Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHO: Benedetto Lupo with The Austin Symphony Orchestra
WHEN: January 11 & 12, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Riverbend Centre
TICKETS:$19 - $42
CONTACT: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - 476-6064 x 213

ASO RETURN ENGAGEMENT FOR VAN CLIBURN MEDALIST

Season Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase
Concert Sponsor: ConocoPhillips and Capital One
Media Sponsors: Time Warner Cable/News 8 Austin, Austin American-Statesman and Majic 95.5 FM

"...keen musical intelligence and probing intellect." - Miami Herald

Austin audiences are "Continuing the Journey” through the Austin Symphony's 97th concert season on January 11 & 12 at Riverbend Centre. Maestro Peter Bay joins the ASO in welcoming pianist Benedetto Lupo for a return engagement after his spectacular performance with the ASO in November 2005. ConocoPhillips and Capital One proudly sponsor this concert.

PROGRAM
Beethoven - King Stephen Overture, Op. 117
Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15
Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

Maestro Peter Bay opens the concert with the overture, King Stephen, Op. 117. Written in 1811 and performed at the opening of the Pesth Theatre, this overture and further incidental music was written to accompany the August von Kotzebue play, König Stephan. It was intended as a prologue in honor of the legendary Hungarian king. The ASO then welcomes guest artist Benedetto Lupo to center stage.

A pianist of elegance and intensity, Benedetto Lupo has dazzled audiences throughout the United States and Europe. A native of Italy, Mr. Lupo has won many international competitions worldwide including the Bronze Medal in the Eighth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He has performed in some of the US and Europe’s most prestigious halls, and his critically acclaimed recordings are available on the Nuova Era and Arts labels. Mr. Lupo joins the Austin Symphony for a performance of Johannes Brahms’ First Piano Concerto in D minor, Op. 15.

After a short intermission, Maestro Bay returns to continue the ASO’s survey of the nine Beethoven symphonies. Stop number five on the ASO’s journey through Beethoven’s works to the new Long Center for the Performing Arts is this evening’s presentation of Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. This symphony contains one of the most famous and familiar opening passages, not only in the works of Beethoven, but in music history.

Concert goers can enjoy “Concert Conversations” with Bob Buckalew at 7:10 p.m.in the concert hall. These discussions provide an in-depth look at the composers and works being performed, including commentary on the social climate in which they were composed.

Performances for Benedetto Lupo with the Austin Symphony are January 11 & 12, 8:00 p.m. at Riverbend Centre. Tickets range from $19 to $42. Student Rush tickets are also available 20 minutes prior to performance for $5 cash and current student ID. Charge tickets online at www.austinsymphony.org where you will find interactive seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. Tickets are also available at the Austin Symphony Box Office, 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free).