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MILLER SYMPHONY HALL!
News & Events for Jan/Feb 2016
What’s New in 2016!
Miller Symphony Hall has a NEW Website!
After five months of hard work and dedication, The Allentown Symphony Association is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new website! Thanks to our board member, Doug Pelletier and the team at Trifecta, the new site launch is now available and the URL is the same as it has been: http://www.millersymphonyhall.org/. Amongst the newest features including a fresh look “mega menu” which is easy to access information, the site contains integrated social media buttons for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to foster improved communications to our patrons. In addition to being mobile friendly, our goal with this new website is to provide our patrons an easier access to browse information about all that is happening at Miller Symphony Hall. We are more than about concerts and events. We have a large Education and Outreach component that our patrons do not often hear about as these events are a huge part of our mission and, with the exception of the ASO Family Concert, usually not ticketed. It’s a lot of what we do to enhance the culture arts in our community and it’s about time people know about it.
New Show added in 2016: Semi-Toned
Semi-Toned
The University of Exeter’s
All Male A Cappella Sensation
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 at 8 pm
Comprised of 13 current students from the University of Exeter in The United Kingdom, SEMI-TONED is the reigning University Champion of Voice Festival UK, having won this honor in April, 2015.
With their trademark musical wit and charisma, five-star reviews, and a Bobby Award for being one of the most highly rated shows of the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, SEMI-TONED has wowed audiences both in the UK and The United States.
“The charm in this group lies within the fact that they don’t take themselves too seriously, and that each member brings their own quirky style to every number. This individuality is a breath of fresh air from the traditional show choir set-up, as they relate to the audience as people, not just shiny, stagey, Glee cut-outs. ”
— NATASHA GRANGER, EDINBURGH FRINGE 2014
https://exeteruniversityacappella.wordpress.com/semi-toned/
Century Fund Tickets Continue in 2016
Century Tickets — A new generation to the Symphony!
The Allentown Symphony Association is pleased to announce that the Century Tickets continue for the remaining 2016 Allentown Symphony Orchestra Season.
Tickets for students in grades 1-12 and college students up to age 25 with a student ID will receive FREE tickets to Allentown Symphony Orchestra concerts and Pops from January to May 2016. This offer is made possible by a generous grant from the Century Fund. To reserve tickets, please call the box office at (610) 432-6715 or visit the box office M-F 10am-5pm at 23 North Sixth St., Allentown PA 18101.
ASO Classical & Pops Series
Allentown Symphony Orchestra Pops presents
Lynnie Godfrey Embraces the Standards
Ron Demkee, conducting
Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:30 pm
The Allentown Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ronald Demkee, is joined by Award winning Broadway singer/actress, Lynnie Godfrey performing hits from her sold out Jazz Cabaret performances and from her Grammy recognized debut album, Lynnie Godfrey Doing It Her Way, featuring favorites by Duke Ellington, George and Ira Gershwin, Billy Strayhorn, Henry Mancini, and many more. The 15-track album was produced by Lynnie and Kent Heckman and was recorded at Red Rock Recording Studio in Pennsylvania. Of Lynnie’s debut, G. Bruce Boyer of Town and Country said it best, “She specializes in the Great American Songbook of Gershwin and Porter, Berlin and Lorenz Hart, but is comfortable enough with her own talent to present her audience with both some lost gems and a few new compositions she has discovered.” She chose these classic standards because, as she says, “I am in the business of memories, evoking memories for my audience who have experienced these songs in their lives and creating memories for those who are discovering the songs for the first time.” She goes on, “I speak about the songs, their composers, the original artists and then maybe the audience will not just enjoy my interpretation, but will seek out the original artists and rekindle their relationships with them thereby keeping these great artists’ work alive.”
Ms. Godfrey has worked with some of the most talented musicians in the Lehigh Valley Area including on piano…Roger Latzgo, Lou Czechowski, Dave Roper, Kevin O’Connell, and Craig Kastelnik, on saxophone Ken Moyer, Tom Hamilton, Neil Wetzel and Tony Gairo, on drums Gary Rissmiller, bassists Tony Marino, Gene Perla and Greg Eicher among others.
Bringing her Broadway and Hollywood influences to the evening along with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Godfrey will display her own unique treatment to songs from composers like: George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Johnny Mercer, Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, Stephen Sondheim, and that is just a start. For more information, visit http://www.millersymphonyhall.org/
BIO — Lynnie Godfrey has been performing live since the age of three. She performed with her Mother (vocalist, Maggie Godfrey) and her family member Jo-Ann Wood in the Pentecostal Churches they attended in Harlem and Brooklyn. Her deep voice then was always a source of interest for such a young child.
At the urging of her Mother she started studying voice…both classical and commercial styles with Dr. Chauncey Northern of Carnegie Hall and as result of her God given talent and learned skill she was on Broadway in the musical revue EUBIE! less than two years after graduating from Hunter College…That lead to nightclub and theatre work from New York to Las Vegas to Amsterdam, Holland, London , England …just to name a few..,
From theatre to clubs to television and film Ms. Godfrey displays a passion to perform as an actor. Whether appearing in a movie with Kathleen Turner, (V.I.WARSHAWSKI) starring in a Norman Lear sitcom (704 HAUSER), numerous television guest spots animated series… or live in an August Wilson (GEM OF THE OCEAN) play or the Broadway stage…she has always had the desire to perform in front of audiences …However the live audience of the cabaret/nightclub genre excites Ms. Godfrey and presents that challenge of achieving excellence every night for her audiences. She displays her passion in the area of directing by completing the direction and the producing of two new plays UNENTITLED by Charles White and GREENWOOD: AN AMERICAN DREAM DESTROYED by Celeste Bedford Walker in PA and New York City. Both plays deals with issues of great relevance.
She has tirelessly pursued a career in directing, music and acting since college…never preferring one over the other…but loving all three. Her pleasure now is being able to convey both the acting and the singing in her cabaret/theatre interpretations of songs on her debut CD…LYNNIE GODFREY…DOING IT HER WAY and her follow up Christmas CD…SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS WITH LYNNIE GODFREY…both expressing her love for the classic songs in their original offerings.
Ms. Godfrey looks forward to bringing her live performances as scheduled in Pennsylvania and hopes to perform live for new audiences in New York, Chicago Los Angeles .the Midwest and South …and a special shout out to the hotspot radio audiences that are currently enjoying her CD….DOING IT HER WAY on radio across the nation…Her next challenge…a national and international tour. For complete bio, visit: http://www.lynniegodfrey.com/
ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL
“PHANTASY SYMPHONY”
January 24, 2016 at 5 pm
The Allentown Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce its second annual Phantasy Symphony Orchestra. For amateur musicians, age 21 and older, this is an opportunity to dust off your old violin or clarinet and perform great classical works on stage at Miller Symphony Hall. Based on the popular fantasy sports camps, local musicians have the rare opportunity to play under the baton of Maestra Diane Wittry and alongside professional musicians from the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Repertoire for this season includes the Prelude to Act II from Lohengrin by Wagner, Selections from Carmen by Bizet, Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and the Phantasy Symphony’s theme March to the Scaffold from Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.
Last year, participants came from all around the Lehigh Valley and ranged in age from 21 to 77. The orchestra was comprised of amateur musicians representing a variety of disciplines including lawyers, photographers, engineers, scientists, students, and retirees.
Participants pay a $50 fee to participate in the event taking place over two days, with sectionals occurring on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 from 6:30-9:30pm, and a dress rehearsal from 3:00-4:40pm on Sunday, January 24, 2016. There will be a play-through informal performance from 5:00-6:00pm on Sunday, January 24 which is free and open to the public for participants to invite friends and family come see them perform on stage at Symphony Hall.
For more information and to register visit: http://www.millersymphonyhall.org/education-community/adult-education/phantasy-symphony/
The mission of the Allentown Symphony Association is to provide a first-class symphony orchestra and Hall, quality performing arts, and cultural education in partnership with the community.
Allentown Symphony Orchestra presents
Puccini’s Greatest Hits
Diane Wittry Music Director/Conductor
A Valentine’s Day Treat!
Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 7:30pm
Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 3:00pm
Whether you like Opera or not…this concert is definitely one of the easiest ways to fall in with Opera or just fall in love… after all it is Valentine’s Day weekend!
One of “the greatest composers of Italian opera and most universally known” Puccini has produced many great works which are played as standards. Of those featured on this program with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra accompanied by soloists from Philadelphia’s well-renowned Academy of Vocal Arts.
A perfect date night or spread the love and bring the whole family as students are FREE at all Allentown Symphony Orchestra performances this season!
Selections from: Featuring arias:
Madame Butterfly Nessun Dorma
La Bohéme O Mio Babbino Caro
Turandot O Soave Fanciulla
Soloists from Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts include:
Marina Costa-Jackson, Soprano Vanessa Vasques, Soprano
Dominick Chenes, Tenor Galeano Salas, Tenor
Most recently, one of the soloists Marina Costa-Jackson was the 2015 winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Gerda Lissner Foundation and the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation International Vocal Competitions makes her professional debut as Musetta with Michigan Opera Theatre in La Bohème, and as Leonora in Il Trovatore in Hong Kong. Further engagements at the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Municipal de Santiago, Welch National Opera, Seattle Opera, and Austin Lyric Opera are explained on her calendar. More information can be found out: http://www.marinacostajackson.com/index.html
LIVE ON STAGE
MUMMENSCHANZ
The Musicians of Silence
Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 8 pm
FAMILY FRIENDLY SHOW FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
In the wordless universe of Mummenschanz, the ordinary becomes extraordinary when common materials, everyday objects and colorful abstract shapes and forms like the famous “Clay Masks,” “Slinky Man” and “Giant Hands” spring to life. By creating a playful and compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects, Mummenschanz offers timeless insight on the human condition. The result transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination. The entire program of puppetry and visual antics is performed without music or sound.
The show will feature classic audience favorites, as well as brilliant new creations seen for the first time. Since its three year run on Broadway, Mummenschanz has pioneered a new form of visual theater and has toured in 60 countries on five continents. Mummenschanz was formed by founding members Andres Bossard, Floriana Frassetto and Bernie Schürch.
The New York Times applauds “My inner kid seldom stopped grinning. Its longevity is well earned” and The Boston Globe cheers “Mummenschanz mystifies and delights.” The Chicago Tribune exclaimed that the show “amuses and delights, still inspiring wonder and smiles” and The London Guardian raves “brilliantly effective.” “When we return to New York, we always feel like we are coming home,” said founder and performer Floriana Frassetto. “The ‘stories’ we tell are unique in that they have no sound or music and we hope that our show will awaken the little child in everyone.” http://www.mummenschanz.com/en/home
FAMILY SERIES – Musical Theatre
ASO FAMILY CONCERT
Once Upon an Orchestra:
Musical Fairy Tales
Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 2pm
Instrument Petting Zoo with pre-Concert Activities begin at 12:30 pm
Rodale Community Room
PROGRAM
Aladdin Overture Carl Nielsen
Festival in Baghdad, the Sea, the Shipwreck Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov
From Scheherazade – 1001 Nights
Introduction & The Lilac Fairy Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
From Sleeping Beauty
Featuring members of the Repertory Dance Theatre
Circus Parade Matthias Bamert
Conversations of Beauty and the Beast Maurice Ravel
From Mother Goose
Casey at Bat Steve Reinecke
The Witches Ride Englebert Humperdinck
From Hansel and Gretel
The fairy tales and stories we remember from our childhood expressed through the sounds of the orchestra. An event for the whole family, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra plays a program of orchestral classics for families and friends. Music from Aladdin, Scheherazade – 1001 Nights, Sleeping Beauty, Circus Parade, Beauty and the Beast, Casey at the Bat, Hansel and Gretel. A great way to introduce your child to orchestral music.
http://allentownsymphony.org/BuyTickets/AllentownSymphonyOrchestra/OnceUponanOrchestra.aspx
Lady Bug Girl & Bumblebee Boy
The Musical
Sat. Feb. 27, 2016 at 2 pm
Book, music and Lyrics by Scott Elmegreen Directed by Benjamin Hanna Based on the popular picture books by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy celebrates the power of imagination and promotes a sense of adventure and exploration of the world around you.
Inspired by the New York Times best-selling book series (with 10 titles and over 3.3 million copies in print), this lively new musical “buzzes” with the inventive energy of childhood, as Lulu, disappointed that she is too little to play baseball with her big brother, grabs her trusty sidekick, Bingo, the family dog, and goes off to the park, seeking adventure. Lulu meets up with her friends, Sam, Marley and Kiki and they morph into the Bug Squad as Ladybug Girl, Bumblebee Boy, Dragonfly Girl and Butterfly Girl fight the Mean Alien…or is that Lulu’s brother? Imagination will triumph! Tickets: $15 (plus fees) http://www.bsoinc.com/roster/
THE MET: LIVE IN HD
Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers)
Sunday, January 16, 2016 at 2 pm
Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de Perles ENCORE
Wednesday, February 03, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Bizet’s gorgeous opera of lust and longing set in the Far East returns to the Met stage for the first time in 100 years. Soprano Diana Damrau stars as Leïla, the beautiful Hindu priestess pursued by rival pearl divers competing for her hand. Her suitors are tenor Matthew Polenzani and baritone Mariusz Kwiecien, who sing the lilting duet “Au fond du temple saint,” which opera fans know and adore. Director Penny Woolcock explores the timeless themes of pure love, betrayal, and vengeance in a production that vividly creates an undersea world on the stage of the Met. Conductor Gianandrea Noseda brings his romantic flair to the lush score from the composer of Carmen.
Puccini’s Turandot
Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 12:55 pm
Puccini’s Turandot ENCORE
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Nina Stemme takes on the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand, opposite Marco Berti as Calàf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorma” and wins her love. Anita Hartig and Leah Crocetto share the role of Liù, the faithful slave girl. Franco Zeffirelli’s golden production is conducted by Paolo Carignani.
Tickets: $22-$20/$15 Students (plus fees)
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Jane Eyre
Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 7 pm
Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms.
From her beginnings as a destitute orphan, Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart.
This acclaimed re-imagining of Brontë’s masterpiece was first staged by Bristol Old Vic last year, when the story was performed over two evenings. Director Sally Cookson now brings her celebrated production to the National, presented as a single, exhilarating performance.
As You Like It
Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 7 pm
By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change comes to the National Theatre for the first time in over 30 years, with Rosalie Craig (London Road, Macbeth at MIF) as Rosalind.
With her father the Duke banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave their lives in the court behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden.
There, released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in love.
Tickets: $12 Student
$16 Senior – $18 Adult (plus fees)
http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
JAZZ CABARET
Jazz performances occur every third Friday of the month at 7:30 pm (unless otherwise noted) in the Rodale Community Room. Doors open at 7 pm. General admission includes two sets of music and light fare. Cash bar is available. Tickets: $25 advance/$30 at door
Expansions: The Dave Liebman Group
NEA Jazz Master
Featuring Music of Ornette Coleman
Friday, January 15, 2016 at 7:30 pm
http://www.daveliebman.com/DavidLiebmanGroup.php
Simon Mulligan Trio
Friday, February 19, 2016 at 7:30 pm
There is so much happening at Miller Symphony Hall. Make sure you do not miss a moment of it. You can sign up for their email list be clicking here!
