Santa Rosa Symphony Performs Stravinsky's The Firebird May 10-12 at Wells Fargo Center

Philippe Bianconi plays Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

News Release Contact:
Sara Obuchowski, (707) 546-7097 ext 218

(SANTA ROSA, CA) – Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird, in the complete 1910 version, is on the program for Santa Rosa Symphony’s 80th anniversary season finale concerts May 10, 11 and 12 at the Wells Fargo Center. Music Director Bruno Ferrandis and the orchestra welcome pianist Philippe Bianconi, who, like the maestro, grew up in Nice, France, and studied at the same conservatory. Van Cliburn Competition Silver Medalist Bianconi makes his debut with the SRS, playing Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff. Also on this program of powerful Russian composers is The Golden Cockerel Suite by Rimsky-Korsakov.

The Washington Post has described Philippe Bianconi as a pianist whose playing is “always close to the soul of the music, filling the space with poetry and life.” Besides winning the Silver Medal at the Seventh Van Cliburn International, he was also the first prize winner of both the Casadesus International Competition in Cleveland and the “Jeunesses Musicales” international competition in Belgrade. He has performed in recital and with orchestras worldwide, and is also a fine chamber music artist who has collaborated with the Guarneri String Quartet the Tokyo String Quartet and Quartet Sine Nomine, as well as violinist Pierre Amoyal, cellist Gary Hoffman and flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. One of his several recordings (Schumann’s symphonic etudes) won a prestigious “Choc de la Musique” award in France.

Concert Underwriters
The May performances of the Santa Rosa Symphony Classical Series are underwritten by Eileen and Henry Trione; Bruno Ferrandis is underwritten by Margaret and Harry Wetzel; guest artist Philippe Bianconi is underwritten by the Santa Rosa Symphony League.

Concert Times
Concert times are Saturday and Monday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Conversations with the Conductor begin in the main concert hall one hour prior to each concert. The popular Discovery Series of open rehearsals continues at 2 p.m. on May 10. These concerts, priced at $10 for adults and $6 for youth, offer a sneak peek into the final rehearsal process before each concert set.

Tickets
For tickets, call (707) 546-8742, purchase online at santarosasymphony.com, or come in person to the Symphony Box Office at 50 Santa Rosa Avenue (North Coast Bank building, off the elevator lobby), from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased at the door 1½ hours before each performance (based on availability.)
Single tickets are $27-50, with student and senior discounts available. $10 Student Rush tickets (student I.D. required) can be purchased a half hour prior to curtain.
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Photos of Philippe Bianconi and Maestro Ferrandis are available on request.

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CALENDAR LISTING

What: Symphony Concert

Who: Santa Rosa Symphony
Bruno Ferrandis, conductor
Philippe Bianconi, piano

Date and Time:
Sat., May 10, 2008 at 8 p.m.
(Discovery Rehearsal, Sat., May 10 at 2 p.m.)
Sun., May 11, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Mon., May 12, 2008 at 8 p.m.

Program:
Rimsky-Korsakov: The Golden Cockerel Suite
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Stravinsky: The Firebird (original 1910 version)

Pre-concert talk featuring Bruno Ferrandis one hour before each performance

Venue:
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA

Cost: Single tickets $27-$50, with senior and student discounts available.

Tickets: Online santarosasymphony.com, by phone (707) 54-MUSIC [546-8742], or in person at the SRS Box Office, 50 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.