Philharmonic conductor to push his orchestra in new directions
Ellis plans a diverse mix of music for 2009-2010 season
Click here to see the video
Symphony lovers in Prince George's County don't have to travel far to enjoy fine musical selections.
The Prince George's Philharmonic is kicking off its 2009-2010 season Oct. 17, and philharmonic members have been spending Wednesday nights practicing for the season opener of traditional pieces by Tchaikovsky. Music director and principal conductor Charles Ellis characterized this season's selections as "very diverse."
"We're doing everything but central European romantic music, and that's kind of the core of symphonic repertoire," Ellis said.
This season includes pieces by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, Mexican composer Arturo Marquez, American composer James Beckel, Austrian composer Wolfgang Mozart and German composer Ludwig van Beethoven.
"I thought it was a good way to stretch the orchestra," Ellis said of the musical selections. "It's part of what a music director does over a span of time, is to grow his or her orchestra."
Varying soloists will join the philharmonic for performances throughout the season, Executive Director Brenton Benfield said.
The philharmonic typically consists of 65 to 80 members, and performances are about two hours long. Benfield said the shows are easy for audience members to access and they provide high culture even in a down economic climate.
"Especially in the economic times we're in, it's a good bargain," Benfield said. "Our ticket prices are pretty low and the events are pretty easy to get in and out of. [Audiences] don't have to go into downtown Baltimore or downtown [Washington,] D.C."
IF YOU GO
Prince George's Philharmonic 2009-2010 Schedule
8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Prince George's Community College
8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Bowie Performing Arts Center
8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Prince George's Community College
8 p.m. March 20 at Bowie Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $20, $18 seniors and 18-and-younger free
Information: www.pgphilharmonic.org
Venues
Prince George's Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo
Bowie Performing Arts Center, 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie
Copyright © Post-Newsweek Media, Inc./Gazette.Net