OKC PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES

2009-2010 SEASON 

                (Oklahoma City,   May 26, 2009) - The Oklahoma City Philharmonic (OKC PHIL) announces programming for its 2009-2010 Inasmuch Foundation Classics Series and Oklahoman Pops Series, the Orchestra’s 21st season under the direction of Maestro Joel Levine.  Season tickets are now available thought the OKC PHIL ticket office at 405-TICKETS. 

                Beginning on September 19, 2009, the Inasmuch Foundation Classics Series includes eight captivating concerts running through May 22, 2009. Guest artists for the series include cellist Steven Isserlis, violinists Corey Cerovsek and Stefan Jackiw, and pianists Stephen Hough, Marc-André Hamelin, and Orion Weiss. 

                Beginning on November 6, 2009, and running through May 2, 2010, the OKC PHIL will kick off its Oklahoman Pops Series with musical groups Classical Mystery Tour followed with Cherish the Ladies, Tiempo Libre, and finishing with Oklahoma native, Kristin Chenoweth.  Also planned for the season is the annual favorite Christmas show, Chesapeake’s A Very Merry Pops! and Cinema Classics featuring the music of John Williams. 

                OKC PHIL Executive Director Eddie Walker comments, “This season represents the best of what the OKC PHIL has to offer – timeless masterpieces, emerging talent and wonderfully exciting Pops and Classics Series that aren’t to be missed.” 

                The Discovery Family Series begins the 2009-2010 season with much fanfare and a fantastic new Music Director and Conductor Matthew Fritz.  “Conductor Matt” brings excitement and fresh ideas to this family-friendly series.  The series is sponsored by The Pauline Dwyer Macklanburg and Robert A. Macklanburg, Jr. Foundation. 

 

The Inasmuch Classics Series

  • Maestro Joel Levine’s 21st season as music director opens with a performance on September 19, 2009 at the Civic Center Music Hall with cellist Steven Isserlis.  Isserlis has a passion for music which transcends conventional divisions.  His international following includes enthusiastic children who love his books on composer’s lives as well as music lovers from around the globe.  On this evening Isserlis performs Dvorak’s Concerto for Cello in B minor.  Maestro Levine leads the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. 
  • The season continues on October 10, 2009 at the Civic Center Music Hall with violinist Corey Cerovsek performing with the OKC PHIL.  Cerovsek is an astounding talent whose playing, according to the New York Times, “combines an exciting spontaneity and a powerful technique with old-world charm.”  Cerovsek will perform Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole.
  • On November 14, 2009 at the Civic Center Music Hall, the OKC PHIL welcomes world-renowned pianist Stephen Hough to perform Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for an evening titled, “Transformations.”  Hough, a British-born pianist, has the skill to play great works of difficulty with flawless precision.  In addition to Hough, the OKC PHIL performs Strauss’s Death and Transfiguration, Ravel’s La Valse, and Hindemith’s masterpiece Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Weber. 
  • January 30, 2010 brings pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin to the Civic Center Music Hall to join with the OKC PHIL in an evening called, “New and Improved!”  Hamelin, who is arguably one of the finest pianists in the world, has a consummate musicianship that is hailed by critics and audiences around the world.  On this evening Hamelin performs Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.1 and Franck’s Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra.  The evening also features Moxart’s Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”.   
  • February 27, 2010 brings amazing repertoire to the stands of the OKC PHIL’s musicians in an all-orchestral program.  The evening is titled, “Fantastique!” and includes Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, and two Berlioz masterpieces, Roman Carnival and Symphonie Fantastique. 
  • On March 20, 2010, Orion Weiss joins the OKC PHIL to perform one of Gershwin’s most famous and enjoyable pieces, Rhapsody in Blue.  In Rhapsody, Weiss promises an outpouring of melody and color, beauty and elegance.  A leader among the younger generation of American musicians, Weiss is one of the most sought-after soloists of today.
  • On April 17, 2010, the Canterbury Choral Society joins Maestro Joel Levine the OKC PHIL to present the magnificence and majesty of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”).  Beethoven’s Ninth remains a manifestation of glory seldom performed or as George Bernard Shaw stated, "an extraordinary event separated by years.”  This is one not to miss. 
  • The Inasmuch Classic Series wraps on May 22, 2010 with guest violinist Stefan Jackiw in an evening entitled, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius.  The evening is crammed with belting good tunes, toe-tapping rhythms, and vivid orchestration.  The music of both Tchaikovsky and Sibelius packs a punch.  As does the 22-year-old violinist, scheduled to perform Sibelius’s Violin Concerto in D minor.

The Oklahoman Pops Series

  • On November 6 and 7, 2009, the OKC PHIL welcomes Classical Mystery Tour as the season opener for the Oklahoman Pops Series.  Classical Mystery Tour is an OKC PHIL favorite and one of the greatest tribute bands around.  Featuring music that spans the careers of the Beatles, you’ll enjoy everything from Yesterday to Twist and Shout. 
  • December 4 and 5, 2009 brings Chesapeake’s A Very Merry Pops! starring Judy McLane and Erick Devine.  This is a show for the entire family with delightful costumes, comedy, and timeless Christmas carols.  A wonderful combination of charm and sophistication, it’s a great way to start the holiday season. 
  • Cherish the Ladies join the OKC PHIL on stage January 8 and 9 2010.  This group of ladies has gone from a one-time concert concept to the most successful Irish-American group in Celtic music movement.  A blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, traditional dancing, and captivating arrangements promise a concert to bring down the house.
  • On February 12 and 13, 2010, the OKC PHIL welcomes Cuban band Tiempo Libre, one of the hottest young Latin bands today.  Their dynamic Afro-Cuban rhythms and infectious energy have thrilled audiences around the globe. 
  • March 5 and 6, 2010 celebrate CINEMA CLASSICS featuring everyone’s favorite music from the movies.  Enjoy a night dedicated to the music of John Williams, one of the greatest score-writers of all time. 
  • The Oklahoman Pops Series finishes with Oklahoma native and Broadway favorite, Kristin Chenoweth.  This effervescent star of screen and stage joins the OKC PHIL to entertain with her amazingly powerful voice and delightful personality. 

The Pauline Dwyer Macklanburg and Robert A Macklanburg, Jr. Foundation Discovery Family Series

  • On October 11, 2009, the Discovery Family Series gets under way with “Something Spooky at the Symphony.”  Whether a pirate or a princess, you will enjoy this afternoon of spooky fun!  We bring you selections from “Harry Potter” and other musical favorites for Halloween.  Conductor Matt leads the way through the pumpkin patch as we dress-up and discover the sounds of the orchestra. 
  • The series continues on January 31, 2010 with “Music in Motion.”  Stomp your feet and clap your hands!  Dance and music join forces to create a rhythm that will make you move and groove.  Let’s explore the dance music of countries from around the world. 
  • On March 28, 2010, the Discovery Family Series winds to a close with “Storytime:  Musical Adventures.”  Imagination is the key to fun as we enjoy musical stories from far and wide.  Conductor Matt rolls out the magic carpet to carry us on a ride through time and space as we hear music that tells classic stories. 

Season Ticket Information

  • Season tickets are now available for all three series, with The Discovery Family Series at $21, The Oklahoman Pops Series starting at $54, and The Inasmuch Classics Series starting at $72.  For more information or to purchase a season ticket, call the OKC Philharmonic ticket office at 405-TICKETS (842-5387).