Cellist, Midcoast Symphony to perform at Franco gala
These will all be part of the Franco-American Heritage Center's Gala and Benefit Concert, featuring Maine's Midcoast Symphony Orchestra and internationally acclaimed guest cellist Emmanuel Feldman.
The black-tie-optional event, the Franco center's major fundraiser, will be held Saturday, Oct. 24.
There will be a reception at 6 p.m. at Heritage Hall, which will be decorated with a Mediterranean theme. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by The Falls, Heidi's Deli, Heritage Café, Wei Lei, Rolly's, Gritty's and City Side Grill. Desserts will be provided by Unique Catering Solutions, The Bread Shack, Toni and Elaine's Baklava and Grant's Bakery.
Following the 7:30 p.m. concert, there will be a champagne reception when patrons can meet the conductor, Feldman and other members of the orchestra.
For the gala, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, one of the center's resident groups, will present Richard Wagner's "Rienzi Overture;" Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme," op. 33; and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica."
An ensemble of 60 musicians, the MSO performs a range of music from classical to modern, under the direction of Rohan Smith. The Oct. 24 performance is the first concert of the orchestra's 20th anniversary season. The concert will be repeated Oct. 25 at Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham.
Known for his intense soulful playing and a broad range of styles, Feldman has emerged as one of the most innovative cellists of his generation. He is a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, champion of new music and educator.
With a repertoire ranging from Bach to Ligeti, Feldman has concertized throughout Europe and North America. He has performed as soloist with the Boston Pops, Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Greensboro Festival Orchestra, Boston Philharmonic, Boston Modern Orchestra Project and New England String Ensemble. He has joined forces with such artists as the Mark Morris Dance Group, Rebecca Rice Dance, Aurea Ensemble and renowned pop and jazz artist Bobby McFerrin.
A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music with additional studies at the Paris Conservatory, Feldman is on the cello faculty of Tufts University, Brown University and New England Conservatory's Preparatory and School for Continuing Education.
Tickets to the Gala and Benefit Concert are $50 per person and may be purchased by calling 689-2000 or online at www.francoamericanheritage.org.
As part of its anniversary celebration, the MSO is giving one complimentary companion ticket to season ticket buyers. Season tickets for four concerts at the Orion Performing Arts Center (at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, Jan. 17, March 21, and May 16) are $48. Single concert tickets are $15. Season tickets for three concerts at the Franco center (at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, March 20 and May 15) are $36. To purchase season tickets, go online to www.midcoastsymphony.org or call 846-5378.
