South Shore Orchestra Presents “Beethoven!” for Opening Night Gala Concert at the Memorial Opera House

23LookingforLudwig campaign launches to b-1---2015-05-16 16 31 01The South Shore Orchestra (SSO) will perform the music of Beethoven and Hovhaness for its Opening Night Gala concert on Friday, June 5, 2015. Beethoven! officially opens the SSO’s 2015 concert season at the Memorial Opera House. The program will feature Beethoven’s awe-inspiring Symphony No. 5 in C Minor and his rustic Symphony No. 6 in F Major, “Pastoral”, as well as one of Alan Hovhaness’ earliest known orchestral works, Storm on Mt. Wildcat. Powerful and complex, the emotionally charged music of Beethoven and Hovhaness offers listeners the chance to reflect upon expressions of fate, heroics and nature.

According to SSO Music Director and Conductor Troy Webdell, “These particular symphonies by Beethoven are quite organic. The 6th Symphony emulates specific sounds and scenes of nature and the 5th Symphony has the idea of fate growing and developing like a seed from the initial four note theme that everyone knows.” From the iconic melodies of Beethoven to the mystical sounds of Hovhaness, the SSO’s Opening Night Gala concert is sure to be an excellent experience for classical music veterans and newcomers alike.

In their efforts to promote the concert, the SSO will be launching a month long outreach initiative known as #LookingForLudwig. Throughout May and ending on June 5th, a traveling Ludwig van Beethoven bust will make its way to different locations in the downtown Valparaiso area where visitors can snap a photo (a “Ludwig van Selfie”) with the famous composer and then upload the picture onto the SSO’s Facebook and Twitter pages. “We really wanted to raise the profile of the SSO - this being our 11th year based in Valparaiso - especially in our new residence at Memorial Opera House,” says SSO Communications Chair and Board member Kirsten Renehan, “We thought Beethoven “sightings” might be a fun and engaging way to build the Beethoven buzz and generate some interest, especially with downtown Valparaiso eateries where patrons might dine before or after the concert.” Updates on Beethoven’s latest locale will be posted on the SSO’s social media pages. The SSO encourages you to keep an eye out for the roaming Beethoven – you never know where he will show up next!

This year marks the SSO’s first year as the Memorial Opera House’s Orchestra-In-Residence. Through this new and exciting partnership, the SSO will perform three full-orchestra concerts and five lunchtime chamber concerts at the historic Memorial Opera House. “We are so excited to be hosting South Shore Orchestra as our Orchestra-In-Residence,” says Memorial Opera House Artistic Director Scot PJ MacDonald, “Not only does it provide an opportunity for patrons to attend the orchestra concert in a beautiful historic building, but it enriches the community by making yet another aspect of the arts very accessible - it's a win all around!” To learn more about the SSO’s 2015 season, be sure to visit the orchestra’s website www.southshoreorchestra.net.

What: “Beethoven!” Opening Night Gala Concert
When: Friday, June 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383

Ticket Information:
Adults $21, Seniors (59+) $18, Military/Students (valid ID) $18
Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.mohlive.com or at the box office the day of the concert (box office opens 2 hours before the show). More information: 219.548.9137 or www.memorialoperahouse.com.