Albany Symphony features violin virtuoso Gareth Johnson - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Albany Symphony features violin virtuoso Gareth Johnson

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Information from the Albany Symphony Orchestra

ALBANY, Ga. -- Violin virtuoso Gareth Johnson will be the featured artist at the Albany Symphony Orchestra's third concert of the subscription season at the Albany Municipal Auditorium Saturday night at 7:30.

Johnson has the distinction of winning both the Junior and Senior Divisions of the acclaimed Sphinx competition. He is currently completing his second year as Distinguished Lecturer and Artist in Residence at Albany State University. He plays an 1840 J. B. Vuillaume violin.

Johnson will appear with the Albany Symphony Orchestra performing the beloved Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. The concert will also include works by African-American composers, Respighi's picturesque Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome and Jeffrey Mumford's "a dance into reflected daylight" which was named the 2012 commissioned composition by the Sphinx Competition. 

Johnson is an artist with flair that brings to the stage an exciting 21st Century rendition of the masters mixed with the vibrancy of youth, perfection and extraordinary musicality. In his mid-20s, Johnson is an articulate, enthusiastic and creative presenter -- an inspiration to young musicians. In addition to his talents as a classical violinist, Johnson is also a devoted composer, teacher and arranger of other music forms.

The New York Times has said of Johnson that he "possesses prodigious musical gifts -- like Joshua Bell or Maxim Vengerov...he dominates the stage." He has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Admission is $35 or $25, depending on seat location, and $20 for military personnel and senior citizens. Tickets are available by calling the Symphony office at 229.430.8933, on-line at AlbanySymphony.org or at the Box Office one hour prior to the concert.

Conductor Hillard and Johnson will present complimentary Pre-Concert Notes, informative comments and insights into the performance, at 6:30 p.m. from the auditorium stage.

Following the concert, the Conductor's Circle reception is held at the Carnegie Library, now the Albany Area Arts Council, next door to the Auditorium. Members and others who may pay at the door ($15) can enjoy refreshments and greet Maestro Hillard and Johnson.

The ASO is a fully professional per service orchestra serving the Southwest Georgia region with classical, pops, educational and special concerts. The orchestra celebrates its 50th season in 2014. Recognized for its innovative audience developmental efforts and diverse programming, the orchestra has received the League of American Orchestras and ASCAP awards on multiple occasions.  

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit albanysymphony.org or call 229-430-8933.

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