2011/2012 Nashville Symphony Season

Here's today's release from Nashville Symphony about next season:

Nashville Symphony Announces 2011/2012 Season
Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck, Wynonna and a trip to Carnegie Hall among the highlights

NASHVILLE, TN (January 27, 2011) The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony continues to celebrate its triumphant return to Schermerhorn Symphony Center with the announcement of its 2011/12 season. Beginning with a special appearance by Yo-Yo Ma on September 9, 2011, and culminating with a performance of Orff’s enduringly popular Carmina Burana on May 31-June 2, 2012, the season will feature a wide array of world-class guest artists, including banjoist Béla Fleck, electric violinist Tracy Silverman, vocalists Wynonna and Kathy Mattea, trumpeter Chris Botti, guitarist Larry Carlton and The Cleveland Orchestra. One very special highlight for the orchestra will be a performance at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Details will be announced in mid-February.

“The 2011/12 season is a celebration of the Nashville Symphony’s incredible strength, resilience and expanding national profile,” says President & CEO Alan Valentine. “We feel so fortunate to have Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero’s artistic leadership, and this season is very much a reflection of the new heights of artistic achievement the orchestra has realized under his guidance – highlighted by our appearance at Carnegie Hall next May. We also are incredibly thankful for the support of this community, and I can’t think of a better way to express our appreciation than by offering a year’s worth of first-class musical excitement.”

SunTrust Classical Series and Classical Special Events
The 2011/12 SunTrust Classical Series features some of today’s leading classical soloists, including pianists Emanuel Ax (October 6-8, 2011), Garrick Ohlsson (January 26-28, 2012) and Jonathan Biss (February 9-11, 2012); violinists Cho-Liang “Jimmy” Lin (March 8-10, 2012) and Augustin Hadelich (April 19-21, 2012); and soprano Hila Plitmann (November 17-19, 2011). Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero will conduct 10 of the 14 classical concerts, Associate Conductor Kelly Corcoran will conduct one concert (February 23-25, 2012), and renowned guest conductors Peter Oundjian (December 1-3, 2011), Stanisław Skrowaczewski (January 26-28, 2012) and Gilbert Varga (March 29-31, 2012) will each step up to the podium.

The Symphony’s repertoire will include classic works by Brahms, Chopin, Copland, Mozart, Rachmaninoff and others, along with more recent works by such composers as John Adams, Roberto Sierra and Daniel Bernard Roumain (who is a Vanderbilt University graduate). “New American music is a big part of who we are,” Guerrero says. “Classical music is a living, breathing entity, and it’s our responsibility to keep it growing for future generations. At the same time, this music is even more meaningful when audiences are able to hear it in the context of those pieces we all know and love.”

In addition to Yo-Yo Ma’s season-opening appearance, which will feature the cellist performing two works by Dvořák, Schermerhorn Symphony Center has several other classical special events planned for next season. One major highlight is the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (April 24, 2012), a widely recorded ensemble famous for performing without a conductor. Other special concerts will include Handel’s Messiah (December 15-17, 2011) and the return of The Cleveland Orchestra (March 19, 2012), who will be conducted by Guerrero.

Classical conversations are offered in the Balcony Lobby prior to each SunTrust Classical Series concert. These informal 30-minute talks with our conductors and guest artists begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To learn more about Classical Conversations and the 2011/12 season, please visit NashvilleSymphony.org/videos

Bank of America Pops Series
Nashville Symphony continues to bring some of the best-loved names in popular music to Nashville. The Pops Series will showcase the talents of country artists Wynonna (September 15-17, 2011), Kathy Mattea (March 22-24, 2012) and Steve Wariner (April 5-7, 2012); conductor Marvin Hamlisch (February 2-4, 2012); trumpeter Chris Botti (May 17-19, 2012); and Broadway “Wicked Divas” Stephanie J. Block and Julia Murney (November 10-12, 2011), who will perform music from the hit stage show Wicked. Christopher Cross (October 20-22, 2011), whose appearance last year was cancelled due to flood damage, returns as well.

Adams and Reese Jazz Series
A Middle Tennessee resident for the past 15 years, renowned guitarist Larry Carlton headlines the first concert of this popular series (September 30, 2011), which brings the best of jazz to local audiences. Carlton is famous for his unmistakable sound, heard on recordings by John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Jerry Garcia, Dolly Parton, Quincy Jones and others, along with a string of successful solo releases. Two additional concerts slated for January and March will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Ann & Monroe Carell Family Trust Pied Piper Series
Four kid-friendly concerts make up the Nashville Symphony’s series for families, beginning with The Composer Is Dead (October 29, 2011), based on the popular children’s book by Lemony Snicket. This hilarious whodunit will be narrated by Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, with one performance presented in English and a second presented in Spanish. Additional concerts in the series include The Holiday Music Instrument Workshop (December 17, 2011), a musical trip into Santa’s workshop; Music, Noise & Silence (February 18, 2012), a theatrical romp featuring the Magic Circle Mime Company; and Pied Piper Fantasy (April 14, 2012), composer John Corigliano’s flute concerto bringing the legendary tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin to life. Pre-concert activities include an Instrument Petting Zoo and interactive art projects. For more kid-friendly information, visit NashvilleSymphony.org/nsokids.

Nashville Symphony World Premieres, Commissions and Recordings
New music is an integral part of every Nashville Symphony season, and the 2011/12 season promises several electrifying world premieres and commissions, beginning with a concerto written by and for banjoist Béla Fleck (September 22-24, 2011). The orchestra will also debut Darkness in the Ancient Valley, a new work by Richard Danielpour (November 17-19, 2011), and a concerto written especially for electric violinist Silverman by modern music pioneer Terry Riley (May 3-5, 2012).

Long recognized as one of the most active recording orchestras in the country, the Nashville Symphony will continue to expand its sizable discography in the 2011/12 season. Danielpour’s Darkness in the Ancient Valley, featuring soprano Plitmann, and two works by composer Roberto Sierra (April 19-21, 2012) will be recorded for future release on Naxos, the world’s leading classical label.

Subscription and Ticketing Information
Season subscriptions are available now. Prices for the 2011/12 SunTrust Classical Series start at $486 (all 14 concerts); the Bank of America Pops Series (8 concerts), $314; the Adams and Reese Jazz Series (3 concerts), $130; and The Ann & Monroe Carell Family Trust Pied Piper Series (4 concerts), $116 for adults and $71 for children. Tickets to individual concerts will go on sale in mid-July. For more information or to purchase subscriptions, please call 615.687.6400 or visit NashvilleSymphony.org.

Groups of 10 or more receive discounted rates, priority seating and personalized service. Contact Group Sales Specialist Meredith Benning at mbenning@nashvillesymphony.org or 615.687.6537 for more information and to book a group today.

Dining Options
Located in Schermerhorn Symphony Center’s East Lobby, Arpeggio offers a sumptuous four-course buffet before all evening series concerts and most special performances. Reservations are preferred. For updated information, visit NashvilleSymphony.org/arpeggio or call 615.687.6400.

Located in the West Lobby, the Symphony Café offers a bistro-style à la carte menu beginning two hours prior to the performance. The Café is also open from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Parking and Shuttle Information
The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, located across the street from Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Third Avenue, offers discounted pricing with 987 well-lit and secure parking spaces. Symphony patrons may pre-purchase $10 parking vouchers from our box office for use on dates when the Symphony is performing.

Valet parking is available for all Symphony performances on Symphony Place, on the north
side of the building. Cost is $20. We also offer pre-paid valet parking for all performances. For more details, call our Patron Services department at 615.687.6401.

For $10 cash per person, round-trip shuttle service is available for SunTrust Classical Series and Bank of America Pops Series concerts. First come, first served. Shuttles leave from Belle Meade Plaza, Brentwood’s Peartree Village Shopping Center and The Factory at Franklin. For more information, call 615.687.6542. Service provided by Anchor Trailways and Tours.

Sponsors
Nashville Symphony concerts are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: SunTrust Bank for the Classical Series, Bank of America for the Pops Series, Adams and Reese for the Jazz Series, and The Ann & Monroe Carell Family Trust for the Pied Piper Series. Nashville Symphony programs are also supported in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony has a growing international reputation for its recordings and innovative programming. With more than 140 performances annually, the 83-member orchestra is an arts leader in Nashville and beyond, offering a broad range of classical, pops and jazz concerts, special events, children’s concerts and community engagement programs. As a national and international ambassador for the citizens of Tennessee, the Nashville Symphony has received far-reaching acclaim for its 18 recordings on Naxos, making the ensemble one of the most active recording orchestras in the country. These recordings have received 13 total GRAMMY® nominations and, in 2008, three GRAMMY® Awards for Made in America, a recording of works by American composer Joan Tower.

The Wonderful Inn at Evins Mill

It's been nearly two months since our family visited The Inn at Evins Mill and we're still talking about what a wonderful experience it was.

I'll provide some background before attempting to sketch out parts of that experience. It was Aug. 21 and I was looking through some birthday greetings I'd received from Facebook friends and acquaintances. One of the messages was from William Cochran, the inn's owner and general manager. "Evans...I invite you and one other guest to a complimentary night's stay at The Inn at Evins Mill, breakfast included, on any "Enchanted Night," a calendar to which I've linked below. The only request I would make is that you patronize the Inn for dinner rather than an off-site establishment."

That sounded like quite an offer to me, and when I looked on the calendar of available dates, I found that the night of Sept. 3, the eve of Ann's and my 16th wedding anniversary, was available. I called William and made the arrangements.

Our 90-minute drive from Nashville to the Inn was a pleasant one. Our destination was just outside Smithville. After turning onto Evins Mill Road we soon encountered the historic gristmill that gives the Inn its name:


Soon we were parked and ready for check-in. Aiding us through this was Chris Dotson, a very friendly and professional innkeeper who made us feel right at home.

We were soon installed in a wonderful Mountain Laurel room which even included a loft for Katie (although her mom decided to spend some time up there as well!). We were also welcomed by a rather charming feline who apparently likes to visit the property from time to time:










About an hour after our arrival we went to the Grand Lodge for drinks and dinner:




We met some really nice folks who were also spending the night at the inn before settling in for an incredible dinner prepared by the extremely talented executive chef Jason Evans. I've eaten duck all over the world, and I've never had a more melt-in-your mouth selection of that dish than the portion prepared by Chef Evans. The smiles tell the story:






After a great night's sleep it was outside for a stroll and a swing before eating an incredible breakfast prepared by innkeeper and chef Tina Clark. There are plenty of mouthwatering items on offer, but the bacon alone is worth getting up for:






After breakfast it was time to leave. We had been at The Inn at Evins Mill for less than a day, but the atmosphere, food and lodging allowed us to celebrate our marriage and family -- and create some happy longterm memories -- in a truly unique way.

Whether you're celebrating something or just enjoying time away from modern life's cares, I heartily recommend you visit Mr. Cochran's establishment. Drop him a line by clicking here. When you visit you'll find as we did that The Inn at Evins Mill is a slice of life to savor.

A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House

Elaine Stritch performs during “A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House” in the East Room of the White House, July 19, 2010.
Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

PBS airs the latest installment of the In Performance at the White House series Wednesday night (8 PM Central on Nashville's WNPT station: Channel 8 on Comcast Cable). It's called "A Broadway Celebration" and indeed it is.

I've loved these shows since Washington's WETA started producing them during the Carter Administration; they combine the grandeur of The People's House with the greatness of some of our best performing artists. Recent broadcasts spotlighting the work of Stevie Wonder and a celebration of Civil Rights era music that brought Bob Dylan to the East Room have been among my favorites. After watching an advance copy of this episode, I think "A Broadway Celebration" is one of the best shows this acclaimed series has ever produced.

Why? Well, having the legendary Elaine Stritch declare "I'm Still Here" from Stephen Sondheim's Follies is enough to make this a must-see. But, as TV commercials often say, there's more, much more: Idina Menzel not only doing her signature Wicked tune "Defying Gravity" but heart-rendingly singing "What I Did For Love" accompanied by A Chorus Line composer Marvin Hamlisch on piano is pretty awesome too.

As if those selections weren't enough, the always-great Audra McDonald offers her range of remarkable talents with the funny "Can't Stop Talking About Him" number by Frank Loesser -- it's possibly the best rendition since Betty Hutton did it in the 1950 film "Let's Dance" -- and the love-seared "Happiness is a Thing Called Joe" from Cabin in the Sky. Ethel Waters would be proud.

Nathan Lane hosts with plenty of trademark one-liners and a delightful return to his Tony Award-winning role as Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum via "Free" with Brian d'Arcy James (a Drama Desk winner for his role in "Shrek the Musical"). And there are other highlights in this hour-long show directed by George C. Wolfe which you'll see when you tune in, including boffo appearances by 12-year-old performing sensation Assata Alston and Tony winner Karen Olivo ("West Side Story"). How appropriate that Wolfe helmed this project -- a national treasure directing a show at a national treasure.

What was it like for these Broadway actors to perform at The White House? Watch:

Financial Reform Becomes Law

70 Wonderful Years!

It is hard to believe my mother is 70 today. I like what she had to say on her Facebook profile - 70 is the new 50! It's a privilege to be the son of such a remarkable woman. Her intelligence and the way she gives her best to life's endeavors are just two qualities that make me marvel at mom. Anne Alice Evans Donnell, I love you. Thanks for sharing part of that 70 with me. May God grant us many more years together!

Nashville Flood

This film by Michael Deppisch is a short but effective chronicle of this past weekend's devastation. Read Nashville author Ann Patchett's thoughts on the flood in the New York Times. For some incredible photos check out this collection on the Boston Globe's website. To donate online to flood relief efforts visit the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee website.

UPDATE: If you haven't read the post that inspired the "We Are Nashville" response to the flooding click here. It's an inspiring read.