NEWS RELEASE
Date: January 2, 2020 Contact: Lexi Locke
For Immediate Release Phone: 417.864.6683
Photos Available Upon Request Cell: 417.860.9690
lexi@springfieldmosymphony.org
Springfield Symphony embraces Mozart in American Playlist
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Symphony will embody Mozart works into its American Playlist season, featuring pianist Marika Bournaki at its concert A Little Night Music. This classical concert will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
“You might wonder how an evening of Mozart’s music fits into a season called American Playlist. Well,” paused Pickett, music director/conductor for the Springfield Symphony. “Mozart is EVERYWHERE! He has infiltrated every corner of American pop culture: you hear Mozart on television in advertisements for cars, Nikes, pancakes, instant coffee, iPods, cable service–even dog food. His music is captured with movies in such wide-ranging films as Batman, Alien, The Shawshank Redemption, Elvira Madigan, The Bonfire of the Vanities, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and There’s Something About Mary; among countless others.”
This concert will feature guest pianist Marika Bournaki. Described as “the Celine Dion of classical” by The Huffington Post, Bournaki is at once a world-class performer, dazzling pianist, vivacious young woman and one of the freshest faces on the classical music scene. Recently featured in the award-winning documentary “I am Not a Rock Star,” the feature-length film chronicles Ms. Bournaki’s evolution as an artist from the age of 12 to 20 that has captivated audiences internationally. This pianist not only brings distinctive interpretations to favorite standards, but extends her passion for music by commissioning works from younger composers and collaborating with artists from various fields. Bournaki will be featured on Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 – Elvira Madigan.
“Mozart’s music is some of the most recognizable out there in the musical landscape of our lives, and everyone, even someone who has never set foot in a concert hall or bought a classical recording, knows some Mozart,” said Pickett. “This will be an opportunity to feature some of his greatest hits which became even more famous when they were used for pop culture, and to enjoy them back in the concert hall where they originated.” Pickett will deliver a pre-concert talk from the stage at 6:30 p.m. and pre-concert music will begin at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall box office and can be purchased by calling (417) 836-7678 or online at www.hammonshall.com. Ticket prices range from $10 – $40 and discounts are available for students and seniors.
Join Pickett at a free monthly event, Behind the Baton, at the Springfield Art Museum on Wednesday January 15 (111 E. Brookside Dr) for the opportunity to hear Pickett talk about the music that will be performed at the January 18 concert. The meet & greet begins at 5:15 p.m. and the program will begin at 5:45 p.m. Pickett is available for any interviews or questions. Please feel free to email him at kwpickett@gmail.com or call at (417) 837-9422. The concert is being sponsored by Reliable Superstore (Presenting Sponsor), RMMC Certified Public Accountants, and William T. White.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional funding for all Springfield Symphony Orchestra programming is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. For more information, visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org or www.facebook.com/springfieldsymphony.
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