Ashland Symphony Orchestra

“The Jewel of Ashland County”

40th Anniversary Season

Arie Lipsky, Music Director/Conductor

“Facets of Romance”

Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 7:30 p.m. - McDowell Auditorium

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ashland Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Arie Lipsky, continues its 40th anniversary season Saturday, February 27, 2010 with the very special pops concert “Facets of Romance.”  The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in McDowell Auditorium.

The Ashland Symphony Orchestra will perform works by George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter.  Singer Helen Welch will join the Symphony for a performance of standards from the great American songbook.  The mostly Gershwin program will feature such beloved classics as “Embraceable You,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and many others.

“We are very excited to present this concert reflecting the rich musical heritage of American popular composers,” according to Arie Lipsky.  “This evening of beautiful music you know and love will be a treat for the entire family.”

British vocalist Helen Welch enjoys an exciting and varied career as a songwriter, musician, actress and vocalist.  She began her career in theatre, which included performing on Broadway in Smokey Joe’s Café.  Ms. Welch then found her niche with some of Britain’s leading orchestras, including the BBC Big Band.  Now an Ohio resident, she is continuing her singing and acting career, appearing with the Akron Symphony, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the Blossom Festival Orchestra, and at the Carousel Dinner Theatre and the Akron Civic Theatre.  Ms. Welch’s debut CD “One Dream,” recorded with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and her quartet, was released in November 2006.

In July 2009 Ms. Welch joined Maestro Lipsky and the Clarence Summer Orchestra in Buffalo, NY where they debuted the collection of songs she will perform at this concert.  Many are original Nelson Riddle arrangements of Gershwin songs written for Ella Fitzgerald when she recorded the Gershwin Songbook.

“Facets of Romance” is made possible by the generous support of Barbasol, underwriter for the evening’s concert.  Ms. Welch is sponsored by FirstMerit, and program printing is sponsored by Tom Zappone.  Patrons are invited to join Maestro Lipsky, Ms. Welch, musicians and friends backstage for a reception immediately following the concert.

All seats for the concert are reserved.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the Ashland University Box Office at 419-289-5125, noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or they may be purchased at the McDowell Box Office the evening of the concert beginning at 6:00 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.  For additional information please visit the symphony’s website at www.ashlandsymphony.org.

Patrons may avoid steps to McDowell Auditorium by using the Cottage Street entrance to the Middle School.  Please notify the ASO Office if you need assistance parking or entering the theatre, to discuss special needs, or to request additional information concerning the facilities.