Allentown Symphony details holiday shows, virtual concert series
Beautiful music has returned to Miller Symphony Hall.
The Allentown Symphony Association is featuring a new Allentown Symphony Orchestra concert Chamber Ensemble Seriescalled“FeaturingOurOwn” which will showcase members of the orchestra. Recorded on the Miller Symphony Hall stage, these performances will be video streamed for free to Allentown Symphony subscribers and will be available for the public to purchase.
In addition, Miller Symphony Hall’s cabaret series has returned andrelocated from upstairs in the Rodale Room to the main stage at Miller Symphony Hall. The live-streaming programs include Jazz OnStage featuring Gene Perla’s “ATale of Two Trios!” and Craig Thatcher Holiday Jazz.
Also, in January 2021, the Allentown Symphony will continue its family concerts with “Peter and the Wolf.”
“We are in a unique position as the owner and operator of Miller Symphony Hall — this gives us the flexibility to perform these exciting new chamber, family and jazz events,” Allentown Symphony Association Executive Director Al Jacobsen said in a news release. “[Music Director] Diane Wittry has reinvented the Allentown Symphony fall season with inspired concerts and newways for our audience to experience them. Each of these concerts will be streamed in high definition so that patrons can enjoy the music they love from the safety and comfort of home.
“We are thrilled to safely bring musicians back to the stage at Miller Symphony Hall,” Jacobsen added. “Planning for next year’s reimagined season remains in full force. With Diane’s new programming vision — featuring smaller orchestra and chamber music ensembles, shorter intermission-free concerts — and the work that our staff has done to reimagine the hall with reduced capacity and extensive safety protocols in place for in-person events, we are excited about our future concerts.”
The Allentown Symphony will announce the “reimagined” 2021 season within the coming weeks.
Upcoming shows
Gene Perla’s 3 Trios: Premiers Friday at 7:30 p.m. (available OnDemand beginning Saturday)
3 Trios is a program created by jazz bassist Gene Perla and offers an opportunity for listeners to appreciate the creativity of three blooming pianists. Anchored by bass and spearheaded by saxophone, the presentation promises a “real jazz” experience.
Featuring Gene Perla, bass; Leo Genovese, piano; Adam Nussbaum, drums; Oscar Williams II, piano; Davis Whitfield, piano; and special guest Dan Wilkins, saxophone
Beethoven at 250: Saturday at 7:30 pm (part of Featuring Our Ownseries)
The Allentown Symphony celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday with his Piano Trio in
B-flat major, Op. 11 and his Septet in E-flat — considered one of the most popular chamber works during Beethoven’s lifetime.
Featuring John Schwartz, clarinet; Susan Shaw, bassoon; Jonathan Clark, french horn; Eliezer Gutman, violin; Cameron Raecke, viola; Jameson Platte, cello; Peter Paulsen, Double bass; and Michael Toth, piano.
Holiday Pops!: Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 pm (part of Featuring Our Ownseries)
The principal musicians of the Allentown Symphony brass section (plus a percussionist to “kick it up a notch”) will come together to bring holiday cheer from the stage at Miller Symphony Hall — directly to your home. The program includes holiday favorites “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas” and selections from “The Nutcracker.”
Featuring Omri Barak, trumpet; Jerry Serfass, trumpet; Jonathan Clark, french horn; Gilles Bernard, trombone; Ronald Demkee, tuba; Randy Edelman, percussion; and Wayne Turney, narrator.
Jazz OnStage at Miller Symphony Hall featuring Craig Thatcher and Nyke Van Wyk Holiday Show: Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Performances will be presented virtually and livestreamed in HD directly to jazz lovers. Streams are available for $15 per device.
Jim Brickman “Comfort & Joy at Home Live!” Virtually: Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Grammy-nominated songwriter Jim Brickman blends yuletide memories and holiday carols with his hit songs “The Gift,” “Sending You A Little Christmas,” “Angel Eyes” and “If You Believe.”
More information about Jim Brickman’s “Comfort and Joy at Home Live!” can be found at jimbrickman.com/allentown.
Allentown Symphony Family Concert including “Peter and the Wolf”: Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m.
Families can enjoy Allentown Symphony’s adventure in music including the magic of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” to stream at home in January. The concert may be streamed for free to Allentown Symphony subscribers and $15 per device for the public.
Showcasing Allentown Symphony’s all-star woodwind quintet and a visual partnership with The Baum School of Art and featuring Allison Kiger, flute; Rick Basehore, oboe; John Schwartz, clarinet; Susan Shaw, bassoon; Jonathan Clark, french horn; Narrator, TBA.
Tickets and info
Tickets for the Allentown Symphony Chamber Ensemble Series and Family concerts are free to Allentown Symphony subscribers and $15 per device for the public. Jazz OnStage shows will be available to stream for $15 per device. To order tickets visit MillerSymphonyHall. org.
For more info, contact the box office at info@allentown symphony.org or 610-432-6715.