News
Charleston Symphony Orchestra
03/31/2008
DATE: March 31, 2008
THE CHARLESTON
LEONARD BERNSTEIN’S CANDIDE, April 19 at 8:00 PM
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro David Stahl will perform the last concert of the 2007-08 Ginn Resorts Masterworks Series on April 19, 2008 at 8 pm. Come to the Gaillard Auditorium to hear a full concert production of Leonard Bernstein’s timeless classic, Candide, based on Voltaire’s novella of the same title. Bernstein’s catchy melodies and clever dialog will keep audience members chuckling throughout the evening.
Local celebrity personality and CSO music director of 24 years, David Stahl, was at one time the legendary Leonard Bernstein’s protégé. After meeting Mr. Bernstein as a conducting fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, he was invited at age 26 to be Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic and a few years later was asked to take over the music directorship of Bernstein’s West Side Story on Broadway and for its European tour. After serving as Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony for four seasons under Thomas Schippers, Mr. Bernstein again called on David Stahl to assist him when he made his legendary recording of West Side Story.
Written in 1759 by French Enlightenment philosopher, Voltaire, Candide, Or The Optimist, is the story of a young man (Candide) who while being a student of Optimistic philosophy, has become disillusioned after a series of unfortunate events. Through Candide’s travels, adventures, and romantic encounters, Voltaire is able to thoroughly pick fun at Optimism. Leonard Bernstein’s adaptation of the novella was a collaborative project which included contributions to the libretto from at least 6 different people. Opening on Broadway in 1956 to weak reviews, critics loved the music but accused the libretto of being too serious for Bernstein’s upbeat melodies. The libretto was later reworked many times and experienced significant success and built up a cult-like fan base following the 1973 Broadway revival. Due to the strength and popularity of the music, concert versions of Candide have been popular staples of symphony orchestras around the globe.
TICKETS
Tickets for the entire 2007-08 Charleston Symphony Orchestra season are currently on sale. Tickets for Ginn Resorts Masterworks series performances are $15-$55. Student tickets are available for $5 with valid student ID. Tickets for all Charleston Symphony Orchestra performances can be purchased at the Gaillard Auditorium Box Office (77 Calhoun Street), through Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets, and at www.charlestonsymphony.com.
SPONSORSHIPS
Ginn Resorts is the generous season sponsor of the Ginn Resorts Masterworks series.
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra wishes to thank Ginn Resorts for their tremendous support.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All programs and artists are subject to change. For further information, call the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at 843-723-7528, ext. 110. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra is online at www.charlestonsymphony.com.
LOCATION and PROGRAM LISTING
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 8:00 PM.
Gaillard Municipal Auditorium,
DAVID STAHL, conductor
THOMAS COOLEY, tenor
NANCY ALLEN LUNDY, soprano
JACOB WILL, bass-baritone
JENNIFER LUIKEN, mezzo-soprano
SUZANNE FLEMING-ATWOOD, soprano
BERNSTEIN Candide
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