Oriental and European atmosphere pervade Classical Series First Nights
On Thursday evening, September 15, before Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Neal Gittleman officially begins the 2005-2006 season with the first program in the DPO Classical Series, concertgoers will enjoy a mini tour of Europe and the Orient.
In East Meets West, the first in a series of nine star-studded concerts of the DPO’s Classical Series, the orchestra and the percussion ensemble NEXUS will present a musical program that contrasts the musical cultures of the Orient with those of the Occidental world.
And in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Performing Arts Center, beneath Austrian and Japanese flags, East will meet West as the DPO offers concertgoers a taste of Oriental and European flair. The Orchestra Lobby will display a shoji (a Japanese screen) and a Japanese ikibana flower arrangement.
From 7:30 p.m. until concert time (8:00 p.m.), under folded paper cranes that hang from the balcony levels onto the orchestra level, Midori Kawanishi will model an authentic kimono and sing a capella Japanese music. And Kiyomi Joyce will demonstrate origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.
On the DP&L Stage, a Viennese café will provide a Western counterpoint of its own.
DAY International is the exclusive corporate sponsor of the Dayton Philharmonic’s Opening Weekend.