Award-Winning Pianist To Launch Symphony’s Season

BRIDGEPORT — Some of the most sublime 20th Century Russian music ever composed will be featured at Greater Bridgeport Symphony’s (GBS) gala opening of its 2006-07 subscription concert series on Saturday, October 7. The performance, which will feature the award-winning pianist Andrew Armstrong in his fourth engagement with the GBS orchestra, will also celebrate GBS Music Director Gustav Meier’s 35th year at the helm of the orchestra.

Dubbed “Maestro’s Top Picks,” the program will feature Prokofiev’s exuberant Piano Concerto No. 3 with Mr Armstrong; Prokofiev’s March and Scherzo from his opera The Love of Three Oranges; Rachmaninov’s romantic Vocalise and his Symphonic Dances, an exciting showpiece that highlights the virtuosity of the orchestra.

“Aside from sharing the same nationality, these two composers are extremely different from each other,” comments Maestro Meier. “Rachmaninov is the most romantic of all Russian composers, while Prokofiev is neo-classical. Rachmaninov shows Russian soul; Prokofiev shows Russian intellect. Today they offer contrasts, excitement, noble themes and great listening pleasure.”

The 8 pm performance will take place at Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue. The facility is easily reached from all major routes, and attended parking is provided for symphony patrons at no charge.

Praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique Mr Armstrong has delighted audiences around the world. He has performed solo recitals and with orchestras in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States, in such venues as Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Grand Hall of Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaw’s National Philharmonic.

His performances have also been heard on NPR as well as New York City’s WQXR classical music station.

A pre-concert program with the GBS Percussion Ensemble will be held in the inner lobby of the Klein at 7 pm.

Single tickets range from $20 to $52. Students under the age of 21 will be admitted at half-price in certain price categories. Discount rates are also available for groups of ten or more.

For reservations, call the GBS office at 203-576-0263 or visit BridgeportSymphony.org. The Klein box office will be open only on the concert day, starting at 1 pm for phone reservations and after 5 pm for walk-up sales.