“Symphonic Celebration” to welcome Michael Hall

Posted by Press Release on September 7, 2014

The Kennett Symphony of Chester County begins its 2014 – 2015 Season, “Symphonic Celebration”, with Opening Night, under the direction of new Music Director, Michael Hall, featuring violinist and Concertmaster of the KSCC, Eliezer Gutman.

The evening includes a pre-concert presentation by Michael Hall about the works on the concert from 6:30-7:00pm, the concert at 7:30pm, and a post-concert reception for audience members to meet Michael Hall. All events will be held at West Chester University’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre on Saturday, September 13, 2014.

Opening the program is Frank Ticheli’s Postcard, a five minute burst of symphonic energy, followed by Max Bruch’s incomparable Violin Concerto, featuring Eliezer Gutman, violin. Finishing the program is Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony – a symphonic tour de force for the entire orchestra, full of drama and elation, befitting the excitement of Opening Night.

Michael Hall joined the Kennett Symphony as Music Director effective September 1, 2014, after an 18-month search that attracted over 110 candidates nationally and internationally. Hall succeeds Mary Woodmansee Green who served as music director for 25 years.

Hailed as having “talent to burn” by the Winnipeg Free Press, Hall’s career includes guest appearances with some of the finest orchestras in North America, including the Houston Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Vancouver Symphony, among others. In Central America, Hall has worked with the Orquesta Sinfionica Nacional de Costa Rica. He has a special relationship with the Tucson Symphony, where he has been a frequent guest conductor over the past eight seasons. Hall recently concluded his 5th successful season as Music Director of the Southwest Florida Symphony. His drive for artistic excellence, innovative thematic programming, and collaborations with celebrated guest artists resulted in unprecedented artistic growth, audience praise, and enthusiastic reviews. Before being appointed Music Director of the Southwest Florida Symphony, Hall held the position of Associate Conductor with the Pacific Symphony in California where he developed innovative Family Concerts based on his own original scripts. Hall’s success in California led to his initial three year position being extended to an unprecedented six year tenure. Hall holds a Master’s degree in conducting from the University of Michigan, studying with renowned conducting pedagogue Gustav Meier, and a DipRAM from the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he worked with Sir Colin Davis. While studying in England, Hall also held the position of Assistant conductor of the Havant Symphony Orchestra in the UK. Hall was a finalist in the 2003 International Conducting Competition in Besançon France, and was awarded Third Prize in the 2004 Cadaques Orchestra International Conducting Competition in Spain.

West Chester University’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre is located at the Swope Music Building at the intersection of S. High Street and East Campus Drive. The entrance is located on the parking lot side of the building (M-Lot). The street address is 817 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383.

Single ticket prices are $40 in advance, $45 on the day of the concert, students are $10. Subscriptions are available featuring a variety of packages and prices as well as group discounts. Free parking.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Pre-concert Presentation by Michael Hall will start at 6:30 pm. The concert will begin at 7:30 pm. Meet Michael Hall! Reception for Audience will be held after the concert.

For complete information visit www.kennettsymphony.org or call the Kennett Symphony at 610 444 6363.

Celebrating its 74th season, the Kennett Symphony of Chester County is based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and serves residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, along with the thousands of tourists who attend the Kennett Symphony's popular summer concerts in Longwood Garden’s Open Air Theatre. In addition to presenting varied and entertaining orchestral concerts, the Kennett Symphony encourages young musicians through annual Instrumental and Voice Competitions and its affiliation with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus.