West Virginia University - News and Information Services
WVU hosts Pittsburgh Symphony's 'Marvin's Broadway Hear & Now' Oct. 3
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2007-2008 season at West Virginia University with principal Pops conductor Marvin Hamlisch’s “Broadway Hear and Now” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the Creative Arts Center.
The concert on the WVU Evansdale Campus will include guest vocalists Anne Runolffson and Gary Mauer.
This is the first of three concerts the Pittsburgh Symphony will perform in Morgantown this year.
No one pulls off a Pops concert like the Pittsburgh Symphony and Marvin Hamlisch, fans say. Indeed, the program leaves nothing to be desired by fans of Broadway and the Orchestra alike.
Smash hits like “Les Misérables,” “A Chorus Line,” “The Producers,” “Wicked” and “Phantom of the Opera” are just a few of the musicals to be sampled.
Runolffson and Mauer will each have a chance to shine as soloists and combine efforts for some of Broadway’s most stunning ensembles, like “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.”
In addition, Hamlisch will be following up on what the WVU College of Creative Arts is calling “Marvin’s Challenge.”
During his 2006 concert at the Creative Arts Center, Hamlisch vowed that if every seat in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre is filled upon his return, he will lead the Pittsburgh Symphony in a special performance of the WVU “Fight Song.”
Hamlisch has orchestrated the song and the College has accepted the challenge of filling the theatre for this one-of-a-kind performance.
To list the awards Hamlisch has not won would take far less time than to name those he has. The superstar’s accolades include three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe Awards. The Orchestra is honored to have this esteemed, beloved musician as principal Pops conductor for the twelfth year.
Mauer and Runolffson—both Broadway stars, most recently in home and touring productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera”—bring scores of experience to Heinz Hall.
Mauer’s credits include frequent appearances with the nation’s finest symphony orchestras and leading roles in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Les Misérables,” “Sweeney Todd” and “West Side Story” among others.
Runolffson has served as standby to Julia Andrews and Liza Minnelli, and her versatile career has carried her all over the globe to concert halls and recording studios.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Series is presented by with support from William and Loulie Canady in memory of their daughter Valerie.
The best way to secure a seat is to purchase a subscription. Subscriptions for the three concert series are still available for $94.50.
Single tickets are $38 and are only available through the Pittsburgh Symphony box office. They may be purchased by phone at 800-743-8560 or online at http://www.pittsburghsymphony.org.
Sir Andrew Davis will conduct the Orchestra during the second concert of the season Thursday, Dec. 6.
The December performance will feature principal cellist Anne Martindale Williams in a program that includes Elgar’s dramatic concerto, Mozart’s majestic “Symphony No. 39” and “Phantasmagoria” by Pittsburgh Symphony Composer of the Year John Corigliano.
The final concert in the series features conductor Daniel Meyer and world-renowned violinist Sarah Chang Monday, Feb. 11. Meyer will lead the Orchestra in a concert of works including Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7” and Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.”