New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Photo: Alexander Schimpf and Christopher James Lees.
On Saturday, October 15, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra opens its 101st season and launches the final phase of its search for a new music director. Over the course of the 2016-2017 season, each of the four finalists will take a turn conducting a classical concert. Up first is Christopher James Lees, Music Director for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra. Lees is becoming widely recognized for his passionate and nuanced orchestral performances and his natural charisma in front of audiences around the world.
The season opening concert is titled “Powerful Beauty.” This unabashedly beautiful concert features widely recognized masterpieces, emerging from the vivid imagination of three distinct composers whose remarkable musical voices, each as extraordinary as they are unique, guarantee an arresting evening of hummable melodies and unquestionable beauty. Internationally acclaimed pianist Alexander Schimpf joins the NBSO in performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto, while the NBSO also performs Adam Schoenberg’s Finding Rothko, inspired by works of American painter Mark Rothko, and Dvorak’s magnificent Symphony No. 8.
Powerful Beauty will take place on October 15 at 7:30pm, at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in downtown New Bedford. Concert sponsor is Robert B. Feingold & Associates, P.C. Tickets are $25‒$60, student tickets are $10 (not available online). Purchase tickets through the Z box office, 508-994-2900, or online at www.nbsymphony.org. Free and convenient concert parking is available in the Z garage. Please join us before the performance for Mr. Lee’s pre-concert talk on the evening’s program at 6:30pm in the Penler Space (adjoining The Z), free and open to the public. Concertgoers are invited to join us in the Penler Space after the performance to meet Mr. Lees. Reception sponsor is Russell Morin Catering & Events.
We want you to help us choose our next Music Director by sharing your impressions of the finalists after each concert. Learn more about the season and the finalists on our website at www.nbsymphony.org.
You deserve a symphony in your life—the New Bedford Symphony! The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with prize-winning guest artists from around the world, as well as a chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach 30,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast. Visit www.nbsymphony.org for more information.
