Press release from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic:
Fort Wayne Philharmonic musicians donate services for benefit concerts: Music for Everyone
The professional musicians of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, in an act of generosity unprecedented in the 66-year history of the orchestra, are donating their services for three benefit concerts, titled “Fanfare: Music for Everyone” on September 4 and 5 at the Foellinger Theatre.
With the full support of the American Federation of Musicians Local 58, the orchestra will present “Fanfare: Music for Everyone” at Foellinger Theatre, under the direction of newly appointed Music Director Designate Andrew Constantine. Violinist Jaime Laredo, former Philharmonic Artistic Advisor, along with wife and cellist Sharon Robinson, will perform at the opening classics concert. They, along with Maestro Constantine, will donate their professional services.
This musical manifestation of generosity offers the community a grand opportunity to enjoy its outstanding orchestra and to appreciate how this cultural gem enriches the lives of people in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. The impetus for this event came from the desire of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association (the organization of the Philharmonic musicians) to reinforce the need for the community’s support to maintain the integrity and vitality of the Philharmonic. The funds raised from this concert will go towards supporting a balanced budget in the 2009 -2010 season.
The weekend of concerts begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 4 with “An Evening of Light Classics.” Among the classical favorites will be Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, and Saint-Saen’s The Muse and the Poet. Joining the Philharmonic musicians for this concert, in addition to Laredo and Robinson, will be the Old Crown Brass Band and the Fort Wayne Ballet.
The theme of the matinee performance at 2 p.m on Saturday, September 5, will be “Family Favorites.” This concert for the young and young-at-heart will feature Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals and music from Pirates of the Caribbean, along with other favorites.
The final concert of the weekend, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, will feature music of “Stage & Screen.” Familiar tunes from Hollywood and Broadway, including John Williams selections from Saving Private Ryan and Star Wars, to Broadway favorites including West Side Story and Carousel, will set the proper mood for a summer night under the stars. The Blue River Big Band and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus will share the stage this evening.
In addition to the donated services of the musicians and performers, this weekend of classical music at Foellinger Theatre is supported by:
- Do it Best Corp.
- Navistar
- Downtown Improvement District
- One Lucky Guitar
- Keefer Printing
- PUNCH Films
- Burkhart Advertising
- WANE-TV
- Whatzup
- WLDE
- WAJI
- WOWO
- Summit City Radio Group
- Northeast Indiana Public Radio
- Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation
Tickets can be purchased by calling 481-0777, online, as well as at the Philharmonic box office, the Embassy Theatre box office, and the Foellinger Theatre. The cost is $10 per concert for all ages, general admission seating.
Donations will be gratefully accepted by calling 481-0776 or can be made at the Philharmonic box office, located at 4901 Fuller Drive, Fort Wayne, In 46835.
About the Fort Wayne Philharmonic
Now performing its 66th season, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic recently appointed Andrew Constantine as its Music Director Designate. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is a member of the League of American Orchestras and a funded member of Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, the Indiana Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts. For additional information, log on to our website: www.fwphil.org.
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