(859) 233-4226, marketing@lexphil.org October 28, 2014
For Immediate Release.
LexPhil Celebrates Local Heroes of Arts and Letters in Heroes: Eroica and Icarus
LEXINGTON, KY The Lexington Philharmonic launches into its first 2014-2015 season performances at the Lexington Opera House on October 17 & 18 with Heroes: Eroica and Icarus featuring film with narration by Kentucky poet laureate Frank X Walker. Beethovens Symphony No. 3 Eroica opens the evening with followed by Glass multi-media Icarus at the Edge of Time, featuring film with narration by 2013-2014 Kentucky poet laureate Frank X Walker.
I chose to pair Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, the Eroica with Glass' Icarus at the Edge of Time because of the shared majesty and imagination of both works, says Music Director and Conductor, Scott Terrell, on the upcoming performance of Heroes: Eroica and Icarus. Beethovens Symphony No. 3, the "Eroica," marks a major turning point in the composers musical development. The work, originally dedicated to the heroic memory of Napoleon Bonaparte, represents an innovative shift in his programmatic writing-expanding the possibilities and scope of what a symphony could express. Philip Glass, the iconic minimalist composer of the late 20th century, turned his creative energies to the greek myth, Icarus. As Beethoven created his own path and soundscape, Glass' sonic world is very much his own making. His music helps create and enhance the 2010 film version of ICARUS AT THE EDGE OF TIME, created for World Science Festival. This evening will allow the orchestra to shine in both diverse yet complimentary musical inspirations of "Heroes". I am honored to bring Frank X Walker, one of Kentuckys literary heroes, to the LexPhil stage to narrate Icarus, resulting in what will be a truly moving concert experience.
Based on the children's book by physicist Brian Greene, Icarus: At the Edge of Time follows a young boy's journey through the cosmos to the edge of a black hole. Icarus at the Edge of Time features an original score by Philip Glass, with script adapted by Brian Greene and David Henry Hwang, and film created and directed by Al + Al. In similar style to LexPhils 2013-2014 performance of Chaplins Gold Rush, the score to Icarus at the Edge of Time will be performed live by LexPhil with narration performed by Frank X Walker.
If a physicist can write a children's book that adults love then a poet can narrate a film as part of an orchestra, said Walker. I am excited to be part of this fusion of art and science! I was a math and science major in high school and began my college study as an electrical engineering major before changing to studio art then finally English to focus on creative writing. This opportunity helps my life make more sense! I've had my work adapted for the stage. I've read my own work with single musicians like Ben Sollee and Harry Pickens, but never with a whole symphony orchestra. This is certainly the most exciting arts collaboration I've ever been a part of.
In addition to his tenure as Kentucky poet laureate, Frank X Walker is the author of four poetry collections: When Winter Come: the Ascension of York (University Press of Kentucky, 2008); Black Box (Old Cove Press, 2005); Buffalo Dance: the Journey of York (University Press of Kentucky, 2003), which won the Lillian Smith Book Award in 2004; and Affrilachia (Old Cove Press, 2000). A 2005 recipient of the Lannan Literary Fellowship in Poetry, Walker serves as Writer in Residence and lecturer of English at Northern Kentucky University and is the proud editor and publisher of PLUCK!, the new Journal of Affrilachian Art & Culture.
One contributing factor to Walkers interest in the Heroes: Eroica & Icarus concert is the cross-over with his current exhibit 'We Wear the Mask: Black Superheroes Through the Ages' at The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center. Walkers exhibit showcases highlights from his personal collection of black action figures and comics. On Wednesday, October8 from 4:30-6:00pm, LexPhil is hosting a meet- up to view the exhibit and discuss the upcoming program with LexPhil staff and friends.
LexPhil has established additional community partnerships to celebrate the rich collaboration of Heroes. LexPhil has engaged with the Lexington Film League as a social partner for the event, welcoming members to enjoy exclusive social media content and a special ticket partnership for the event. Third Street Stuff Coffee created the Latte on the Edge, a special cinnamon and toasted marshmallow latte to offer a tasty treat and a ticket partnership to customers taking advantage of the drink promotion. The Lexington Film League and Third Street Stuff Coffee partnerships continue in this concert from successful partnerships enjoyed with both organizations during the 2013-2014 season.
Prior to each Season Series concert, guests will have the opportunity to participate in an insightful discussion of the nights events with Maestro Terrell during LexPhils Inside the Score. Each Inside the Score starts at 6:45 pm and is held in the Level Three Gallery at the Lexington Opera House.
Valet parking is available for $10 per car at the Short Street entrance to the Lexington Opera House. The circle driveway in front of the Short Street entrance is available for temporary drop-off and pick-up of guests. Convenient general parking is available in the Victorian Square garage located at Short Street and North Broadway and metered street parking is available in some areas of downtown Lexington near the Lexington Opera House. LexPhil patrons may also park and ride Lextrans free Trolley. The free Trolley begins service on Friday and Saturday nights at 6:00 pm and will run until 1:00 am. Visit www.lextran.com for route maps and more information.
Tickets to Heroes: Eroica & Icarus range from $25-75 with $11 student tickets as available. 6 Concert Series Subscriptions are still available ranging in price from $130-$380. Pick 4 ticket packages are available beginning at $85. Heroes: Eroica & Icarus is made possible through the generous support of Hilliard Lyons and Bluegrass Sothebys International Realty.
All concerts begin at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted, and are presented at either the Singletary Center for the Arts or the Lexington Opera House, with the exception of Handels Messiah at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Concert nights are Friday and/or Saturday, depending on the program and concert venue.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Lexington Philharmonic at (859) 233-4226, or visit the website at www.lexphil.org.
Conductor Scott Terrell was appointed music director of the Lexington Philharmonic in 2009. During his tenure, Mr. Terrell has re- invigorated and raised the artistic level of the ensemble, expanded collaborations, increased subscriptions and challenged its musicians and audiences with a greater diversity of repertoire and programs. Maestro Terrell has simultaneously maintained a healthy schedule of recent guest conducting with the Colorado Symphony, Aspen Music Festival and School, and Philadelphia Orchestra. Future engagements include the Colorado Symphony, and a debut leading Mozarts The Magic Flute at the Arizona Opera. Since 2009, many of the worlds foremost artists have performed with the Lexington Philharmonic, including Dame Evelyn Glennie, violinists Midori and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, pianist Inon Barnatan and cellist Johannes Moser. Past projects have included a highly successful concert production of Piazzollas tango opera, Maria de Buenos Aires as well a live screening of Charlie Chaplins film, Gold Rush. Upcoming LexPhil projects include Tan Duns Crouching Tiger Concerto, and a semi-staged performance of Osvaldo Golijovs Ainadamar Fountain of Tears.
The Lexington Philharmonic, founded in 1961, is the only professional orchestral organization in central Kentucky. LexPhil presents over 130 concerts and educational programs each year, including Season Series, Holiday Concerts, Peanut Butter & Jelly concerts for young children, special concerts, community programs and outdoor summer concerts. More information and tickets can be found at www.lexphil.org.
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All Lexington Philharmonic programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. In 2014-2015, the Lexington Philharmonic will receive a total of $170,000 in unrestricted support.
LexPhils 2014-2015 season is presented by the Dupree Initiative for Innovation, funded by the tremendous generosity of Thomas and Ann Todd Dupree.
Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for its continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to the Lexington Philharmonic with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.