September 24, 2008
Diamonds and Pearls: The Paducah Symphony Orchestra's 30th Anniversary
When area musicians decided to perform at Paducah's Summer Festival in 1979, they didn't realize they were paving the way to a full-fledged city orchestra. But sure enough, that informal concert led to more concerts. And now, 30 years later, the
Paducah Symphony Orchestra has become the musical gem of Western Kentucky.
The season actually started two Saturdays ago with the hugely successful "Bugs Bunny on Broadway" performance.
On Saturday, October 4, the symphony rolls out its official
Diamonds and Pearls 30th Anniversary Gala, 7:30 p.m., at the
Carson Center. Maestro Jordan Tang conducts the symphony, celebrating his 23rd year — and his last season with the PSO.
Buy your tickets or season subscription between now and Friday, October 4, mention iList Paducah, and your name will go in a
drawing for a pair of 5-Concert Choice Passes! Just call 444.0065!
The Paducah Symphony Orchestra also includes the POPS Orchestra, the adult Symphony Chorus, the multi-county Children's Chorus and a Music Education Program.
"It's rare to find a professional orchestra that performs at the breadth of scope and height of caliber in a city our size," says Executive Director Darlene Dreyer (left). "We are lucky to have this 'precious musical gem' perform in a venue as accessible and as close by as the Carson Center."
Here's a look at what's ahead, with all performances at the Carson Center unless otherwise noted:
Saturday, October 4
Diamonds & Pearls: A 30th Anniversary Gala
7 p.m. Touch of Class-ical Conversations
7:30 p.m. Performance
Enjoy movements from Mozart, Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Beethoven and other symphonies performed during the PSO's 30-year history. Principal PSO musicians share comments throughout the evening. Arrive at 7 p.m. for the Touch of Class-ical Conversations. Tonight, hear about the fun history of the orchestra. Sponsored by
Jackson Purchase Energy.
Saturday, November 1
Dancin’ in the Seats
7 p.m. Touch of Class-ical Conversations
7:30 p.m. Performance
Dance moments in orchestral music complement a showcase special guest performance by Murray native Scott Conklin, University of Iowa Professor of Violin and the PSO's first Young Artist Competition Winner. Sponsored by AT&T Real Yellow Pages.
Saturday, November 15
Diamonds & Pearls: Little Black Dress Ball
Country Club of Paducah
6:30 p.m.
Slip on your perfect Little Black Dress (LBD) and get ready for the best party of the year! Fine wine, fashionable company, dinner and dancing until midnight. The LBD is a great way to spend an evening — and benefit the Symphony's live music and music education programs. Reserve your table today! Featuring the Todd Hill Band. Order your tickets by October 31, mention iList Paducah and you'll be in a drawing for a bottle of Little Black Dress wine!
Saturday, December 13
Holiday POPS
7 p.m. Touch of Class-ical Conversations
7:30 p.m. Performance
Don't miss this holiday tradition! The Paducah POPS and Paducah Symphony Chorus perform favorite holiday tunes. Just the thing to put us in the holiday spirit. Sponsored by
Western Baptist Hospital.
Sunday, December 14
A Child’s Christmas: Holidays Around the World
3 p.m.
The Paducah Symphony Orchestra and Children's Chorus take us on a musical journey of Christmas and other holiday traditions from around the world. Perfect for families — complete with a visit by you-know-who! Sponsored by
Paducah Bank.
Friday, January 10
2009 Young Artist Competition Showcase
Murray State University
The 17th Annual Young Artist Competition showcases the best high school musicians from Kentucky and surrounding states. Winners receive scholarships and perform with the Paducah Symphony in the My Kentucky Home concert, March 21. For applications or more info, call 444.0065. Sponsored by BB&T, Murray State University and
WKMS.
Saturday, February 21
In a Metropolitan Mood
7 p.m. Touch of Class-ical Conversations
7:30 p.m. Performance
Vocalist Abby Burke performs the music of
Hotel Metropolitan greats and other R&B legends. Features selections made famous by Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, BB King, Stevie Wonder and more. Special guest Thomas Wilson conducts. Sponsored by: Ingram Barge Company.
Saturday, February 28
Father Daughter Dance
Country Club of Paducah
6 p.m.
This special 14th Annual Father Daughter Dance begins with photograph sessions at 6 p.m., and includes entertainment, dinner, a special presentation of high school seniors and, of course, dancing. Reserve early — this event sold out last year!
Saturday, March 21
My Kentucky Home: A Lincoln Celebration
7 p.m. Touch of Class-ical Conversations
7:30 p.m. Performance
This concert commemorates the 2009 Bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln's birth in Kentucky and features one of America's greatest musical gems, Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, along with "My Old Kentucky Home" performed with the Symphony and Children's Chorus. Hear winners of the 2009 Young Artist Competition.
Saturday, April 18
Porgy & Bess
7 p.m. Touch of Class-ical Conversations
7:30 p.m. Performance
The 30th Anniversary culminates with a salute to America: George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and a concert version of Porgy & Bess with the Paducah Symphony chorus. Season Finale Reception sponsored by Regions Bank.
Sunday, May 3
Spring Chorus Concert
3 p.m.
Dr. Brad Almquist, PSO Director of Choruses, leads the Paducah Symphony Chorus and Children's Chorus in this special springtime choral extravaganza. Choruses include adult and student vocalists from Western Kentucky and the surrounding quad-state region.
Saturday, May 16
My Country, My Hometown: The Annual Outdoor POPS Concert
Downtown Paducah
Paducah's own
Terry Mike Jeffrey will "Rock the River" with the Paducah POPS Orchestra and guest conductor Julius Williams. This annual open-air benefit concert commemorates Armed Forces Day. Bring a picnic dinner, purchase dinner seats or reserve a Diamond Table Sponsorship including dinner, wine and VIP parking passes. Designers, get your gear on: The ever-fabulous table-decorating contest is back!
To order tickets, call the PSO Office, 444.0065, or download the ticket order form
online!
