Ashland Symphony Orchestra

“The Jewel of Ashland County”

40th Anniversary Season

Arie Lipsky, Music Director/Conductor

“Gemme Italiane”

Saturday, April 17, 2010

7:30 p.m. - McDowell Auditorium

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ashland Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Arie Lipsky, concludes its 40th anniversary season Saturday, April 17 with an evening of music inspired by Italy. “Gemme Italiane” (“Italian Gems”) will begin at 7:30 p.m. in McDowell Auditorium.

The evening will open with the Overture from L’Italiana in Algeri by Rossini, followed by Schubert’s Overture in C Major (In the Italian Style) and Capriccio italien by Tchaikovsky.  The season finale will reach a dramatic conclusion with soprano Melanie Helton and tenor Eric Ashcraft joining the Ashland Symphony Orchestra to perform excerpts from Verdi’s La Traviata.  The work will also feature the Ashland Area Chorus and the Ashland University Choir, directed by Dr. Rowland Blackley.

“This music has such energy and passion.  It’s the perfect way to end the Symphony’s 40th anniversary season,” according to Maestro Lipsky.

Melanie Helton, soprano, is associate professor of voice and director of opera theatre at the Michigan State University College of Music.  She earned a Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Indiana University and a Masters in Music with honors from the University of Houston.  She is one of the most versatile sopranos in the United States today, hailed by The New York Times for her “dark soprano that warms the ear.”  Ashland audiences will remember her 2009 performance with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra in Verdi’s Requiem. This will be Ms. Helton’s second appearance with the ASO.

Eric Ashcraft’s “rich, supple, powerful voice,” along with his masterful musical and dramatic sensitivity, place him in high demand for far-reaching orchestral works and opera roles. Following a recent performance of Verdi’s Requiem, the Springfield (MA) Republican newspaper wrote, “His scrupulous diction and glorious, even tone throughout a vast range placed him at the head of the solo quartet.”  A New York District winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Mr. Ashcraft received his Master of Music and an Artist’s Diploma in Opera from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.  This performance will mark Mr. Ashcraft’s ASO debut.

“Gemme Italiane” is made possible by the generous support of Ashland University, underwriter for the evening’s performance.  Program printing is sponsored by Stan and Diana Brechbuhler.  Patrons are invited to join Maestro Lipsky, Ms. Helton, Mr. Ashcraft, musicians, choir members and friends backstage for a post-concert reception sponsored by Ashland University.

All seats for the evening concert are reserved.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the AU box office at 419-289-5125 noon-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or they may be purchased at the box office the evening of the concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Season ticket holders who are unable to attend are urged to release their seats by calling the symphony office at 419-289-5115.

Patrons are asked to notify the ASO office to request assistance parking or entering the venue, to discuss special needs or to request additional information concerning the facilities.  Additional information is available on the Symphony’s website at www.ashlandsymphony.org.