Southern Georgia Symphony Unveiled
SAVANNAH, GA. - A press event was held today, unveiling plans to bring a full season of symphonic music back to the area. Board members announced The Southern Georgia Symphony will play an exciting, six-season performance series in Savannah, beginning on September 24, 2006.
The Southern Georgia Symphony is a partnership between Georgia Southern University and other organizations committed to bringing a high-quality symphonic series to the coastal region, including WTOC-TV, East Georgia Regional Medical Center, the Coastal Empire Publishing Company, the Statesboro Herald, Connect Savannah, Connect Statesboro and Northland Cable.
"We've been working since last year on developing this new collaborative partnership," said Mark Edwards, board chair of the Southern Georgia Symphony. "We are committed to serving the artistic needs of people along the coast from Bluffton to Savannah and southward. I believe that as our subscription series and our educational outreach become increasingly visible, we will contribute enormously to the cultural wealth and economic development of the area."
Through this partnership, Georgia Southern University will contribute the recognized talent of Cheung Chau, who will serve as music director and conductor of the symphony. Chau is a highly acclaimed conductor and cellist who frequently conducts orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
"This opportunity is unique as it creates a new institution, dedicated to the musical life of this entire region and involving the extraordinary talent of musicians who live here," said Chau. "I look forward to working with professional musicians who bring guidance, discipline, and experience to their involvement, with talented young musicians, who bring freshness, curiosity, and enthusiasm, as well as accomplished community members. All of them bring a love of music-making that will enrich every performance."
Six performances are planned in Savannah for the 2006-2007 season, including:
Sunday, Sept. 24, Slavic Passions, 3 p.m. - Lucas Theatre
Tuesday, Oct. 17, Southern Georgia Symphony Chamber Players, 8 p.m. - Lucas Theatre
Tuesday, Nov. 28, Holiday Concert, 8 p.m. - Lucas Theatre
Saturday, Feb. 17, Bach, Barber, and Strauss, 8 p.m. - Lucas Theatre
Tuesday, April 10, Music in Memoriam, 8 p.m. - Lucas Theatre
Tuesday, May 1, Pops Concert-Mercer and The Movies, 8 p.m. - Johnny Mercer Theatre
As a prelude to the 2006-2007 performance season, the Southern Georgia Symphony will perform Mozart's final masterpiece, "Requiem," on Monday, April 10, at 8 p.m. at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn. Tickets can be purchased at the SCAD Box Office, 216 E. Broughton St., (912) 525-5050 or online at www.scadboxoffice.com.
Dvorak: Cello Concerto
From 1892-1895, Dvorak was the Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York where he wrote the New World Symphony and the American Quartet.
Hear Dvorak at our Slavic Passions Concert September 23 & 24 »
