ASO to present Symphonic Shakespeare on October 19

ASO to present Symphonic Shakespeare on October 19

Akron Symphony Orchestra
October 9, 2019
The Akron Symphony Orchestra and Akron Symphony Chorus will explore the film scores of two of Shakespeare’s greatest works during Symphonic Shakespeare on October 19 at 8 p.m.

ASO to present Symphonic Shakespeare on October 19

The Akron Symphony Orchestra and Akron Symphony Chorus will explore the film scores of two of Shakespeare’s greatest works during Symphonic Shakespeare on October 19 at 8 p.m.

The evening will open with the overture from The Wreckers by acclaimed British composer Ethel Smyth, the most famous work from this prolific composer and activist for women’s rights in England. This will be the first performance of the season that is part of the Orchestra’s Stand Beside Her project highlighting the influential work of women composers/artists.

Akron Symphony Orchestra

Nick Steen

Shostakovich’s music for the 1964 film Hamlet is considered the composer’s best film score, as the integrity and sincerity of the music elevates it to the highest levels of art. Likewise, Walton’s score for Henry V is filled with fanfares and flourishes as the composer creates for the audience the imagery of Henry’s brilliant military leadership.

Joining the Orchestra for Hamlet and Henry V will be acclaimed Shakespearean actors Nick Steen and Donald Carrier, who will provide narration of key plot points.

Nick, who will narrate the roles of both Hamlet and Henry V, is a classically trained theater, film and voice actor whose previous Shakespeare roles include Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Laertes in Hamlet, Theseus & Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and MacDuff in Macbeth.

Akron Symphony Orchestra

Donald Carrier

Donald, who will narrate the roles of the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father and The Chorus in Henry V, has directed and performed across North America and internationally. His regional credits include The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear and The Tempest (The Old Globe); Twelfth Night and Hamlet (Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival); The Duchess of Malfi and Richard III (Shakespeare Theatre); as well as nine Stratford Festival seasons.

Henry V will also include the Akron Symphony Chorus, making its season debut under new Chorus Director Chris Albanese.

 A Preview from the Podium, featuring Music Director Christopher Wilkins discussing the evening’s program, will begin at 7 p.m.

Following the concert, join a select group of Orchestra musicians for TalkBack, a guided and wide-ranging conversation that will offer a look at the evening’s performance through the eyes of the musicians. TalkBack will take place in the lobby at E.J. Thomas Hall.

Single tickets for the performance start at just $25. Tickets are available at akronsymphony.org or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 330.535.8131. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the concert as long as seats are available.

Order your tickets before October 16 to be entered into a drawing for a free Beerthoven T-shirt.

The performance will take place at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, which is located at 198 Hill Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.