Beethoven’s 9th Symphony featured in 75th Anniversary Concert

CHARLESTON, SC – October 8, 2010 – The 75th Anniversary Committee, comprised of community leaders who support the Charleston Symphony Orchestra have announced the production of an upcoming concert in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the CSO.  The concert featuring Ludwig van Beethoven’s majestic Symphony No. 9 in d minor, The Choral will be on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium.  The City of Charleston is serving as the fiscal agent for the event.  

The concert features musicians of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in performance with the CSO Chorus, CSO Spiritual Ensemble and the College of Charleston Concert Choir, prepared by Dr. Robert Taylor.  Guest conductor is Maestro Stuart Malina, music director of the Harrisburg Pennsylvania Symphony and former associate conductor of the CSO (1993-97). Guest soloists are Deanna McBroom, soprano; Janet Hopkins, mezzo soprano; Harold Meers, tenor and David Templeton, bass baritone.

Mayor Riley praised the public-private partnership for their efforts in bringing this 75th anniversary concert to fruition. This concert is designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the extraordinary service to the community rendered by the CSO musicians.  These are vital members of our community…. they teach in our schools, mentor our children, enrich our religious services with beautiful music and add so much to our quality of life.  I hope that everyone will support this effort and ensure that we will be celebrating many more anniversaries with these musicians in the future. 

To make a contribution to the 75th Anniversary Concert fund, call (843) 737-6985.  Tickets are available through the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium Box Office, 77 Calhoun Street, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or (800) 745-3000.  Dress circle tickets, $75, include a post-concert champagne reception on-stage with the musicians; front orchestra and mezzanine tickets are $35; rear orchestra and balcony tickets are $25; and student tickets are $15 with valid identification, up to age 23.

For more information about the concert, call the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or visit the 75th Anniversary Concert Committee’s website at www.symphony75.com.