The Akron Symphony Orchestra is currently accepting nominations for its inaugural Music Educator of the Year Award. This award will be presented by Music Director Christopher Wilkins at the Nov. 18 concert at E. J. Thomas Hall. The honored music teacher will be selected by a panel of qualified judges from our regional area. The nominee must be a certified/licensed music … [Read more...]
Young jazz musicians highlighted in Gospel Meets Symphony performance Feb. 20 (Article and Video)
It was a chance encounter. Young pianist Kofi Boakye made the rounds playing at the Downtown Akron Partnership’s #playmeakron outdoor pianos. And, while playing at the piano outside of the Akron Symphony Orchestra offices, he caught the attention of Brenda Justice, a Symphony employee and chair of the annual Gospel Meets Symphony concert. After she captured some cell phone … [Read more...]
Psychiatrist, concert pianist offers window into creative process for ‘Music and the Mind’
Music and the Mind combines mental health discussion with classical performance -- The percentage of people working as artists who suffer with mental illness is generally much higher than people working in other fields, says renowned Psychiatrist and Concert Pianist Dr. Richard Kogan, who on Saturday, Feb. 6 will be at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron to speak about mental health and … [Read more...]
Akron Symphony kicks off new season with Copeland’s ‘American Journey’
(Courtesy of Akron Symphony) Akron Symphony’s season kicks off on Sept. 19, 8 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron with "American Journey," featuring works by Copeland, Gershwin and local composer Clint Needham. The night will include Copeland’s classic "Rodeo" (complete ballet), as well as "Gershwin’s Concerto in F," showcasing pianist Philip Thomson. “Gershwin and … [Read more...]
Wilkins to lead Symphony through 2018
Conductor's contract renewed for 3 more seasons Courtesy of Akron Symphony Akron Symphony Music Director and Conductor Christopher Wilkins renewed his contract last month and will remain in Akron through 2018. The Akron Symphony announced the news as the orchestra, under Wilkins direction, prepares for several major productions in the second half of the current concert … [Read more...]