SPO opens with power and force

September 1, 2015

SPARTANBURG, SC – The Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 67th season on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00pm with a powerful program featuring International Steinway Artist, Andreas Boyd.  Maestra Sarah Ioannides has put together one of the most ambitious programs the orchestra has ever undertaken for the premier concert of her 11th season with the SPO.

“Spartanburg is booming these days.  We want to celebrate and honor our city with a concert that matches its energy and growth,” Ioannides says.

From the opening brass chorale of Verdi’s La Forza del Destino (The Force of Destiny) overture to the triumphant finale of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 7, Ioannides has worked to create an exciting event with some of the most popular and most technically challenging classical masterpieces of our time.

At its heart, the concert will feature Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no. 2 performed by the critically acclaimed soloist, Andreas Boyde.  This concerto pushes the boundaries of the piano, soloist, and orchestra, and even includes a triple concerto in its central movement.

Nicknamed “Monsieur 100,000 Volts” for his intense, forceful, and energetic performance style, Boyde is a highly sought-after soloist.  He has performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras, such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Prague Radio Orchestra, the Dresdner Philharmonie, the Zürich Kammerorchester, and the Berliner Sinfonieorchester.  His extensive CD recordings have received multiple five star reviews from prominent music magazines who praise his interpretations as “a stroke of genius” (Fono Forum, Germany).

“The Spartanburg Philharmonic is thrilled to begin our 2015-2016 season with such an impressive pianist as Andreas Boyde. His talent will reflect the high quality of Guest Artists that Sarah Ioannides has in store for Spartanburg this year,” said Kathryn Boucher, SPO’s Executive Director.

For tickets, $21 and up for adults; $9 and up for students, visit www.spartanburgphilharmonic.org or call 864-596-9724.  Tickets may be purchased in person at the Twichell Box Office, West Wilson Room 204, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC.

Pre-concert activities include a reception in the Twichell lobby beginning at 6:00pm and Classical Conversations at 6:15pm in the Lawson Academy Recital Hall.

 

About the Music Foundation of Spartanburg

The Music Foundation of Spartanburg is dedicated to enriching the Spartanburg community and surrounding areas through performance of classical music by the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), both for entertainment and educational outreach.  Founded in 1948 and led by Music Director and Conductor Sarah Ioannides, the SPO is comprised of professional musicians from diverse backgrounds who form an ensemble capable of performing a variety of musical styles and repertoire. www.spartanburgphilharmonic.org.