“The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra has announced its upcoming concert season schedule. And Conductor James Blachly said an emphasis will be placed on the connection between the city and the symphony as its theme throughout its 2017-18 season,” writes Cody McDevitt in Friday’s (4/21) Daily American (Somerset, PA). “ ‘We will be highlighting our history, our present and our future together,’ Blachly said…. The season will kick off on Sept. 16 with ‘A Night in Venice,’ which will feature Italian food and music connected to that city. ‘Like Johnstown, Venice was founded because of its location near the water.’ Blachly said. … On Oct. 20 they will have an open performance at the Cambria Iron Works, which keeps with the theme of the season, connecting Johnstown’s heritage with the symphony. It’s to be free and open to the public. They plan on inviting old steelworkers back for the performance…. The symphony is to perform the North American premiere of Ethel Smyth’s ‘The Prison’ on April 7. On May 12 … ‘Symphonic Pictures’ … will blend various art forms to accompany the music.” Two American-themed concerts in October and November will feature music by Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, and Aaron Copland.
Posted April 25, 2017
