Academy of Music officials are honored to soon present Sting in an extraordinary classical setting, as his diverse audience embraces the classical influences of his youth with his newly certified Gold album, If on a Winter's Night…
As the headline attraction of the spectacular Academy of Music 153rd Anniversary Concert on Saturday, January 30, 2010, in performance with The Philadelphia Orchestra and his own quartet of musicians conducted by David Hartley, Sting will perform in Philadelphia with an abundance of fresh critical and popular acclaim. Watching his album become a classical crossover sensation since debuting at #1 on Billboard's Classical and Seasonal charts at the start of the holiday season, the Academy is especially proud to welcome Sting with such comfortable surroundings unique to the intermingling genres that have defined his remarkable career for nearly four decades.
"We are especially thrilled to be hosting Sting for the annual Concert and Ball," said Academy of Music President Joanna McNeil Lewis. "The Academy has a history filled with performers representing an impressive and diverse array of music. Sting is the epitome of that representation as his talent spans across many genres, and he continues to explore new possibilities. Now the public will have an opportunity to see him perform with our Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the premier orchestras in the world."The first half of the program will showcase Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, chief conductor and artistic director of the Dresden Philharmonic, leading The Philadelphia Orchestra in a program of masterpieces featuring guest tenor Juan Diego Flórez, a thrilling performer famous for his high C's. In 2008, Flórez became the first soloist to perform an encore at the Metropolitan Opera since Luciano Pavarotti in 1994. In February, Flórez will reprise his headline-grabbing Metropolitan Opera performance as Tonio in La Fille du Régiment.
Sting will be backed by the Orchestra and a versatile quartet comprised of Dominic Miller on guitar, David Sancious on piano, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Christian McBride on bass, performing notable songs from the Police repertoire and his solo career, in original orchestrations.
Sting first became interested in classical music while it permeated his home as a child and has always carried that music with him throughout his enduring career.
"I grew up listening to classical music, and remember being under the piano while my mother played Beethoven sonatas in our house," says Sting. "I always strive to challenge myself, and music allows me to constantly learn new things."
The gala champagne dinner and ball at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue hotel follows the concert. Eight dance orchestras will be located throughout the facility. The gala is being chaired by Mrs. Fred L. Hudson III and Mr. Joseph A. Frick. For gala information, call the Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office at 215.893.1940.
Academy of Music 153rd Anniversary Concert
January 30, 2010, at 7:30 PM – Saturday evening – Academy of Music
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, conductor
Juan Diego Flórez, tenor
With special guest Sting
David Hartley, conductor
Dominic Miller, guitar
David Sancious, piano
Christian McBride, bass
Vinnie Colaiuta, drums
Concert Program includes:
Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Donizetti "Ah! mes amis," from The Daughter of the Regiment
Donizetti "Una furtive lagrima," from The Elixir of Love
Giménez Intermezzo, from The Wedding of Luis Alonso
Sting with The Philadelphia Orchestra and his band, performing well-known songs from both the Police and his solo repertoire
