An after-concert party, Symphony and the Stars, will be held at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Performing Arts Center, 215 W. Michigan Ave., immediately following the March 17 concert. Erin Mazur and Marco Pullan are sponsoring the late-night refreshments. Special ticket packages are being offered. Two concert tickets and party passes are just $35. JSO season ticket holders may attend the party for $10 per person. Tickets are available at 782-3221 or at http://www.jacksonsymphony.org/tickets_events/tickets.html .
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
JSO taking listeners OUT OF THIS WORLD
A visual show will accompany the orchestra’s presentation of The Planets and the JSO’s talented Concertmaster and violinist, Xie Min, will perform the challenging Beethoven violin concerto.
“Brian Shaw, who is on the art faculty at Spring Arbor University, is developing a visual presentation to be played with The Planets that will explore not only the images we have of the planets and solar system but also the astrological meaning of the stars,” said Stephen Osmond, JSO Music Director and Conductor. “This is what Holst was originally after. He was in a way an amateur astrologist and typical of that era very influenced by Eastern cultures and religions.”
The Planets, composed between 1914 and 1916, has seven parts — each corresponding with the seven known planets at that time, excluding Earth. Holst described his work as a “series of mood pieces.” The Planets became extremely popular and the music has been imitated in Hollywood, most notably in the Star Wars movie. When the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930 (and later demoted in 2006), Holst declined to add another piece to his suite.
Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra was written in 1806 and is considered to be “the apex concerto for all violinists.” Remarkable proficiency in violin performance is required to perform this piece.
“It has always been my dream to play this music with an orchestra on stage and the JSO is giving me this wonderful opportunity to fulfill my wish,” Min said. “I have never had a chance to perform it with an orchestra before now.”
Some acclaimed violinists who have recorded Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra include Isaac Stern, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Arthur Grumiaux, Nathan Milstein, Itzhak Perlman, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Gil Shaham.
“I have listened to numerous recordings and all their performances have touched me in different ways,” Min said. “I cannot say who the best is. Maybe that is the beauty of Beethoven’s violin concerto. They all have put their own interpretations to this music. Some of them are more romantic, emotional; some are more pure and innocent; some are more lyrical and lovely; others are more enthusiastic and agitated. It totally depends on how you feel it.”
Great Lakes Caring is sponsoring this concert. The co-sponsor is Citizens Bank.
To order tickets, call 517-782-3221, ext. 118; visit http://www.jacksonsymphony.org/tickets_events/tickets.html; or stop by the orchestra’s downtown office at 215 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson. Tickets range from $18 to $32.
Ticket holders are invited to attend the complimentary and highly acclaimed pre-concert lecture series hosted by Dr. Bruce Brown, JSO’s Composer-in-Residence. Called Backstage Glimpses, the lectures take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Federer Rooms off the main floor lobby in the Potter Center. Allegiance Health sponsors Backstage Glimpses.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Challenging economy doesn't stop JSO from meeting goal
Event to celebrate successful Sound Vision campaign for orchestra
The public will have an opportunity on March 11 to view the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s transformed building and hear details about the successful Sound Vision fund-raising campaign, which is now completed. The celebration, beginning at 2 p.m., will include a press conference, a bit of music, a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the building.
“The financial generosity from the community and musicians was nothing short of overwhelming,” said Mary Spring, Director of Development of the JSO. “With a donated facility, valued at $720,000 and $3.5 million in monetary donations from the campaign, and the tireless efforts of scores of volunteers, I’m confident the JSO’s future is secure.”
The JSO facility houses not only the orchestra, but also the JSO Community Music School, Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Chorale and Children’s Choir, and Michigan Shakespeare Festival. More than 400 musicians and students use the JSO center weekly.
In July of 2007 Comerica Bank generously gave the JSO the building at 215 W. Michigan in the heart of downtown Jackson.
“With the ownership of the building came the responsibility of maintenance, but also the opportunity to invest in technology and renovations knowing that the property was good for the long term,” said campaign co-chair Phil Willis.
Thus, the JSO’s capital campaign was announced in February 2008. Excitement grew as plans were made to turn the building into an Education and Performing Arts Center. Another goal of the campaign was to expand the endowment fund. The Weatherwax Foundation gave the campaign a final push in November 2010 by offering a $500,000 challenge grant. The foundation matched dollar-for-dollar any new donations up to $500,000.
As funds came in from individuals, foundations and local businesses, building improvements were made, programs expanded and technology upgraded. Initially, a new facade was built, a kiosk installed outdoors to publicize events and adult education classes added.
Now, the building has been completely renovated with major improvements to the lighting and acoustical properties. The Education Center has been modernized to take advantage of the learning space. There’s also been significant additions and upgrades to teaching and recording technology. A rehearsal/recital space has been created as well as office space to accommodate the staff, youth orchestra, chorale and members of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival.
“Reshaping the education level to accommodate class as well as private instruction expanded the scope of offerings extensively,” said Stephen Osmond, Music Director and Conductor of the JSO. “On the main level, the goal was to provide for the orchestra the finest rehearsal venue possible. New lighting was researched, designed and installed with excellent results. An acoustic plan was needed to maintain the liveliness of the space as well as provide an acoustically dry environment for rehearsal. Tracks of curtains made it possible to "tune" the hall for any group or individual rehearsal or performance.”
Among the participants in this event are Board Chair, Dr. Jon Lake; campaign leaders Phil Willis, immediate past chair of the JSO, founder of Willis and Jurasek CPAs; Pat Willis, founding partner of Willis and Machnik Investments; Tom Evanson, CPA; Nancy Evanson reading teacher/consultant; Rick Davies, retired Banker; Deb Davies, retired English professor and poet; Conductor Stephen Osmond; and Mary Spring, Development Director of the JSO.
Go to http://www.jacksonsymphony.org/tickets_events/openhouse2012.html for a sneak peek!
The public will have an opportunity on March 11 to view the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s transformed building and hear details about the successful Sound Vision fund-raising campaign, which is now completed. The celebration, beginning at 2 p.m., will include a press conference, a bit of music, a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the building.
“The financial generosity from the community and musicians was nothing short of overwhelming,” said Mary Spring, Director of Development of the JSO. “With a donated facility, valued at $720,000 and $3.5 million in monetary donations from the campaign, and the tireless efforts of scores of volunteers, I’m confident the JSO’s future is secure.”
The JSO facility houses not only the orchestra, but also the JSO Community Music School, Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Chorale and Children’s Choir, and Michigan Shakespeare Festival. More than 400 musicians and students use the JSO center weekly.
In July of 2007 Comerica Bank generously gave the JSO the building at 215 W. Michigan in the heart of downtown Jackson.
“With the ownership of the building came the responsibility of maintenance, but also the opportunity to invest in technology and renovations knowing that the property was good for the long term,” said campaign co-chair Phil Willis.
Thus, the JSO’s capital campaign was announced in February 2008. Excitement grew as plans were made to turn the building into an Education and Performing Arts Center. Another goal of the campaign was to expand the endowment fund. The Weatherwax Foundation gave the campaign a final push in November 2010 by offering a $500,000 challenge grant. The foundation matched dollar-for-dollar any new donations up to $500,000.
As funds came in from individuals, foundations and local businesses, building improvements were made, programs expanded and technology upgraded. Initially, a new facade was built, a kiosk installed outdoors to publicize events and adult education classes added.
Now, the building has been completely renovated with major improvements to the lighting and acoustical properties. The Education Center has been modernized to take advantage of the learning space. There’s also been significant additions and upgrades to teaching and recording technology. A rehearsal/recital space has been created as well as office space to accommodate the staff, youth orchestra, chorale and members of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival.
“Reshaping the education level to accommodate class as well as private instruction expanded the scope of offerings extensively,” said Stephen Osmond, Music Director and Conductor of the JSO. “On the main level, the goal was to provide for the orchestra the finest rehearsal venue possible. New lighting was researched, designed and installed with excellent results. An acoustic plan was needed to maintain the liveliness of the space as well as provide an acoustically dry environment for rehearsal. Tracks of curtains made it possible to "tune" the hall for any group or individual rehearsal or performance.”
Among the participants in this event are Board Chair, Dr. Jon Lake; campaign leaders Phil Willis, immediate past chair of the JSO, founder of Willis and Jurasek CPAs; Pat Willis, founding partner of Willis and Machnik Investments; Tom Evanson, CPA; Nancy Evanson reading teacher/consultant; Rick Davies, retired Banker; Deb Davies, retired English professor and poet; Conductor Stephen Osmond; and Mary Spring, Development Director of the JSO.
Go to http://www.jacksonsymphony.org/tickets_events/openhouse2012.html for a sneak peek!
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