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Plus, fiddler Tom Demer, patriotic favorites, a salute to armed forces and a brilliant display of fireworks all led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman
Battle of the legends video contest announced: “Who’s Cooler: James Bond or Elvis?—happening now on Symphony’s Facebook page!
Orange County’s summer of music, picnicking and great nights under the stars officially gets underway with the first concert of Pacific Symphony’s Summer Festival 2011— “July 4 Spectacular: Elvis Lives!”―on Monday, July 4, 8 p.m., at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine (the Symphony’s summer home).
Sponsored by Hoag Hospital, the 24th season commences as the orchestra backs internationally renowned tribute artist Kraig Parker, channeling the voice, moves, and overall persona of cultural icon, Elvis Presley. With more than 800 recorded songs, Presley’s chart-topping hits originated the sound of rock and roll―a fusion of country, rhythm, gospel and blues―that gained him a place in four music halls of fame. Singing the hits “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “That’s Alright” and much more, Parker’s impersonation has audiences believing Elvis never left!
Conducted by the Symphony’s Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, the July 4th celebration includes American country favorites with fiddler extraordinaire Tom Demer, plus, a moving tribute to the U.S. armed forces and a dazzling fireworks finale. Plus, Amanda Strader, a finalist in the Symphony’s “OC Can You Sing” competition leads the audience in the National Anthem and America the Beautiful. Individual tickets are $25 (lawn) to $99 (orchestra); kids under 14 are half price in most sections with the purchase of an adult ticket. Five-concert Summer Festival packages range from $90 for lawn seating to $460 for orchestra seating. Guests are welcome to picnic on the grounds of the amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. For more information on the series or purchasing tickets, call the Symphony ticket office at (714) 755-5799, or visit the website at www.PacificSymphony.org.
“There’s nothing like a concert under the stars with Pacific Symphony at Irvine’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheater to celebrate the birthday of our country,” says Maestro Kaufman. “We are so blessed to live in the U.S.A., and celebrating the spirit of America is especially exciting and meaningful on the fourth of July. This year our concert includes patriotic music, the music of John Williams, some of the best fiddle music you’ll ever hear, and the music of the ‘King’—Elvis! It’s going to be a celebration of the music that is America.”
From Las Vegas to London, Parker has been called the ultimate image of Elvis Presley. Astonishing crowds for over 12 years with his amazing tribute to the king of rock and roll, Parker’s likeness to Elvis in look, voice, moves and stage presence gives audiences a world-class tribute show not to be missed. Expect screaming, swooning and the obligatory scarf giveaway. Since forming the project in 1996, Parker has toured his Royal Tribute Band and Orchestra around the world in major venues, such as sports arenas, concert halls, performing arts theaters, casinos and fairs.
“Elvis was unique to America, both in his music and the way he lived his life, and no one captured an audience like the ‘King.’ It will be fun to bring the spirit of Elvis to life on July 4th,” says Kaufman.
Fiddling away the tunes “Swattin’ Flies,” “Orange Blossom Special,” “Ashoken Farewell,” “Oklahoma Crude” and the traditional “Old Timey Medley” alongside the patriotic favorites is Demer, who’s been a classical violist with the Dallas Symphony for more than 20 years, and a kickin’ country fiddler for more than 30.
“There’s nothing like the sound of a great fiddle to help celebrate America, especially when it’s combined with Pacific Symphony,” says Kaufman. “Tom Demer is an amazing musician and one of today’s greatest fiddlers. He brings an excitement and ‘soul’ to the fiddle that will make our July 4th concert extra special.”
At age 16, Demer won his first old-time fiddlers contest, while still the youngest member of the Tucson Symphony. He went on to become principal viola of that orchestra while simultaneously earning a degree in music performance from the University of Arizona. Demer has been a member of the Omaha Symphony and the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra and was a founding member of the Durango, Colo., “Music in the Mountains” festival, where he is now principal violist. He has performed with the Dallas new music group “Voices of Change” on viola, mandolin and musical saw, and has recorded chamber music for Klavier Records and for the Hubbard Chamber Music Series.
Coming up—the Symphony’s second concert of the series takes place on
Saturday, July 16, at 8 p.m., with Music Director Carl St.Clair conducting “The 5 Browns”―five siblings, five piano virtuosos―performing Mozart’s Concerto for Three Pianos and Saint-Saёns’ “Carnival of the Animals.” Plus, the orchestra performs Mozart’s Overture to “The Marriage of Figaro” and Mussorgsky’s (arr. Ravel) “Pictures at an Exhibition.”
Video Contest!
With James Bond the focus of the Symphony’s last concert of the winter season and Elvis the first of the summer, a new video contest asks the question: “Who’s Cooler…James Bond or Elvis Presley?” and invites fans of both icons to compete for their favorite by creating a video to prove who indeed is the coolest. With limitless options, participants may create a skit, cover a song, conduct a poetry reading, create a photo montage, do a rant or sketch comedy… anything to prove who is the most deserving. The submission period runs now through June 29, with voting June 30-July 13. Winners are announced July 14. Prizes include concert and dinner packages and an iTunes gift card. To enter or vote, visit: www.facebook.com/PacificSymphony and click “contests.”
Summer Festival 2011 is presented by Hoag Hospital, with additional support from The Orange County Register; the Symphony’s official airline, American Airlines; official hotel, The Westin South Coast Plaza, official classical music station, KUSC; official television station, PBS SoCal; official pops radio station, K-EARTH; and official media partner, KPCC.
