Landmark Events Collide in SC Philharmonic Anniversary Celebration

February 12, 2009

COLUMBIA, SC – February 12, 2009 – Two events 45 years ago will be commemorated when the South Carolina Philharmonic and The Return hold an anniversary special concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3 at the Koger Center.

In 1964, the Beatles landed on American soil with a sound that reverberates to this day, and the Columbia Festival Orchestra had its first season of concerts under Music Director Arthur Fraser.

Now performing as the South Carolina Philharmonic and led by Music Director Morihiko Nakahara, the orchestra welcomes a favorite guest artist, renowned Beatles tribute band The Return, to celebrate 45 great seasons during The Return – SCP 45th Anniversary Special.

Morning personalities Woody Windham and Ray Allen of Magic 98.5 FM are the hosts for the evening. The SCP and The Return will collaborate on 10 classic hits with never-before-heard arrangements by Columbia’s Dick Goodwin. Among them are Hey Jude, Yesterday and All You Need Is Love.

After intermission, The Return take to the stage alone to perform hits like Can’t Buy Me Love, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Help and A Hard Day’s Night.
Listeners tuning in to Windham and Allen on the Magic 98.5 FM morning show can win tickets to the concert by answering Beatles trivia beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17. 

The Return has appeared on CNN and ABC’s Good Morning America, was the official tour band for Hard Rock Café’s 30th anniversary tour and have even had extensive recording time at Abbey Road Studios 2, the very room in which the majority of The Beatles’ albums were recorded. The band features authentic vintage instruments, haircuts and custom-made clothes and boots. Their unmistakable Liverpool accents and Beatlesque antics truly bring out the charming, charismatic personas of the original four Beatles.

Tickets may be purchased through Capitol Tickets at the Carolina Coliseum Box Office.  They are also available online at www.capitoltickets.com or by phone at 803.251.2222. Prices are $40, $30 and $20. Student and military discounts are available. Southern Valet provides valet parking for just $6.