For Hometown News
DAYTONA BEACH - National symphony orchestras from China and Cuba, a blockbuster opera, breathtaking ballet, and the Vienna Boys' Choir are all part of the Daytona Beach Symphony Society's 61st annual season.
The season begins Nov. 3, at Peabody Auditorium with the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba making its historic first visit to the United States since the Castro revolution. Pianist Nachito Herrera of the famed ¡Cubanismo! joins the orchestra to play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
A special Beethoven Weekend Nov. 16-18 will celebrate the genius and passion of Beethoven during a weekend of some of his most beautiful music. Pianist Adam Golka, considered one of the leading interpreters of Beethoven's music, plays the "Emperor" Concerto with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra on Friday, Nov. 16, and is the soloist for Sonata Sunday on Nov. 18. Saturday, Nov. 17, features Symphony No. 9. Beethoven was completely deaf when he composed his ninth and final symphony, the most legendary work of all classical music with its awe-inspiring "Ode to Joy." This event is not part of the season ticket series. Beethoven Weekend packages are $75. Single tickets range from $20 to $40.
The 13th annual Winterfest, Daytona's premier cultural weekend of concerts and events, is Jan. 25 to 27. Rossini was only 24 years old when he composed "The Barber of Seville," one of his most beloved operas, which comes to Peabody Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 25. When Count Almaviva asks the clever Barber of Seville to help him win the beautiful Rosina, the result is a series of outrageous mistaken identities and ingenious plot twists with unforgettable irresistible comedy. The Teatro Lirico D'Europa opera company performs in Italian with English supertitles and features a 40-piece orchestra.
Igudesman & Joo are two classical musicians who have taken the world by storm with their unique and hilarious combination of comedy, classical music and popular culture. On Saturday, Jan. 26, they bring "A Little Nightmare Music" to Peabody Auditorium.
The China National Symphony Orchestra performed at the 2008 Olympic opening ceremonies in Beijing and comes to the Peabody on Sunday, Jan. 27, with the beautiful and melodic Butterfly Lovers violin concerto and the power and passion of Rachmaninov.
The legendary Vienna Boys' Choir was founded in 1498, and move than five centuries later they continue to delight young and old around the world with sell-out tours. With their charm and voices of remarkable beauty, the boys who are 9 to 14 years old, will enchant the entire family on Friday, Feb. 15.
On Saturday, March 2, the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet comes to life in this timeless ballet with Tchaikovsky's gorgeous music and the superb dancers of the Russian National Ballet Theatre. Frédéric Chopin's music sets the stage for Chopiniana, a ballet of ethereal beauty and romance that begins the evening's program.
Based in Beethoven's place of birth, the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn makes regular tours to all parts of the world and performs at the Peabody on Friday, March 22. Internationally acclaimed pianist Louis Lortie plays Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4.
All performances are at Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd. For tickets, visit the Peabody Box Office or call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.