The ensemble, under the leadership of David Bernard, will offer four subscription concerts in 2009-2010 They open their schedule with "Virtuosity" Oct. 3-4. For this program of Smetana, Wieniawski and Tchaikovsky, the Symphony will welcome young violin prodigy Anna Lee.
On Dec. 5 and 6, audiences will be treated to "Cinematic Genius." Joined by pianist Drew Petersen, this program includes Strauss' On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5.
"Brilliance" is the name of the game Feb. 6 and 7, 2010, when the orchestra - along with violinist Serina Huang - will tackle Saint-SaêŠns' Violin Concerto No. 3, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and the Prelude to Act III of Wagner's Lohengrin.
The final subscription program of 2009-2010, entitled "Rhapsodie," consists of Bizet's Minuet and Farandole from L'Arl_sienne, Gershwin's An American in Paris and Debussy's Nocturnes and Premire Rhapsodie. Clarinetist Jon Manasse will be featured at these season-closing May 1 and 2 performances.
Notably, three of the season soloists (Lee, Petersen and Huang) are artists in Christopher O'Riley's "From the Top" program- considered the preeminent showcase for the nation's top pre-collegiate classical musicians.
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All performances will be held at the Symphony's home at All Saints Church (230 East 60th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues) except for the Feb. 6 "Brilliance," which will be performed at downtown's Schimmel Center for the Arts (Park Row and Gold Street).Click here for subscriptions to All Saints Church-only concerts.
Subscribers wishing to attend the Symphony's debut performance at the Schimmel Center (Note: the Feb. 7 "Brilliance" performance will be held at All Saints) may purchase their packages here.
For further information, visit the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony.
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Initially launched as a radio variety show in 2000, "From the Top" was founded to celebrate the amazing performances and personal stories of our nation's top pre-collegiate classical musicians in the same light traditionally reserved for young athletes. Today, the non-profit organization reaches millions each week through its popular weekly NPR radio show heard on New York's WQXR, PBS television series filmed at Carnegie Hall, education and community outreach programs, online media, and a national tour of live events. These programs position young performers as inspiring role models for the pursuit of excellence and participation in the arts in our society and encourages them to connect with new audiences, give back to their communities, and realize their potential as leaders.
Recognized as New York's premier amateur orchestra, the critically acclaimed Park Avenue Chamber Symphony (PACS) has built a reputation for artistic excellence and philanthropic leadership. PACS has performed frequently in New York City's major concert halls and venues, including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall. PACS performances have been broadcast on WQXR & WNYC radio and have been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Daily News.
Since 1999, PACS has established its musical presence and successfully attracted the best amateur players in New York City. PACS members, many trained at highly regarded conservatories, include business executives, music teachers, investment bankers, architects, freelance journalists, computer consultants, graphic designers, engineers, college and conservatory professors, social workers, physicians, lawyers, officials in City and State government agencies and various non-profit groups.
In addition to bringing professional-level performances to its New York City audiences, The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony fulfills a philanthropic role, raising over $300,000 for not-for-profit and music education organizations in the New York City area, including the establishment of The Juilliard School Pre-College Division Parent's Association Endowed Scholarship Fund‹the first of its kind at Juilliard for Pre-College students. PACS raised $13,000 for the Harmony Program through a gala concert featuring Whoopi Goldberg as narrator in Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" and continues its support of the Harmony Program with the Skirball Center gala performance of Dvořšk's magnificent music.
Read Jennifer Flaster's special profile on the Symphony
Changing the Rules: The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony's Professional Sound
