WMS Masterworks Concert to Feature “Superstar-in-the-Making” Gabriela Martinez Nov. 1-2
Venezualan Pianist Will Also Perform a More Intimate Concert at The Block Nov. 3
Muskegon, Michigan, October 16, 2013 – Rousing, flamboyant and striking pieces will flood the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 1-2 as Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez joins the West Michigan Symphony for the first Masterworks concert of the 2013-14 season.
Music Director Scott Speck will lead the symphony through performances of:
• Zoltán Kodály’s “Dances of Galanta”
• Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major
• Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra
Described as “compelling, elegant and incisive” by The New York Times, Martinez will make her debut with the Symphony during “Gypsy Fire” both Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. performing the Liszt concerto. The concert is sponsored by Harbor Steel and her performance is sponsored by the WMS Past Presidents.
“The Symphony is excited to perform with Gabriela,” Speck said. “The Liszt will showcase her talents spectacularly. The Bartók will allow us to highlight all the sections of our orchestra individually, and show our community what a terrifically virtuosic ensemble they have in their midst. This is an evening you won’t want to miss.”
She will also perform at The Block, the Symphony’s new and intimate venue, on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. featuring:
• Rachmaninoff’s Moment Musicaux Op 16 No. 1 and No. 4
• Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 110
• Dirk Brossé’s “Nocturne”
• Samuel Barber’s “Ballade”
• Karol Szymanowski’s “Variations”
A native of Caracas and a graduate of Julliard, Martinez made her orchestral debut at the age of 7 and has since appeared as a soloist with symphonies around the country – and around the world. Her credits include performances at Carnegie Hall, the Palace of Versailles and Tivoli Gardens, and her awards include first prize and audience award at the Anton G. Rubinstein International Piano Competition.
Her wide-ranging career includes world premiers of new music and live performance broadcasts that have been featured in media outlets in the United States, Europe and South America.
Season and individual tickets can be purchased by calling the West Michigan Symphony ticket office at 231.726.3231. Several subscriber plans are available including the full series, masterworks series only, pop series only or flexible ticketing that allows concertgoers to create their own experience. For more information or to receive a 2013-14 season brochure, contact 231.726.3231 or info@westmichigansymphony.org.
Single tickets for the Masterworks’ concert range from $17 to 47 and may be purchased online at www.westmichigansymphony.org; by calling 231.726.3231; or in person at 360 W. Western Ave. Student tickets are $5 for this concert but are not available online. College students must present a valid ID when they purchase tickets.
Tickets for The Block performance “Gabby. Piano. Cheesecake.” start at $28. Doors for the performance will open at 2 p.m.
About West Michigan Symphony
As one of the few professional regional orchestras in Michigan, West Michigan Symphony has played a leading role in the region’s cultural community for nearly 75 years. WMS serves a regional audience with eight pairs of concerts annually, along with dozens of educational and outreach activities for children and adults. Earlier this year, the organization also launched The Block, a new and intimate concert venue in downtown Muskegon that will host a wide range of performers. WMS also oversees operations for the West Michigan Youth Symphony and the newly formed WMS Children’s Choir. For more information, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org
