Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Kennett Symphony opens season with a concert on Sept. 21

09/18/2013 01:28PM ● By Acl

Michael Hall

The Kennett Symphony of Chester County begins its 2013-2014 season with an Opening Night Spectacular, under the direction of conductor candidate Michael Hall, featuring pianist Igor Resnianski.

A pre-concert chat with conductor candidate Hall will be presented at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m.  Both will be held at West Chester University’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre on Sept. 21.

Beginning the program is Kodaly’s Intermezzo from “Hary Janos Suite,” followed by Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, featuring Igor Resnianski on piano. Finishing the program is Dvorak’s  Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World.”

Each composer in the concert was inspired by music from their native countries. Kodaly’s suite was inspired by the folk music of Hungary, Grieg’s concerto is linked to his Norwegian roots, and Dvorak’s symphony reflects both the folk influences of his Czech culture and the sounds and characteristics of Native American melodies and plantation songs.

Michael Hall’s career includes guest appearances with some of the finest orchestras in North America, including the Houston Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Vancouver Symphony, among others. In Central America, Hall has worked with the Orquesta Sinfionica Nacional de Costa Rica. He has a special relationship with the Tucson Symphony, where he has been a frequent guest conductor over the past eight seasons. Hall recently concluded his 5th successful season as music director of the Southwest Florida Symphony.

A Steinway artist, Igor Resnianski is a prize winner of many international piano competitions. He has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Fort Worth Symphony, New Orleans Symphony and Acadiana Symphony. He teaches at West Chester University and the Nelly Berman School of Music. In spring 2012, he was named “Music Teacher of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association.

West Chester University’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre is in the Swope Music Building at the intersection of South High Street and East Campus Drive. The entrance is on the parking lot side of the building (M-Lot). The street address is 817 S. High St., West Chester, PA.

Single tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door (students are $5). Visit www.kennettsymphony.org or call 610-444-6363.