The Symphony on the Prairie 2010 season is now but a memory, but some good ones were made. I was able to photograph the Glorious Fourth, watch my budding superstar moonwalk to Michael Jackson and sing “Let it Be” with a bunch of girlfriends surrounded by snacks and the perfect sunset. Did you have the chance to go to any shows? If not I’m putting my foot down and demanding you go next year. It’s too perfect of a summer activity not to.
Just because the ISO will no longer be playing to adoring crowds with picnic baskets and wine glasses doesn’t mean that the music will not go on. In fact the upcoming schedule for the Symphony at Hilbert Center Theater is one that makes me wish my dad were here, he’s my symphony buff. When no one else could get me to listen to classical, my dad could pull it off.
The IVCI (International Violin Competition Indianapolis) begins the 10th with finals beginning with the ISO the 22nd and continues until a winner is announced on September 26. Still not that interested? The winner of the 2010 IVCI is awarded the use of a 327 year old Stradivarius violin worth nearly $3 million dollars for four years following their victory. Now THAT’S a trophy. (The winner will also receive a Carnegie Hall recital debut, this is no regular music recital people.)
Other notable shows at the ISO that are coming up? Midori, who debuted at the age of 14 and hasn’t played with the ISO in 26 years will be playing her 1734 Guarnerius del Gesu violin for three days, October 7-9. Even Liza Minelli will make a stop off to perform with the ISO on October 30.
Century old violins, child prodigies and iconic American songstresses not really your thing? How about Bugs Bunny and Fred Flinstone? The ISO will be performing a family friendly concert starring cartoons of our youth for 3 nights, November 12-14. You have plenty of time to YouTube those old Elmer Fudd episodes set to “The Marriage of Figaro” and there’s even a facebook fan group of “Looney Tunes introduced me to Classical Music.” Not to mention Tom and Jerry will also be making an appearance.
Sound like your kind of thing? Well the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has generously offered to give away a family four pack of tickets to “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony.” You can even choose the night you’d like to go, Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon. To enter to win simply leave a comment on this post recalling your favorite piece of classical music, maybe it really was from Looney Tunes or maybe it’s the “Beef, it’s What’s for Dinner” song (better known as Copland’s “Hoedown from Rodeo”)
You have between now and September 30th to leave your comment!
