Des Moines Symphony

DES MOINES, IA- Join Maestro Joseph Giunta and the Des Moines Symphony as they close out the 2007-2008 70^th anniversary season, ovation! on Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. 

This celebratory concert will feature three works: Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major featuring Christopher O'Riley on piano, Symphony No. 7 by Sibelius which has a uniquely untraditional sound of overlapping and intertwining motifs, and lastly Symphony No. 3 (Organ Symphony) by Saint-Saens. The Des Moines Symphony will be closing the finale with the electrifying organ symphony of Saint-Saens, a fantastic end to an astounding anniversary season.

ABOUT CHRIS O'RILEY

Chris O'Riley is a unique musician, known for using both classical and traditional classical music venues and symphonic settings. With his fluid genre of music he is also known to attract younger audiences with his popular radio show, and even clubs! He currently hosts his classical music show From the Top on National Public Radio, which has become one of the most successful programs of its kind. Along with radio success, O'Riley has also achieved great reviews on all of his recordings, including four stars for his "True Love Waits" track from Rolling Stones.

ABOUT RAVEL'S PIANO CONCERTO IN G MAJOR

Maurice Ravel is a French composer and pianist whose music has become a common element in concert repertoire. Ravel's style of music is neo-classical, one which is modern but written in the style of classical. He relied on this classical style to present his new and innovative melodies to a traditional audience. One such piece that goes by this style is his Piano Concerto in G Major. Originally started in 1928, Ravel came back to the piece three years later to complete it in 1931. Known as one of his greatest concertos, the Piano Concerto in G Major is divided into three movements: starting and ending with a fast pace, while slowing down in the second. The first movement starts  sonata, which envelops the classical form followed by a more modern tune. Ravel's goal while writing the Piano Concerto in G Major was that it should be "light-hearted and brilliant," and he succeeded magnificently in this regard. The piece has a captivating energy, and with its catchy melodies it will hold the audiences attention right down to its unforgettable finale.

CONCERT INFORMATION

Music enthusiast Arlene DeVries will lead an informal lecture about the music one hour before each performance in the Civic Center East Lobby.  Broadcast of the concert may be heard on Monday, May 26 at 8:00 p.m. or Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. on WOI-FM 90.1.

Following the concert the symphony will be having CODA, a Question and Answer session with Maestro Giunta. Following the concert, feel free to move towards the front rows and be ready to ask any questions that you have pertaining to the concert or anything involving the symphony. This session only happens twice a season, so don't miss out on this fun and interesting learning opportunity!

Be sure to reserve your seats now for this concert!  Tickets range from $28 to $52, with student discounts at half-price.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.dmsymphony.org, at the Civic Center ticket office, or by calling Ticket Master at (515) 243-1888.  Student rush tickets may be purchased at the Civic Center box office for $10 on the day of the performance with a valid student ID.

 For more information on all Des Moines Symphony concerts and activities visit www.dmsymphony.org or call 515-280-4011