FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMILTON, ON – On May 12 at 7:30pm at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place), the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra presents Bernstein & Music of the Americas. Music Director Gemma New leads a concert honouring the 100th birthday of renowned composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein and HPO’s own Jean Norman ladeluca, who is celebrating his 47th year as timpanist for the orchestra.

Leonard Bernstein was an American composer and conductor, regarded to be one of the most talented and successful musicians in American history. He was the long-time music director of the New York Philharmonic and the composer behind musicals like West Side Story and Candide. The HPO will share his Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, some of his most famous and vibrant music influenced by jazz, Latin dances and Broadway.

The HPO is thrilled celebrate the talent and dedication of timpanist, Jean Norman Iadeluca who has faithfully served the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra as a percussionist since 1971. His talents have also been extended to numerous national endeavours, including a long career as one half of an educational drum duet, the Canadian Percussion Ensemble, a collaboration that includes percussionist Ernest Porthouse.

On May 12, The HPO premieres Dances with Percussion, a timpani concerto commissioned by fellow percussionist, friend and former student, Ernest Porthouse in recognition of Jean Norman’s incredible musicianship and his support of the local and national orchestral community. This concerto for timpani and drum set was written by noted American-Canadian composer Ronald Royer.

This bright and thrilling program marks the last concert of the HPO’s 17-18 mainstage season.

Bernstein & Music of the Americas
May 12, 2018, at 7:30pm FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place)
Inside the Music: Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm. Hosted by Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte.

Ticket Information Tickets range from $10- $67 (plus HST). Tickets are available online at staginghpo.wpengine.com, by calling 905.526.7756 or in person at the HPO Box Office at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place), 10 MacNab Street South.


Twitter: @H_P_O
Facebook: facebook.com/HamiltonPhilharmonic/
YouTube:  youtube.com/HamiltonPhilharmonic

About the HPO: The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.    

Media Contacts:

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org

Kim Varian
Director, Development and Communications
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x222
kvarian@hpo.org