LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Asia
America Symphony Association) - The Asia
America Symphony Association (AASA)
Music Director David Benoit announces the Asia
America Symphony's 2009 Concert Season, featuring a lineup of world-renowned and celebrated artists, beginning January 24, 2009, with smooth jazz saxophonist
Jeff Kashiwa and followed by the riveting Ahn Trio on February 8. Other performances include the Asia
America Youth Orchestra, featuring solo performances by three winners of 'Asian American Idol,' with the final concert presenting Broadway mega-star and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga performing with the 65-piece Asia
America Symphony Orchestra under
Music Director and Conductor
David Benoit.
CONCERT I: Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 8pm / James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance
An Evening with Saxophonist - Jeff Kashiwa
One of the most successful smooth jazz saxophonists, Jeff Kashiwa made his name as a member of the popular group the Rippingtons. Kashiwa's solo career has been in joyfully frenetic overdrive since the incredible success of "Hyde Park (The Aah, Ooh Song)," a number one hit on the Radio & Records airplay chart for over eight weeks in 2000. Jeff will join Music Director David Benoit in another unique evening of foot stompin' smooth jazz along with members of the Asia America Symphony String Quartet. A new commission work written specifically for this concert by Mr. Benoit will be debuted as well.
Ticket Prices: $50 Preferred, $35 General Seating; James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 N. Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503.
CONCERT II: Sunday, February 8, 2009 - 7pm / James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance
'Music for Two Trios' - The Ahn Trio / The David Benoit Trio
Returning for their third triumphant AASA appearance, the Ahn Trio, "sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella," are redefining the art and architecture of chamber music, breathing new life into the standard piano-trio literature and giving electrifying performances to sell-out crowds all around the world. Recently, Maestro Benoit was commissioned by The Laguna Arts Festival to compose a piece that would best represent the two very different and divergent qualities of the classical trio of violin, cello and piano and the electric jazz trio consisting of electric piano, electric bass and drums. 'Music For Two Trios' will be the centerpiece of the evening as well as repertoire from the Ahn Trio, and an impromptu jam session with both trios. Definitely expect the unexpected in this very special and unique concert experience.
Ticket Prices: $65 Preferred, $45 General Seating; James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 N. Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503.
CONCERT III: Sunday, April 19, 2009 - 7pm / James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance
Asia America Youth Orchestra
The Asia America Youth Orchestra (AAYO) was founded in 2001 by Music Director and Conductor David Benoit to provide opportunities for young musicians from all cultures, races, and backgrounds to play in a professional-level ensemble. The Asia America Youth Orchestra will celebrate the music of television including Lalo Schifrin's iconic hit 'Mission Impossible,' as well as current favorites of the younger generation 'Family Guy' and 'The Simpsons.' This year, three young outstanding soloists handpicked by a panel of esteemed judges, better known as AAYO's Asian American Idol, will each be featured performing their winning audition piece with the orchestra.
Ticket Prices: $25 General Seating; James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 N. Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503.
CONCERT IV: Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 8pm / Aratani Theatre, JACCC, Los Angeles
Asia America Symphony Orchestra
David Benoit, Music Director and Conductor
with special guest,
Broadway mega-star and Tony Award winner
Ms. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga, multi-award winning Filipino singer and actress, is best known for originating the role of Kim in the musical 'Miss Saigon.' In the field of musical theater, she is recognized for having won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World Awards, the first to win various international awards for a single role. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical 'Les Misérables' on Broadway. Ms. Salonga is the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from 'Aladdin' in 1992 and Fa Mulan for 'Mulan' and 'Mulan II' in 1998 and in 2004, respectively. Ms. Salonga will be performing many of her Broadway smash hits including 'Here In The Land Of The Loving,' the official Philippine State tourism theme composed by Maestro Benoit. This concert will open with the electrifying Leonard Bernstein composition 'The Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.'
Ticket Prices: $100 VIP Seating with Reception, $75 Preferred Seating, $50 General Seating; Aratani Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
The Asia America Symphony Association is dedicated to opening artistic and cultural borders throughout Southern California by fusing the music of east and west in innovative, exciting ways. Under the guidance of its conductor and music director David Benoit, the Symphony is currently striking out in bold new directions, inviting new Asian artists as well as prominent ones from abroad who may not be known to local audiences, combining performances of jazz and classical compositions within the same program, and introducing traditional Asian instruments into traditional western classical performances in very non-traditional ways. Other performing artists that have appeared with The Asia America Symphony include Keiko Matsui, Sadao Watanabe, Hiroshima, Jon Nakamatsu and Jake Shimabukuro, to name a few.
For more information, please contact the Asia America Symphony Association: 310.377.8977 or visit their website at www.AsiaAmericaSymphony.org.
