NEWS RELEASE
Classical 95.5 KHFM’s Brent Stevens to Host New Mexico Philharmonic’s Introduction to the Classics Series Launching September 29th at the KiMo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, September 13, 2012—Do you want to learn more about classical music? On Saturday, September 29th at 6 p.m. the New Mexico Philharmonic will launch a four-program series, Introduction to the Classics that will offer fascinating background to the history, development and ongoing influence of classical music throughout the centuries.
Brent Stevens, general manager and morning on-air personality on Classical 95.5 KHFM, will host the series, bringing to the audience new knowledge of the composers who define the musical genre.
The first program in the Introduction to the Classics series, “Beethoven: His Story and Symphony No. 5,” offers a look at one of the most influential composers in history, Ludwig van Beethoven. The audience will learn about the highlights of Beethoven’s life, his musical innovations, and his spectacular Fifth Symphony that is based on one of the most famous of all musical motifs.
Clark Suttle will conduct the musicians of the New Mexico Philharmonic as they perform Beethoven’s stirring music while the audience listens with new knowledge and appreciation for his genius.
Suttle’s career began as a double bassist, and led to a role as conductor of the University of Michigan Philharmonic before being appointed Assistant Conductor to the Richmond Symphony in 1978. His long and distinguished career has included stints with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Ballet, Music Director of the Monterey Symphony (CA), and he is currently the Music Director and Conductor of the Rochester (Michigan) Symphony Orchestra.
He has performed in Europe as soloist and conductor with the Seeland Symphony Orchestra of Copenhagen, Denmark and the Wurtemberg Philharmonic in Germany. Among his numerous awards are the Bronze Medal at the 1972 International Performance Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, and in 1975, the University of Michigan’s Stanley Medal, awarded to the outstanding graduating senior.
A casual reception to meet the artists that offers homemade cookies and beverages will be held in the KiMo Theatre Gallery following the program.
Tickets for the lecture and concert are $20 and $30, with student tickets $10 (as available). Tickets are available online at holdmyticket.com. Discounted student tickets must be purchased at the KiMo Box Office or at the New Mexico Philharmonic office at 500 Copper Avenue NW, Suite 102. For more information, please call the New Mexico Philharmonic office at 505-323-4343.
As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/contrib.
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Media Contact: Chris Rancier
505-263-2959
crancier@comcast.net
