Celebrate the Holidays at Miller Symphony Hall



New shows added:

Sal Valentinetti, December 1, 2018

Jazz Upstairs: Fusion Jazz Trio – January 11, 2019 

Canadian Brass: Christmas Time Is Here Friday November 23, 2018 7:30 PM

In its 49th season, the game-changing Canadian Brass has performed in virtually every major concert hall in the world, been seen by hundreds of millions of people on television, sold 2 million of its approximately 100 albums worldwide, and contributed nearly 600 new works and arrangements to the brass quintet repertoire. Renowned for genre-bending versatility and joyous performances, the award-winning Brass is almost single-handedly responsible for elevating the art of the brass quintet to what it is today.

Canadian Brass is made up of five extraordinary talents: visionary founder, tuba legend and business specialist Chuck Daellenbach plus four top brass stars—Caleb Hudson and Christopher Coletti (trumpets), Achilles Liarmakopoulos (trombone) and Jeff Nelsen(horn) returns. Beyond their unparalleled musicality, each player possesses the creativity, good humor and love of performing that is the ensemble’s hallmark.

In addition to a non-stop touring and recording schedule, Canadian Brass is continually innovating to expand the brass repertoire, satisfy and challenge a loyal fan base, and use new media to connect to audiences worldwide. They provide extensive educational outreach under the banners “Effortless Performance” and “Shape Your Musical Destiny,” the latter which helps emerging musicians navigate the brave new world of self-production and promotion. The five play on state-of-the-art 24K gold-plated Artisan Bach and Conn horns, hand crafted in the USA. Canadian Brass records exclusively for Opening Day Entertainment. For more information, call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org. Tickets start at $55

When not on stage, you can find the members busy behind the scenes, exploring new frontiers in the world of music performance and keeping up with fans via Canadian Brass YouTube Channel, Facebook, Twitter (@CanadianBrass), Flickr and their website, CanadianBrass.com.

 

Sal Valentinetti Holiday Concert Saturday December 1, 2018 8:00 PM

Sal Valentinetti is a crooner from Long Island, New York. From starting out delivering pizzas, to appearing on reality TV, to selling out shows across the country – his career continues to grow.

Born August 26, 1995, Sal was influenced early on by his Italian-American grandmother to love the musical genius of the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra.

Sal started in music by playing instruments that included the baritone horn, base trumpet, tuba, and trombone. Ironically, the power of his voice was discovered by accident. During a horn

lesson in high school, the instructor asked him to choose a song to play. He couldn’t think of the name of the song his grandmother used to play for him, so he started singing the lyrics to Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife.” Taken aback by his voice, the instructor immediately urged him to start taking singing lessons. With further encouragement from his family, Sal started to take his newfound talent seriously.

In 2016, NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent was taken by storm by Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti. His audition went viral and reached over 100 million views on YouTube.

The then 20-year-old college student was now in the global spotlight. After belting out the classic Frank Sinatra hit, “My Way,” Sal not only received a standing ovation from the audience but was awarded the coveted “Golden Buzzer” from supermodel judge, Heidi Klum. As a finalist who reached the top five on the show, Sal later performed a holiday duet of “Santa Baby,” along with Klum.

Since his success on America’s Got Talent, Sal has been touring the country and selling out venues of all sizes – from intimate jazz clubs to the legendary Madison Square Garden. He continues to win over the hearts of fans through his emotional and comical story-telling style performances. Additionally, he works closely with various charities by hosting food drives at his shows and donating portions of ticket sales. Sal was named “Restaurants Against Drunk Driving” (RADD) Man of The Year 2016 and served as the 2017 Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade in Chicago.

Sal Valentinetti released his first debut EP, The Voice and an original holiday single, “When Christmas Comes to Town” in 2017. He also released a self-titled EP on July 1, “There’s no place like home.”

These days, singing is all he does. Valentinetti has been touring all over the nation and selling out shows back home at The Paramount in Huntington and the Patchogue Theatre.

“It’s really been incredible to see the amount of people, especially from Long Island, who have rallied around me,” said Valentinetti.

Join his over 220,000+ fans on social media by following Sal (@salthevoice) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets start at $35

www.salthevoiceny.com

 

 

Allentown Band

Americans We tribute to/Holiday Concert Sunday December 2, 2018 3:00 PM 

RONALD DEMKEE, CONDUCTOR 

Special recognition honors include local WWII Vets as well as all Veterans. The concert will feature both patriotic and holiday music.

Guests Artists include:

Daniel Rodriguez, “America’s Tenor”

Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts | David Macbeth, Director El Sistema Lehigh Valley Chorus | Steven Paszkowski, Director

For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets are $10 at the door. 

 

RDT presents: Nutcracker

With the Allentown Symphony Orchestra

December 8-9, 2018 2 PM

 

Repertory Dance Theatre performs this classic holiday ballet with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.

Excitement is in the air as Repertory Dance Theatre kicks off its 32nd production of Nutcracker. Get into the true holiday spirit and treat your family to the most magical gift for all ages.

Nutcracker is a special bond, its joy shared amongst many, many generations of family and friends. Under the Artistic Direction of Jennifer Haltzman Tracy and Trinette Singleton, Sean Stewart and Elina Miettinen of American Ballet Theatre and Daniel Mayo of Ballet X lead a cast of 100 dancers, including RDT pre-professional dancers and dancers from the community, in this magical holiday event. With live music from the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ronald Demkee and singing from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Women’s Touring Choir, directed by David Macbeth, this is truly the Nutcracker to see.

ADD TO YOUR NUTCRACKER EXPERIENCE!

After the Saturday matinee, join us for the Land of the Sweets Party in the Rodale Community Room. Enjoy fun activities, special treats and a chance to mingle with the dancers and Santa Claus. This event has a separate ticket fee. Please check our calendar of events for more information or to order. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets start at $35

http://www.repertorydance.org/

 

RDT presents: Land Of the Sweets Party

Saturday December 8 , 2018 4 PM 

Fun activities, special treats and a chance to mingle with the dancers and Santa Claus will take place following the Saturday Matinee at the Land of the Sweets Party in the Rodale Room at Symphony Hall. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets are $8 for children and $4 dollars for adults.

http://www.repertorydance.org/

 

 RDT Presents: ¨Lets Go NUTZ¨

Saturday December 8, 2018 7 PM

 

Repertory Dance Theatre will be presenting its third annual Let’s Go Nutz! Enjoy an evening of jazz music, dancing and singing. Professional jazz Musicians join RDT guest artists and dancers on Miller Symphony Hall stage to perform jazzed up versions of Nutcracker and other holiday favorites. The Lehigh Valley Chorus and Tap Ties complete the event. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets are $23.

http://www.repertorydance.org/

 

Jazz Upstairs presents: David Leonhardt Jazz Group: A Winter Holiday Jazz Concert

Friday December 14, 2018 7:30 PM

The David Leonhardt Jazz Group has been praised for their masterful performance of mainstream music and modern jazz. Performing both standards and originals, the group has been critically acclaimed, and has found success performing across the area. Dave Leonhardt has been performing for over thirty years, appearing all over the world with his virtuosic and intelligent piano playing and compositional skills.

Holiday classics with a jazz beat, this swinging take on seasonal favorites is getting raves from audiences and critics alike. You will never think of the holidays the same again after hearing this exciting improvisational jazz program using the music we all know in an imaginative and entertaining presentation. Playing selections from their CD “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” This internationally acclaimed jazz group will have fingers snapping and toes tapping as they present a winter concert of cool jazz and hot rhythms.

“When the holiday season rolls around I am always happy to play these melodies from my childhood. Improvisations based on such familiar songs open up a world of possibilities for us. These songs and arrangements are audience favorites we play in our Christmas CD “I´ll Be Home for Christmas” where we tried to achieve both the spirit of Christmas and the excitement of a live jazz performance.” David Leonhardt 

What the Critics say about David Leonhardt’s CD “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

“The former David “Fathead” Newman Quintet pianist David Leonhardt and his swinging friends perform X-Mas evergreens with an engaging spirit and an abundance of musical intelligence. The makeover of “We Three Kings” is particularly fresh, and the dramatic focus on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is as impressive as a prize ornament on the tree.” ~ Frank-John Hadley, DownBeat Magazine

“If you could rate CD reviews by kisses, I would have my lip marks all over this disc. David Leonhardt has created something special for us” ~ George W. Carroll, The Musicians’ Ombudsman-

Jazz aficionados will flip for the David Leonhardt Jazz Group’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” It’s a classic! ~ Carol Swanson, ChristmasReviews.com

 For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org. Tickets are $30 in advance $35 at the door.

 http://davidjazz.com/

 

The Met: live in HD Verdi´s La Traviata

Sunday December 16, 2018 2PM

NEW PRODUCTION!

Yannick Nézet-Séguin; Diana Damrau (Violetta Valéry), Juan Diego Flórez (Alfredo Germont), Quinn Kelsey (Giorgio Germont), Michael Mayer (Production); Christine Jones (Set Designer), Susan Hilferty (Costume Designer), Kevin Adams (Lighting Designer), Lorin Latarro (Choreographer)

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Michael Mayer’s richly textured new production, featuring a dazzling 18th-century setting that changes with the seasons. Soprano Diana Damrau plays the tragic heroine, Violetta, and tenor Juan Diego Flórez returns to the Met for the first time in five seasons to sing the role of Alfredo, Violetta’s hapless lover. Baritone Quinn Kelsey is Alfredo’s father, Germont, who destroys their love. Later performances feature Anita Hartig, Stephen Costello, Artur Ruciński, and Plácido Domingo. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets are $22 for adults $20 for seniors and $15 for children.

www.metopera.org/season/in-cinemas/

Approx. runtime: 3:32 [2 Intermissions]

 

Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas

Friday, December 21, 2018 7:30 PM 

LIVE CONCERT HOLIDAY EVENT!

Be part of the holiday concert tradition of the season with Grammy nominated songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman as he celebrates A Joyful Christmas at Miller Symphony Hall.

Jim Brickman delivers the sound and spirit of the season with carols, classics and original songs on his 22nd annual holiday tour. Holiday music brings yuletide memories to life as Brickman helps you escape from the holiday hustle-bustle and keeps your days merry and bright.

Bring your family, friends or that special someone and make Jim Brickman your new holiday tradition. Celebrate the faith, love and togetherness that we value most this time of year and share in the celebration of A Joyful Christmas.

“His annual holiday tours have become so successful that he’s becoming synonymous with the season!” – Richmond Times Dispatch

“Savoring the magic of a moment is part of the secret to Brickman’s success!” – Charlottesville Daily Progress

“A Holiday Classic not to be Missed” – Nashville Music News

“His music touches both the heart and soul.” – Leeza Gibbons

For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org. Tickets start at $45.

 

 

Jazz Upstairs presents: Jazz Fusion Trio

Friday January 11, 2019 7:30PM

This evening Fusion Jazz Trio records their new CD ‘Out of the Shadows’. Special guests include guitarist Joe Mixon and singer Chet Brown. This will be an amazing night of music. Plan ahead and make sure you are there. 

This year’s winner of Best Live Jazz Performance (10th Consecutive Year) Fusion Jazz Trio (FJT) was formed in 2002. This energetic jazz trio blends bold percussion, funky and innovative bass lines and electrifying keyboard refrains into a refreshing musical signature sure to please any discerning audience. FJT has been featured at corporate and charitable affairs, notable restaurants, Musikfest as well as many professional associations and private engagements throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Drawing from their own personal backgrounds the members of Fusion Jazz Trio – Vernon Mobley, Brian Bortz and Dave Hartl – are consummate dedicated musicians eager to share their mellow tones and sultry sounds with new listeners. Whether you have a special occasion or simply want to be entertained, Fusion Jazz Trio is your “fusionistic” passport to good times and great vibes. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets are $30 in advance $35 at the door. 

www.fusionjazztrio.com

 

The Met: live in HD Cilea´s Adriana Lecouvreur

Saturday January 12, 2019 12:55PM 

NEW PRODUCTION!

Gianandrea Noseda; Anna Netrebko (Adriana Lecouvreur), Anita Rachvelishvili (Principessa de Bouillon), Piotr Beczala (Maurizio), Carlo Bosi (The Abbé), Ambrogio Maestri (Michonnet), Maurizio Muraro (Prince de Bouillon), Sir David McVicar (Production); Charles Edwards (Set Designer), Brigitte Reiffenstuel (Costume Designer), Adam Silverman (Lighting Designer), Andrew George (Choreographer), Justin Way (Associate Director)

Soprano Anna Netrebko joins the ranks of Renata Tebaldi, Montserrat Caballé, and Renata Scotto, taking on—for the first time at the Met—the title role of the real-life French actress who dazzled 18th-century audiences with her on-and offstage passion. The soprano is joined by tenor Piotr Beczała as Adriana’s lover, Maurizio. The principal cast also features mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili and baritone Ambrogio Maestri. Gianandrea Noseda conducts. Sir David McVicar’s staging, which sets the action in a working replica of a Baroque theater, premiered at the Royal Opera House in London, where the Guardian praised the “elegant production, sumptuously designed … The spectacle guarantees a good night out.”

Approx. runtime: 3:58 [2 Intermissions]

For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students

www.metopera.org/season/in-cinemas/

 

 

ASO Pops Concert A Tribute to Ella!

Saturday January 19 2018 at 7:30PM 

Featuring guest artists Capathia Jenkins (from Chicago,) Aisha de Haas (from Rent,) and Nikki Renee Daniels (from The Book of Mormon.)

Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, has charmed hearts globally. Come salute her impeccable vocal style in a tribute concert featuring three ladies from the Broadway stage. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org. Tickets start at $25 

http://capathiajenkins.com/ http://www.aishadehaas.com/ http://nikkireneedaniels.com/

  

Chamber Series Stefano Greco Returns

Sunday January 27, 2018 3PM

Join us for an intimate afternoon of chamber music performed by world-renowned artists on the MSH stage.

A versatile and visionary artist, Stefano Greco takes piano interpretation to a new frontier. He starts from a philological reading of the musical scores and expresses creative freedom by interpreting the non-coded elements. In order to produce a spirited music, as alive as if it was conceived in the same moment of the performance, Greco transforms himself into the composer. “For Stefano Greco’s sensibility allows him to calibrate sound in a stupefying manner, as if he had invented it within the very moment of execution.” (M.Abbado)

Specialist in Bach’s music, he has been invited to perform his music in the most prestigious concert halls and in historic events: The Festival of Castleton, created by Lorin Maazel, after Maestro’s death, started the new season with a concert in his memory and honor, in which Greco performed J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations. Ms. Turban Maazel commented: “[…] In the tradition of the grand interpreters such as Glenn Gould, Wilhelm Kempff and Murray Perahia, Stefano Greco has created his own very personal concept while remaining a deeply respectful and true Bach scholar. I am enthusiastic about presenting this extraordinary pianist in Castleton […] ”

He performed Goldberg Variations in many concerts, among which a tour of the United States, Canada and Japan which brought him to prestigious venues such as the Opera City Concert Hall in Tokyo and Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in New York. In this occasion, Darrell Rosenbluth wrote: “[…] While following Bach’s score with utmost integrity, Greco’s own personality and take on this music were both striking and intriguing […]”.

Just because of the depth of his vision of music, he was recently invited to present and perform the Goldberg Variations for the European Commission in Brussels, at the end of a day entitled “knowledge”.“ This is a new, revived Bach…” (A. Ciccolini).

His involvement with J. S. Bach’s unfinished The Art of Fugue brought to light several discoveries, resulting in conferences and concerts at BoZar Theatre in Brussels (January, 2014), Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome (March, 2015), Wigmore Hall in London (October, 2016); his upcoming book, The Language of J.S. Bach: Enigmas and Their Resolution; lectures and master classes at prestigious institutions of higher learning such as Bard College in New York State, California State University and New York University.

He has been heard on radio and TV stations such as CNN, RAI International (worldwide), RAI, Radio Vatican, Radio Classica (Italy), Radio Beethoven (Chile), Opus 94 (Mexico), and on David Dubal’s program “Reflections from the Keyboard” in New York.

The recordings Mr. Greco has released include J. S.Bach’s The Art of Fugue; Goldberg Variations and the first truly complete series of the Keyboard Suites of Händel. For more information call 610.432.6715 or visit us online at millersymphony.org. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

www.stefanogreco.com/en/biography-of-stefano-greco/

 

Information and provided to TVL by:
Lucy Bloise