Philharmonic's season opener will be 'fantastique'
eMusic Wire/10246484

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - eMusicWire -- The Michigan Philharmonic begins its 78^th season with an opening night concert, "A Fantastique First," planned for Saturday, Sept. 30 at Salem High School.

The 7:30 p.m. performance features a world premiere by an Uruguayan-born composer, a lush and fascinating romantic symphony by Hector Berlioz and a unique mom and son duo performing as soloists.

As one of Michigan's finest orchestras, the Plymouth-based Philharmonic celebrates a wide range of classical and pops music that connects, engages, and creates unique experiences. This year the symphony is also celebrating the 25^th year being led by their longtime conductor, Nan Washburn.

As an award-winning Music Director and Conductor, Washburn is the second longest running conductor in the organization's 78-year history and has helped shape the Phil's music and community programs.

Three pieces will be performed at the season opener. First up is "Overture No. 1 in E minor" by Louise Farrenc, a French composer, virtuoso pianist and teacher of the Romantic period.

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The world premiere piece, "Concierto con Brio," is by composer Miguel del Aguila. It features oboe and clarinet solos from the Phil's very own mother and son tandem, Ryan and Nancy Ambrose King. There will also be a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. with Washburn and del Aguila.

A three-time Grammy nominated American composer, del Aguila was born in Uruguay. In over 135 works that combine drama, driving rhythms and nostalgic nods to his South American roots, he has established himself among the most distinctive and highly regarded composers of his generation. He currently lives in Seattle.

The final piece of the evening is Berlioz's thrilling "Symphony Fantastique Op 14," composed in 1830 and considered an important piece of the Romantic period that has sometimes been described as "dream-like" or even "hallucinatory."

Tickets for the opening night are available at the Philharmonic's website: www.michiganphil.org. For information, contact (734) 451-2112.