beethoven's greatest delicacies, including the Leonore Overture No. 3, the famous opening of his Fifth Symphony, and the "Moonlight Sonata."

John Williams Spectacular
Friday, July 15, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
You know the movies... you love the music! Join the Colorado Symphony and resident conductor Scott O'Neil as we celebrate Williams' most memorable classics from movies such as "E.T.," "Indiana Jones," "Schindler's List," "Harry Potter," "Star Wars," and more. A perfect night for the whole family!

Russian Masterpieces
Friday, July 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
The Russian masters take center stage in this concert featuring popular works from composers such as Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Stravinsky.

CENTERFEST AT THE ARVADA CENTER FEATURING THE COLORADO SYMPHONY

Mozart Under Moonlight
Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
There's no better place for Mozart than under the moonlight of a beautiful summer's eve. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of the Colorado Symphony, led by resident conductor Scott O'Neil, in an all-Mozart program celebrating the genius of the master himself. Journey with the Colorado Symphony back to Mozart's 18th Century world and experience a selection of the greatest masterworks of the Classical era. "Mozart Under Moonlight" promises to be one of the most memorable, vivid and inspirational concerts of the summer season.

A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler & the Boston Pops
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
It's an irresistible blend of light classics and truly enjoyable music as the Colorado Symphony pays tribute to the inspirational Arthur Fiedler, long-time conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Fiedler, who pioneered the concept of outdoor summer concerts during Depression-era Boston, blended popular and classical music into programs that appealed to people of all generations and walks of life. The Colorado Symphony, led by resident conductor Scott O'Neil, will shine in this festive concert featuring their own inimitable union of beloved classics and contemporary hits.

A limited number of tickets will be available for sale for Centerfest concerts at the Colorado Symphony box office - by phone or in-person - prior to the full Centerfest season announcement and on sale date of May 10. At that time, tickets will be available at The Arvada Center: (720) 898-7200 or www.arvadacenter.org.

TICKETS:
Tickets go on sale exclusively to Colorado Symphony subscribers today - Friday, April 22. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 29 at www.coloradosymphony.org, the Colorado Symphony Box Office: (303) 623-7876 or (877) 292-7979 or in-person in the lobby of Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Media Contact
Margaret A. Williams
Office: 303.308.2472
mwilliams@coloradosymphony.org

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Originally established in 1989 as the successor to the Denver Symphony, the Colorado Symphony performs in Boettcher Concert Hall and throughout the Front Range, presenting outstanding education and outreach programs, as well as Masterworks, Pops, Holiday, Family, and the exciting new Inside the Score series that has attracted a historic level of first-time concertgoers. By presenting music that is both timeless and inspiring, while taking risks with new musical collaborations and interactive concerts, the Colorado Symphony is attracting more diverse and younger audiences than ever before. To date, 30 percent of the 2010/11 season concertgoers are new patrons. The increasing popularity of Colorado Symphony concerts as well as a strong fund-raising base not only re-affirms the artistic excellence of the orchestra, but also reflects the deep-rooted enthusiasm for symphonic music felt by so many individuals across the region. For more information, visit www.coloradosymphony.org.