In a triumphant return to North America, the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra will captivate audiences with a performance at the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center on Monday, March 8.

The show, part of a limited U.S. engagement, begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW.

Under the direction of Hobart Earle, the 96-piece orchestra has been elevated to a position of international prominence, unprecedented in the history of the organization, conducting hundreds of concerts in the major concert halls of the world. The orchestra will perform some of their Viennese fare, in a concert format that has become extremely popular – a (Viennese) classical symphony; followed by a selection of waltzes, marches and polkas; with Johann Strauss performed after intermission. “Gramophone Magazine” raves, “critics ? from Vienna to New York to Moscow, clearly know a good thing when they hear it.”

In recognition of his work with the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra, Earle was awarded the title Distinguished Artist of Ukraine – the first and only foreigner in Ukraine history to earn this honor. Since 1992, Earle and the orchestra have made a total of 15 trips abroad to 12 different countries. They have played in famous concert halls in cities such as Vienna, London, Moscow, Washington, D.C. and at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

“The Chicago Tribune” declares that, “for most American audiences, the word Ukrainian probably does not call up a very vivid image, unless it is colored Easter eggs. The Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra will change that if enough of us hear it.”

Tickets for the production range in price from $22 to $30, depending on seat location and may be purchased at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW or 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Giant Eagle on Greenbag Road. WVU Students can purchase tickets for $18 with a valid Mountaineer card at the campus box office. One discount will be allowed per card.

The University Art Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW or visit the Web site at http://events.wvu.edu .

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CONTACT: Ali Daly, Arts & Entertainment
304-293-8222 , Alison.Daly@mail.wvu.edu