Renowned Country Singer Wynonna Judd Makes RPO Debut
Rochester, NY – “Country” comes to the City on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15 at 8:00 pm, as renowned country singer Wynonna Judd makes her Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra debut on its Wegmans WPOP series under Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik. “I’ve been wanting to work with Wynonna Judd for years and to have her AND Don Potter both on stage will be a joy!” said Tyzik.
One of Rochester’s favorites, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist Don Potter – who last appeared with the RPO in the historic recreation of the “Friends and Love” concert with Chuck Mangione in May 2007 – will be featured in a solo spotlight with the Orchestra on the concert’s first half, and as Wynonna’s signature band guitarist on the second.
With a distinctively mellow and lyrical voice, Potter will perform songs with which he has been inextricably linked, including “Over the Rainbow” and “Unchain My Heart.” Also scheduled are “And Still Be Loving You” and “Paris Without You,” both by Kim Carnes and Dave Ellingson, and “I’m Gonna Fly Someday” by Bruce Cockburn. With a history of more than 40 years as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, recording artist, and producer, Don Potter has performed with many of the greatest names in the music industry. He has been a top producer on many major projects in Nashville, but is best known as the creator of the Judds’ sound. He has been involved with Wynonna’s career since it began when she was 18.
A world-renowned vocalist and entertainer, Wynonna has sold more than 10 million units as a solo artist, and won top Female Vocalist honors from the Academy of Country Music. Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and her life story, this music veteran has celebrated 20 #1 hits and a multitude of gold and platinum records. Innovative, inspired and imaginative, Wynonna continues to touch the hearts and souls of many with her powerful, soulful voice and presence. This holiday season, Wynonna embarks on her second-annual Christmas tour in support of her critically acclaimed Top 10 Billboard Country album, “A Classic Christmas.” Wynonna’s next solo album – “What the World Needs Now is Love” – is scheduled for release in February 2009.
As the concert’s second half, Wynonna will perform many of her greatest hits as well as timeless standards. Although final repertoire is subject to change, it is likely that songs will include “I’m in the Mood for Love,” “Dream Chaser,” “Change the World,” “Heaven Help Me,” “It’s the Messiah,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Love Can Build a Bridge,” among many others.
Tickets for these performances range from $36-$90, and are available online 24/7 at www.rpo.org, by phone (454-2100); in person from the RPO Box Office, Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm (non-concert Saturdays, 10:00 am-3:00 pm); and seven days a week at area Wegmans. A convenience fee may apply. Students and senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount on advance single ticket purchases as well as half-price rush tickets beginning at 10:00 am on the concert day, subject to availability. Special rates for groups of 10 or more also are available from the RPO Box Office; call 454-2100. The WPOP Series is sponsored by Wegmans; Wynonna Judd’s appearance is made possible by Xerox; this concert is sponsored by Thomson Reuters and Friends of Jeff.
Celebrating its 86th season in 2008-09, the RPO inspires and enriches the community through the art of music, presenting nearly 200 performances each season to a combined audience of an estimated quarter of a million people, including more than 70,000 who experience the RPO’s broad range of educational and community programs. The Orchestra is passionately dedicated to outstanding musical performance at the highest artistic levels, and has a unique tradition of musical versatility, commitment to music education in the broadest sense and a deep and enduring engagement with the community. The RPO has been honored with the New York State Governor’s Arts Award and two ASCAP awards for adventurous programming.
