2023-2024 SEASON ANNOUNCED
Date: Mar 28, 2023
Season opens with superstar pianist Yefim Bronfman; Season Finale: Beethoven’s epic 9th Symphony wraps up a classical season of joyful music. 25th Schadt String Competition with two previous winners performing with the Orchestra. Anniversaries abound – George Gershwin and Duke Ellington 125th,Henry Mancini 100th, and 200th Anniversary of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Presenting five women composers, five African heritage composers, one South American composer and two world premieres including one by our new composer in residence. Plus, one night only at the PPL Center: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back in concert with film and live orchestra.
Allentown, PA - The Allentown Symphony Orchestra announces its 73rd season of concerts for 2023-2024. Living Music represents our mission to bring quality musical performances to our community of exceptional artistic and educational value where every person is respected and valued.
Since 1995, the Allentown Symphony, Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry, and audiences from the Lehigh Valley have enjoyed seasons filled with favorites and new discoveries. This season is no exception and continues to deliver outstanding symphonic concerts of classical and pops music to this region. The vast ocean of great music provides ample opportunity to sample amazing musical creations. Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry has uncovered several infrequently performed works that deserve to be heard. “I believe concerts should be fun and yet also inspirational,” says Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry, commenting on the 23-24 season. “I feel that the connections made through this music should widen our view of the world and that the music can help bring us all closer together.” This theme culminates in a grand finale with Beethoven’s epic 9th Symphony “Ode to Joy”, the anthem of human creativity and universal brotherhood.
More information and subscription packages are available at MillerSymphonyHall.org, or call the Box Office at 610-432-6715.
Classical Series
Opening Weekend (October 14 & 15) showcases superstar pianist Yefim Bronfman performing the perennial favorite of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. As a maturing composer, Brahms’ works grew ever grander even though he referred to works such as this as his little piano pieces. These symphonic concertos are anything but little. Louise Farrenc was a Frenchwoman of remarkable musical abilities. Her skill as a performer was widely recognized but surpassed by that as a composer and her passion was for large scale symphonic scores like the Symphony No. 3 at a time when the obstacles for a woman made any sort of success hard. This charming work lay forgotten for years until it was rediscovered where we may enjoy it fully. Starburst by American composer and New York Native, Jessie Montgomery is packed with energetic motives and layers of bright, swirling ideas, Starburst reflects the formation of new stars in a galaxy.
Mozart & More (November 11 & 12) Guitarist Petrit Çeku (Peh-Treet Check-oo) returns to Allentown as a previous winner (2011) of the prestigious Schadt String Competition celebrating its 25th edition. Performing two of the most popular guitar works in the repertoire Antonio Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto in D and Joaquin Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre. The Allentown Symphony will present the world premiere of a work by new Composer in Residence Clarice Assad. Plus, perennial wedding favorite G.F. Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon. W. A. Mozart’s great Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” was his last and remains his most popular. An instant hit from the beginning created anew in every performance since.
The Passion of Carmen (February 10 & 11) Tone poem for viola, cello and orchestra or virtuoso concerto? You decide! Inspired by the original novel by Cervantes, Don Quixote is Strauss’ large orchestra variations on a knightly character. Promiscuous Don Giovanni abuses and outrages everyone before coming to a demon-filled end. Naive Don José is seduced by the fiery Carmen. Dragged into depravity he finally kills her in furious rage. Love and passion inspire the greatest music of romance to ever appear on the opera stage. Romance. Passion. Happily, ever after? Not so much. Regardless, the Allentown Symphony will delight in performing the overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart and selections from Bizet’s operatic masterpiece Carmen.
From the Scottish Highlands (March 9 & 10) In a musical tour of the banks and braes of bonnie Scotland, violinist and previous Schadt String Competition Winner (2018) Timothy Chooi performs Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy based on traditional folk melodies. The first full scale symphony by a female American Composer was the “Gaelic” Symphony by Amy Beach, who was influenced by Anton Dvořák to incorporate folk music elements in their works. Her choice was to look to her British roots for inspiration. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was among the best known of Afro-British composers in London. His Bamboula is a Rhapsodic Dance drawn from African traditions and is sure to get your toes tapping.
Beethoven’s Ninth – Season Finale (April 13 & 14) Living music at its most sublime. The “Ode to Joy” speaks to our wish to all get along with our fellow humans. The tune turns up everywhere, but it is best heard the way genius Beethoven imagined but never heard himself due to his tragic deafness. Beethoven’s greatest work has inspired countless others including our own Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry to compose her own “Ode to Joy” Fanfare and for the Allentown Symphony to commission a world premiere by rising star composer Joe Jaxson. Plus hear Florence Price’s tender Andante Cantabile for String Orchestra and Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on “Amazing Grace.”
Pops Series
In August 2022, Associate/Pops Conductor Ronald Demkee announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2023-2024 Season giving the Allentown Symphony Association an opportunity to celebrate his long and storied tenure with the orchestra. Our Pops season thus includes as many Ronald Demkee favorites as possible and audiences are sure to appreciate these timeless selections.
GERSHWIN, BERLIN & FRIENDS
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Byron Stripling, trumpet
Sydney McSweeney, vocals
Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 7:30pm
The toe-tapping, finger-snapping program shines the spotlight on the music of America's earliest songwriters, including George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and others. Joined by world-renowned trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling.
HOLIDAY POPS
Diane Wittry, conductor
Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
A sell-out last season and now an Allentown holiday music tradition! Classics, carols, sing-alongs, and plenty of surprises (including a visit from a North Pole resident.) Perfect for family, friends, and co-workers.
LUSH LIFE - Music of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn
Diane Wittry, conductor
Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 7:30pm
The smooth, seductive sound of Duke Ellington and those Billy Strayhorn standards: "Satin Doll," "Take the A Train," and more. It won't mean a thing if you're not there to swing.
ELLA & FRANK
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocals
Tony DeSare, vocals
Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30pm
Frank Sinatra gave his swingin' style to song. Ella Fitzgerald brought her beauty and power to every note. Tony DeSare and Capathia Jenkins celebrate the legacy of these legends.
Remember When Rock Was Young
A TRIBUTE TO SIR ELTON JOHN
Starring Craig A. Meyer
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Craig A. Meyer, vocals
Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm
The songs of Elton John. The soundtrack of five decades. All your favorite memories: "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?," "Tiny Dancer," "Candle in the Wind, "Your Song," and more. Nearly two dozen Sir Elton standards as conducted by Ronald Demkee in his final Pops performance!
Jazz Upstairs Series
Spend a splendid evening in the grandeur of Miller Symphony Hall’s intimate Rodale room. The perfect spot to take in an evening of jazz with the sparkling city lights beyond the arched windows. Cash bar and concessions are available on the third floor. Advanced ticket purchases of $30 recommended for this smaller performance space. $35 at the door.
JIM MEYER GROUP
Friday, June 16, 2023, at 7:30pm
SPENCER REED & NANCY REED
Friday, July 21, 2023, at 7:30pm
AUGUST IN AUGUST-A GENE PERLA RETROSPECTIVE
Friday, August 18, 2023, at 7:30pm
FRANK DIBUSSOLO – A BUCKY PIZZARELLI TRIBUTE
Friday, September 8, 2023, at 7:30pm
THE ANDERSON BROTHERS PLAY GERSHWIN
Friday, October 20, 2023, at 7:30pm
JOSHUA ESPINOZA TRIO
Friday, November 17, 2023, at 7:30pm
CRAIG THATCHER & NYKE VAN WYK HOLIDAY SHOW
Friday, December 8, 2023, at 7:30pm
Series continues monthly in 2024. Programs and artists TBD.
Special Concert Events
Golden Silents: SAFETY LAST
The Allentown Band
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 7:30 pm
The Allentown Band continues its Halloween weekend, classic silent film tradition with the dizzying, high-story thrill comedy Safety Last, featuring “The Man on the Clock” Harold Lloyd. A new score specially composed for the film’s centennial by Band and ASO clarinetist Stephen Reisteter.
Repertory Dance Theatre's
NUTCRACKER*
with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm
The magic of RDT's Nutcracker brings enchantment to your holidays! Professional guest artists are joined by a cast of 100 dancers with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the ASO.
(*Note: These performances are not included in the free student tickets offer.)
ASO Family Concert: MUSIC IN MOTION
Diane Wittry, conductor
Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm
Introduce the children in your life to great music. Their very first encounter with Beethoven, Wagner, Strauss and more will delight and inspire. With Diane Wittry as host!
STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK IN CONCERT TO FEATURE ICONIC SCORE PERFORMED LIVE TO FILM*
Concert Features Composer John Williams’ Complete Score from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Performed Live to Picture by the ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Conducted by THIAGO TIBERIO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023, AT 7:30 PM at the PPL Center
“Following our successful presentation of Star Wars: A New Hope in May 2022, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to be continuing the Star Wars saga at the PPL Center with The Empire Strikes Back,” commented Allentown Symphony Executive Director Al Jacobsen. “Last May, we received enthusiastic feedback about how amazing the Allentown Symphony Orchestra sounded. Audience members said it was just like the music in the original film and often more noticeable since the volume of the music in the film is often turned down below the dialogue and sound effects,” Jacobsen added.
Tickets available now through the PPL Center Website: www.PPLCenter.com.
(*Note: These performances are not included in the free student tickets offer.)
Education & Community Engagement
We are excited for the emergence of many of our flagship educational and community engagement programs from their pandemic enforced hibernation. Our program designs have evolved in response to the changing needs of our educational partners. The successful launch of our Orchestra Lab is ready to engage musical sound explorers in schools and community events. We are eager to bring more students back to live orchestral music in the acoustic gem that is the historic Miller Symphony Hall through programs such as our Youth and Family Concerts and Young Musicians String Festival. El Sistema Lehigh Valley enrollment continues to grow and we are very proud of the students who represent this program in multiple performances throughout the year. Our composer community has also expanded, welcoming new works from musicians throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities. In March 2024 we celebrate the 25th edition of the Schadt String Competition.
New Composer in Residence
This fall we welcome our new Composer in Residence Clarice Assad. A powerful communicator renowned for her musical scope and versatility, Brazilian-American Clarice Assad is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world music, pop, and jazz genres. The Grammy Award–nominated composer, celebrated pianist, inventive vocalist, and educator is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range. With her talent sought-after by artists and organizations worldwide, the polyglot musician continues to attract new audiences both onstage and off. Clarice Assad’s residency with the Allentown Symphony will last for two seasons and include performances and commissions of her works, Educational community engagement through talks, lessons, teaching and school visits and curatorship of the New Music Chamber concerts.
25th Biennial Schadt String Competition
The Schadt String Competition is the biennial national solo string competition of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Begun in 1997 following a bequest to the Allentown Symphony Association from Edwin H. and Leigh W. Schadt, the competition alternates every other year between violin and cello. The First Prize includes a cash award of $12,000 and a solo concerto engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra during the season following each competition. This season features two previous winners as soloists with the orchestra. Guitarist Petrit Çeku (winner in 2011) performs Antonio Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto in D and Joaquin Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre in November. Violinist Timothy Chooi (winner in 2018) performs Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy in March. Deadline for applications in the 2024 Competition for cello is on December 15, 2023.
MET Opera Series
Returning again this season is our increasingly popular The Met: Live in HD performances. The Met’s 2022–23 season of live broadcast transmissions continues through June with an extraordinary lineup, including Lohengrin, Falstaff and The Magic Flute. The new season lineup will be announced by the Met later in the summer and is sure to include exciting company premieres, new productions, and classic repertory favorites. More information on The Met Opera Series will be available when it is released by the Met.
73rd Annual Symphony Ball – Night on Broadway
Save the Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023, Delta by Marriott, Breinigsville, PA
You are invited! Along with our honorary chair, Laurie Hackett of Air Products, please join us as we celebrate a Night on Broadway at the 73rd annual Ball. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing, music and entertainment while networking with the community to support the Allentown Symphony Association. Each year proceeds from our annual Ball go to support the education and community engagement programs, like El Sistema Lehigh Valley. We count on YOU to help us make a difference. More information about the Ball will be forthcoming.
ABOUT THE ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION (ASA)/ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (ASO) MILLER SYMPHONY HALL (MSH)
Operating the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO), El Sistema Lehigh Valley (ESLV) and owner/operator of Miller Symphony Hall, the ASA is one of the region’s premier arts organizations.
Each year, the ASO performs more than 20 classical, pops, educational, and family concerts. In 2014 and again in 2017, the orchestra received the national American Prize for “orchestral excellence.” With passion and finesse, the ASO, led by Music Director & Conductor Diane Wittry, plays time-honored masterworks, newly commissioned world premieres, and intriguing repertoire, including works by prominent new composers.
Exciting world-class artists that have performed with the ASO include Midori, Emanuel Ax, Angela Meade, and Peter Serkin, as well as jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and Broadway vocalist Christiane Noll. The orchestra’s classically trained musicians include players from the major urban centers of New York, Baltimore-D.C., and Philadelphia.
Music Director Diane Wittry is known for her innovative programming style, using video, dancers, subtitles, and other visuals that give her concerts a sense of occasion. She has been a stellar advocate for music education outreach for all ages and skill levels.
Lehigh Valley native Ronald Demkee serves as the ASO’s Associate/Pops Conductor and celebrates a season long grand finale in this role. The two previous ASO Music Directors were Donald Voorhees, the distinguished conductor of the studio orchestra for NBC’s Emmy-award-winning “The Bell Telephone Hour,” and William Smith, Assistant Conductor to the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy.
The ASO has received music commissioning grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and from the League of American Orchestras in support of its El Sistema-inspired program for at-risk youth. The ASA also annually hosts the National Schadt String Competition, which attracts top young performers from all over the world.
As it has for the last 73 years, the ASO continues its pursuit of excellence with passion, keeping alive the legacy of masterworks while bringing the works of modern masters to the concert stage for the entire community.
ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
23 N. 6th St., Allentown, PA 18101
BOX OFFICE: 610-432-6715
Allentown Symphony Association, owner/operator of Miller Symphony Hall, is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Complete Performance Listing (In date order)
JIM MEYER GROUP - Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, June 16, 2023, at 7:30pm
DISNEY IN CONCERT: A MAGICAL CELEBRATION - ASO Pops Series*
Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 7:30 PM (Part of the 2022-2023 Season)
MAGICAL. This new Disney in Concert presentation will be an unforgettable musical adventure! The ASO will be joined on stage with stellar Broadway vocalists for a magical celebration that includes selections from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Tangled, Frozen, Coco, Moana and more!
(*Tickets 50% off for children/students 21 an younger.)
SPENCER REED & NANCY REED - Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, July 21, 2023, at 7:30pm
AUGUST IN AUGUST-A GENE PERLA RETROSPECTIVE - Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, August 18, 2023, at 7:30pm
FRANK DIBUSSOLO – A BUCKY PIZZARELLI TRIBUTE - Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, September 8, 2023, at 7:30pm
GERSHWIN, BERLIN & FRIENDS – Pops Series
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Byron Stripling, trumpet
Sydney McSweeney, vocals
Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 7:30pm
STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK IN CONCERT TO FEATURE ICONIC SCORE PERFORMED LIVE TO FILM
Friday, October 6, 2023, at 7:30 PM at the PPL Center
Tickets from the PPL Center at www.pplcenter.com
BRONFMAN PLAYS BRAHMS - Classical Series Opening Weekend!
Diane Wittry, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano
Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2:00 pm
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Starburst
FARRENC Symphony No. 3
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2
THE ANDERSON BROTHERS PLAY GERSHWIN - Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, October 20, 2023, at 7:30pm
NEW MUSIC CHAMBER CONCERT – Special Event
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 7:30pm
Location TBD
A chamber ensemble of Allentown Symphony musicians performs works of local living composers as well as selections by prominent composers of today including Composer in Residence Clarice Assad.
GOLDEN SILENTS: SAFETY LAST – Special Event
The Allentown Band
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 7:30 pm
MOZART & MORE - Classical Series
Diane Wittry, conductor
Petrit Çeku, guitar
Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 2:00 pm
HANDEL “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon
VIVALDI Guitar Concerto in D
RODRIGO Fantasia para un gentilhombre
CLARICE ASSAD World Premiere (Commissioned by the Allentown Symphony)
MOZART Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”
JOSHUA ESPINOZA TRIO – Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, November 17, 2023, at 7:30pm
Repertory Dance Theatre's – Special Event
NUTCRACKER*
with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm
(*Note: These performances are not included in the free student tickets offer.)
CRAIG THATCHER & NYKE VAN WYK HOLIDAY SHOW – Jazz Upstairs Series
Friday, December 8, 2023, at 7:30pm
HOLIDAY POPS – Pops Series
Diane Wittry, conductor
Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
LUSH LIFE - Music of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn – Pops Series
Diane Wittry, conductor
Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 7:30pm
THE PASSION OF CARMEN – Classical Series
Diane Wittry, conductor
Luigi Piovano, cello
Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 7:30pm
Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 2:00 pm
R. STRAUSS Don Quixote
MOZART Overture to Don Giovanni
BIZET Carmen – Suites 1 & 2
ASO Family Concert: MUSIC IN MOTION – Special Event
Diane Wittry, conductor
Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm
25th Schadt String Competition Finalist Concert
Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 2:00pm
The competition’s three top finalists perform – Open and Free to the public
FROM THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS – Classical Series
Diane Wittry, conductor
Timothy Chooi, violin
Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 7:30pm
Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR “The Bamboula” – Rhapsodic Dance No. 1
BRUCH Scottish Fantasy
BEACH “Gaelic” Symphony
NEW MUSIC CHAMBER CONCERT – Special Event
Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 7:30pm
Location TBD
A chamber ensemble of Allentown Symphony musicians performs works of local living composers as well as selections by prominent composers of today including Composer in Residence Clarice Assad.
BEETHOVEN'S NINTH – Classical Series Season Finale
Diane Wittry, conductor
Michelle Johnson, soprano
Margaret Mezzacappa, mezzo-soprano
Kyle Van Schoonhoven, tenor
TBA, baritone
Allentown Symphony Chorus
Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 7:30pm
Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 2:00pm
ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK Fanfare on “Amazing Grace”
PRICE Andante cantabile
JOE JAXSON World Premiere (Commissioned by the Allentown Symphony)
DIANE WITTRY “Ode to Joy” Fanfare
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9 “Choral”
ELLA & FRANK – Pops Series
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocals
Tony DeSare, vocals
Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30pm
Remember When Rock Was Young – Pops Series
A TRIBUTE TO SIR ELTON JOHN
Starring Craig A. Meyer
Ronald Demkee, conductor
Craig A. Meyer, vocals
Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm