Akron, OH – The Akron Symphony proudly announces its 2012-2013 season, once again featuring seven Classics Series concerts, three Pops Series concerts, the 20^th anniversary celebration of Gospel Meets Symphony, the Akron Symphony Chorus Spring Concert and the Concerts for Kids series. Opening Night takes place at 8 pm on Saturday, September 15^th, 2012 at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall.

One of the highlights of the Akron Symphony’s 61^st anniversary season pays tribute to the 100^th anniversary of The Rite of Spring through a unique collaboration between the Akron Symphony Orchestra and GroundWorks DanceTheater with artistic direction and choreography by David Shimotakahara. The Rite of Spring concert (April 13, 2013) is made possible with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

“Popular favorites, timeless classics and new discoveries all have a place in our concerts this season,” said Akron Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, Christopher Wilkins. “This season showcases a magnificent variety of symphonic music. You will find quality, variety, spectacle, and plenty of on-stage drama.”

The Akron Symphony will also celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Gospel Meets Symphony (February 23, 2013) with a spectacular concert that celebrates the most memorable moments in Gospel Meets Symphony’s history.

Akron Symphony’s is also pleased to announce the Akron Civic Theatre as the new home for the Pops Series.

“The Civic is thrilled to host the Akron Symphony’s 2012-2013 Pops Series,” said Akron Civic Theatre Executive Director, Howard Parr. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for two much-loved cultural institutions to come together in a way that increases activity in downtown Akron and improves the quality of life in the entire region.”

Patrons will be dancing in the aisles of the Akron Civic Theatre to The Music of ABBA (October 25, 2012) when ARRIVAL from Sweden joins the Akron Symphony Orchestra to perform smash hits like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, S.O.S. and more. Maestro Carl Topilow, Music Director of the Cleveland Pops, will also return to conduct the Akron Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert (December 13, 2012), a much-loved Akron tradition showcasing a festive mix of traditional carols and contemporary holiday favorites. The Pops Series will wrap up with Shower the People: The Music of James Taylor (April 20, 2013). Singer-songwriter Neil Donell and the Jeans ‘n Classics Band will join the Akron Symphony to pay tribute to some of the finest moments in the 35-year career of superstar James Taylor.

Other highlights of the Akron Symphony’s 2012-2013 season include Romeo and Juliet (January 19, 2013), featuring Alexander Schimph, the 2011 Cleveland International Piano Competition winner, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and excerpts from the Romeo and Juliet suites. Apollo’s Fire conductor, Jeannette Sorrell, will lead the Akron Symphony Orchestra for Bach’s Brandenburgs (February 9, 2013) and play harpsichord. Rhapsody in Blue (October 13, 2013) will spotlight American composers Bernstein, Barber and Gershwin and with Akron Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor, Levi Hammer on piano for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and ‘I Got Rhythm’ Variations.

The Akron Symphony Chorus, led by chorus director Maria Sensi Sellner, will also join the Akron Symphony Orchestra for two performances. Gloria! (November 10, 2012) will feature Mozart’s Exsultate jubilate, James Lee’s Sukkot through Orion’s Nebula, which made its world premiere in 2011, and conclude with Sensi Sellner conducting Poulenc’s Gloria. Pastorale Symphony (March 2, 2013) provides a fitting end to the doldrums of winter, featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastorale’ and Haydn’s ‘Spring’ from The Seasons.

The excitement begins on Opening Night (September 15, 2012) with music of the stage. Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 will build from a whisper to an exhilarating cry of revolution, followed by Strauss’ Don Juan, bursting with virile energy and ardor. Tchaikovsky’s popular 5^th symphony, filled with sorrow, love’s longing and the thrill of life, will conclude Opening Night and leave patrons clamoring for more.

Season tickets are available now. New subscribers can save 50% on all Classics and Pops Series packages with discounts available for kids and on single tickets. For a brochure or order season tickets, call 330-535-8131 or visit www.akronsymphony.org/2012-2013-season. Single concert tickets go on sale August 1^st.

The Akron Symphony appreciates all of our sponsors, including media partners 89.7FM WKSU and Akron Life, as well as the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Akron Symphony concerts with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

About the Akron Symphony Orchestra

For more than 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence. The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.