P R E S S R E L E A S E
DATE: September 15, 2021
CONTACT: LeeAnna Anglin, Operations Manager (229) 430-8933 langlin@albanysymphony.org
F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E:
THE ALBANY SYMPHONY IS BACK!
Season Opening Concert October 2
The Albany Symphony Orchestra opens its 2021 – 2022 “Passport to Adventure” season at the Albany Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, October 2, 2021 with “An Evening of Italian Music” featuring double bass virtuoso Patricia Weitzel. The program is inspired by the Albany Museum of Art’s “European Splendors” exhibition. The concert begins at 6:00 pm and will be performed without intermission. Following the performance, audience members are cordially invited to a wine and cheese reception at the Museum to view this current exhibit.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, and for the safety of our Patrons and performers, masks will be required while in the Municipal Auditorium and must remain in place for the entire performance.
The performance conducted by Music Director, Claire Fox Hillard, will showcase the orchestra in Ottorino Respighi’s “Botticelli Triptych,” a work inspired by and consisting of musical renderings of 3 famous paintings by Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. This historical period will also be reflected in the concert’s opening selection by Renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrielli: his antiphonal brass composition “Canzona in Double Echo” for 3 brass choirs. Distinguished internationally-acclaimed guest artist, double bass soloist Patricia Weitzel, will be be showcased in Giovanni Bottesini’s virtuosic Concerto #2 for double bass and orchestra. And, the orchestra will fill out the concert with 3 selections from the world of Italian opera: Rossini’s Overture from La gazza ladra (The Theiving Magpie), Mascagni’s “Intermezzo” from Cavaleria rusticana, and Sinfonias from Francesca Caccini’s La liberazonie di Ruggiero (The Liberation of Ruggiero). Francesca Caccini’s (1587 – 1640) opera is believed to be the first opera written by a female composer.
Guest soloist PATRICIA WEITZEL is the Lecturer of Double Bass at Columbus State University. She has appeared as soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, teacher and clinician in Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, the Netherlands and the United States. Before coming to Columbus State she held faculty positions at Augustana College, Central College, Grinnell College, St. Ambrose University, and Drake University. She is also maintains an active remote private studio with students across the globe.
Weitzel has collaborated and worked with renowned artists such as the Daedalus Quartet, pianist Soyeon Kate Lee, and bassist Volkan Orhon. Recent engagements include teaching at the Sphinx Performance Academy at the Juilliard School, participation in the Chineke! Orchestra European tour and performance at the 62nd Grammy Awards Ceremony with Lizzo.
In addition to being a performing artist and educator, Weitzel continually receives recognition for her leadership and advocacy of diversity, excellency, and inclusion in the Arts. As a member of the 2019 Global Leaders Program Cohort and one of the recipients of the Sphinx Organization’s Mpower Artist Grant, she was involved in the development of initiatives that offer opportunities of music education to underserved youth. Weitzel is the Membership Chair of the International Society of Bassists, an organization with approximately 3000 members in over 40 countries whose mission is to encourage excellence in bass performance, pedagogy, research, composition, and lutherie.
Presenting Sponsors for the orchestra’s 58th season are: WALB-TV; Phoebe Putney Health System; Watson Spence Attorneys LLP; and Hall Booth Smith PC.
Tickets for the concert are $25 for adults, $22 for senior (65+) and $15 for students/military. Season tickets and season packages are also available at a savings over single ticket prices. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Albany Symphony offices at (229) 430-8933 or visit www.albanysymphony.org.
For any additional information and/or details please feel free to contact:
Claire Fox Hillard (229) 669-3191
Music Director chillard@albanysymphony.org
Louis Sands, President (229) 894-8142
Albany Symphony Association wls_org4@icloud.com
Additional concerts of the 2021 – 2022 season:
2021 – 2022 “Passport to Adventure” Season
at the Albany Municipal Auditorium
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 6:30 pm “With an English/Irish Flavor”
30th Anniversary of the holiday tradition, Peppermint Pops
Saturday, March 12, 2022 6:30 pm “A French Excursion”
A concert featuring area choruses headed to Carnegie Hall to perform Francis Poulenc’s Gloria
Saturday, May 7, 2022 11:00 am “A Trip to Germany”
Presentation of “Beethoven Lives Upstairs,” a production for music enthusiasts of all ages