Hartford Symphony Orchestra Opens Next Friday

We received the following press release from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra:

HARTFORD, September 17, 2009 – The Hartford Symphony Orchestra will bring Classical Music’s two hottest new stars – the gold and silver medalists of the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition– to Hartford’s Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. On September 25 and 26, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in Mortensen Hall, Music Director Edward Cumming will lead the HSO and special guest pianists, 19-year old Haochen Zhang and 23-year old Yeol Eum Son, in a rare performance of both Rachmaninoff’s Second and Third Piano Concerti.

For the first time ever at an HSO concert, patrons seated in the orchestra level will have the opportunity to enjoy close-up viewing of the pianists’ hands via plasma screens that will be placed on both sides of the stage.

The HSO will celebrate the opening of its 66th Season on September 26th with cocktails, a private dinner, and exclusive performances by the Van Cliburn Medalists. As the primary fundraising event of the 2009-10 season, the evening’s proceeds will benefit the HSO’s artistic and educational programs. Reservations are still being accepted; for more information please contact Development Associate Tracy Wu at (860) 246-8742 x.336 or at twu@hartfordsymphony.org.

Tickets to these performances range in price from $32.50-$64.50, or $12.50 with a student I.D. Tickets are available in person Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Hartford SymphonyOrchestra Ticket Services, 99 Pratt Street, Suite 500 in Hartford, by calling (860) 244-2999, or online 24/7 at www.hartfordsymphony.org.

The 2009 Opening Night Celebration is made possible with generous support from LES Investment Partners; Federman, Lally & Remis, LLC; TD Banknorth; Travelers; Bank of America; Lincoln Financial; Trumf, Inc.; and Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital. The 2009-2010 Masterworks Series is made possible with support from Metlife Foundation and The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, with additional concert support from Viking Fuel Oil. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra receives major support from the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Sponsors listed as of September 16, 2009. a