DATE: January 10, 2008

CONTACT: Lillian Harder, (864) 656-3043
harderl@clemson.edu

CONTACT: Patricia O'Kelley, (202) 416-8443
pjokelly@kennedy-center.org

WRITER: Glenn Hare, (864) 656-1478
ghare@clemson.edu

National Symphony Orchestra to perform at Brooks Center

Concert proceeds to benefit other classical music performances

CLEMSON — The National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Emil de Cou, will present a benefit concert showcasing compositions by Mozart, Shuman, Ravel, Strauss and others at Clemson University’s Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. The concert will be at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, and is presented as part of the orchesta's 2008 American Residency in South Carolina.

Tickets are $40, with proceeds going to support programming at Clemson’s performing arts center. Tickets and information are available at www.clemson.edu/Brooks or by calling the box office at (864) 656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The orchestra is scheduled to perform William Shuman’s "Prayer in a Time of War," “The Overture” to Mozart’s "The Magic Flute," the “Love Music” from Richard Strauss’ "Feuersnot" and Maurice Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s "Pictures at an Exhibition."

“We are thrilled to host the National Symphony Orchestra, one of the world’s leading musical organizations,” said Lillian Harder, director of the Brooks Center.  “The residency promises to be a momentous event for classical music at Clemson University and South Carolina.”

Through its award-winning Utsey Chamber Music Series and a long history of showcasing world-renowned orchestras, choral groups and instrumental ensembles, Clemson University has developed a national reputation for presenting outstanding classical music.

“Having the opportunity to feature the National Symphony Orchestra fits our commitment of presenting the very best classical music in the world,” Harder said.  “More importantly, the proceeds from this concert will assist in our goal of offering classical music to our students, the community, and the state.” 

Emil de Cou, associate conductor

American conductor Emil de Cou has been an active participant in a wide range of National Symphony Orchestera performances and events since his debut in 2000. As the symphony’s associate conductor, he leads the orchestra's summer festival at Wolf Trap and leads the orchestra during numerous American Residency performances throughout the country.

Maestro de Cou has appeared as the guest conductor with many leading orchestras, including those in Philadelphia, Houston, St. Louis, Detroit, Montreal, Boston and San Francisco.  He has served as the staff conductor for the San Francisco Ballet for eight years and has appeared as guest conductor at Lincoln Center’s Beverly Sills Gala Tribute, leading the orchestra of St. Luke and a stellar roster of soloists.

Prior to his work in San Francisco, de Cou was conductor of the American Ballet Theatre for eight seasons, conducting performances in New York as well as national and international tours. In 2006, he made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut leading a program of Italian opera music with the New York Pops.

National Symphony Orchestra American Residencies

As a part of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s 40th anniversary celebration, the National Symphony Orchestra is conducting an eight-day residency (Feb. 8-16) throughout the Palmetto State. The goals of the residency are to share all elements of classical instrumental music in South Carolina, to explore the diversity of musical influences within the state and to give South Carolina a musical voice at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — the nation’s center for the performing arts —t hrough training programs, career-development opportunities and commissions.

“The American Residency is one of the signature projects of the National Symphony Orchestra and our musicians are incredibly committed and generous with their time and talents,” said Patricia O’Kelly, spokeswoman for the orchestra.