PHILADELPHIA, PA. (Top40 Charts/ PThe Philadelphia Orchestra) - World-renowned singer/composer/actor
Sting will headline the spectacular Academy of
Music 153rd Anniversary Concert on Saturday, January 30, 2010, in performance with The Philadelphia Orchestra and his own quartet of outstanding jazz/pop/rock musicians, conducted by
David Hartley. The classical portion of the program will showcase Rafael Fr?ºhbeck de Burgos, chief conductor and artistic director of the Dresden Philharmonic, leading The Philadelphia Orchestra in a program of masterpieces featuring guest tenor Juan
Diego Fl??rez, a thrilling performer famous for his high C's. The Academy Ball, chaired by Mrs. Fred L. Hudson III and Mr. Joseph A. Frick, immediately follows at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue.
Concert program The Academy of Music continues its tradition of presenting popular music in grand fashion. Sting will be backed by the Fabulous Philadelphians and a quartet comprised of Dominic Miller on guitar, David Sancious on piano, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Christian McBride on bass, performing notable songs from the Police repertoire and Sting's solo career, in original orchestrations. Esteemed bel canto tenor Juan Diego Fl??rez, a Peruvian native known for his expressive, effortless, and virtuoso singing, will perform a selection of beloved arias under the baton of Maestro Fr?ºhbeck, who leads The Philadelphia Orchestra for the concert's first half on the same stage where he made his North American debut 40 years ago. (In February 2010, Juan Diego Fl??rez reprises his headline-grabbing Metropolitan Opera performance as Tonio in La Fille du R?©giment.) For the fourth consecutive year, the concert is being created and produced by Wayne Baruch and Charles F. Gayton.
The theme of this year's event is "Beautiful Spaces, Fabulous Places," a testimony to all of the remarkable Philadelphia landmarks and the wonderful supporters who grace their presence. The concert will begin with musical arts students from the Philadelphia area performing a musical salute to the newly restored Academy Ballroom. The restoration of the Academy of Music's magnificent chandelier and the renovation of the Ballroom back to its original splendor add tremendous meaning to the incredible "spaces" the Academy of Music offers the cultural landscape.
Dinner and Ball The gala champagne dinner and ball at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue hotel follows the concert. Eight dance orchestras will be located throughout the facility. The gala is being chaired by Mrs. Fred L. Hudson III and Mr. Joseph A. Frick. For gala information, call the Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office at 215.893.1940.
This concert and ball are sponsored by CIGNA, Joe and Amy Frick, Ambassador David F. and Constance B. Girard-diCarlo, Independence Blue Cross, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, PNC, and Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company.
