RPO Presents “Nature’s Realm” in Three Free Concerts

Rochester, NY – Both prior to and following the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s “official” season opener on October 8 in the renovated Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, the community will have an opportunity to hear the Orchestra in three different free concerts as part of its 2009-10 Around the Town series. Conductor for Education and Outreach Michael Butterman (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair) takes the orchestra to Hilton and two different City venues on Wednesday, September 30; Friday, October 16; and Saturday, October 17. The short, informal themed concerts – In Nature’s Realm, with descriptions and discussion by Mr. Butterman – demonstrate how nature has served to inspire composers throughout the generations. From Debussy’s transcendent Clair de Lune to Bill Whelan’s vigorous Music from Riverdance, and from Robert Schumann’s “Spring” Symphony to Johann Strauss, Jrs.’ Thunder and Lighting Polka, the concert invites audience participation and conversation.

The concert dates and venues are as follows:
• Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 pm; School of the Arts (45 Prince St., Rochester)
• Friday, October 16 at 7:30 pm; First Bible Baptist Church (990 Manitou Rd., Hilton)
• Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 pm; Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Church (1089 Joseph Ave., Rochester)

The Around the Town program is a community partnership in which the RPO moves from the concert hall into various neighborhoods to perform six free concerts per year designed to engage audiences with light classics and familiar favorites.  Venues include houses of worship and other community locations.  The partner venues assist with promoting the concert in their neighborhood and serve as liaison between the RPO and their community.  Around the Town concerts are sponsored by The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, the Joseph C. and Marie C. Wilson Foundation, and Xerox Corporation

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