Philharmonic announces 2013-14 concert season

Highlights include 100-plus musician Alpine Symphony, music of Queen, Beyond the ScoreThe Colorado Springs Philharmonic is pleased to announce its 2013-14 season. Highlights include world-renowned soloists, a special performance with former music director Christopher Wilkins, the Pikes Peak regional premiere of Richard Strauss’ astounding Alpine Symphony, a work requiring over 100 musicians, and brand new innovations in all three performance series.

El Pomar Foundation Masterworks opens the season with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, conducted by former music director Christopher Wilkins. Classical music lovers will hear Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, Mozart’s Fortieth, and Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, as well as some of the greatest works of Copland, Bernstein, Brahms and Rachmaninoff. And, to celebrate his retirement, the Philharmonic will present a special tribute to Donald P. Jenkins, artistic director of the Colorado Springs Chorale. The season closes with Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Richard Strauss’s Alpine Symphony.

The Philharmonic Pops series kicks off with a tribute to Swedish pop sensation ABBA, followed by the annual Halloween bash, with music of superheroes and villains. Later in the season, audiences will hear the Broadway hits of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, and travel to exotic destinations with an array of popular classics. The series concludes with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of TheBlack Pearl, with the entire film screened over live orchestra.

Back by popular demand, Boeing Vanguard Performances will continue presentations of Chicago Symphony’s Beyond the Score concerts. Each Beyond the Score performance delves deeply into a single composition, using various media to fully explore the work. This year features Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Tchaikovsky’s Shakespearean works, and Debussy’s La mer.

On March 29, 2014, the Philharmonic will present a special one-night-only performance with full-scale rock band for a tribute to Queen, the chart-topping band that broke the mold and defined a generation with 18 number-one albums and 18 number-one singles. Tickets are initially available only to subscribers.

Ballet Idaho joins the orchestra for a third year to perform Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend. The holidays will be rounded out with performances of Christmas Symphony and New Year’s Eve.

Series pricing starts at $28, which includes a 50% discount for new subscriptions. Orders can be placed by calling 719-575-9632 or visiting the Philharmonic’s website. Visit csphilharmonic.org for further information and concert details.

Upcoming concerts”Appalachian Spring”February 9 • Thomas Wilson conductorWinner of the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Music, Appalachian Spring is the quintessential American orchestral work, incorporating the Shaker hymn Simple Gifts and beautifully capturing the spirit and traditions of early America. We’ll explore the creative process that led to the creation of the ultimate American ballet. From $23.

“Casablanca”February 16 • Thomas Wilson conductorOne of the greatest films of all time, Casablanca has captivated movie-goers for 60 years. This is a rare opportunity to see it on the big screen, made even better with the score played live by the Philharmonic.

All Colorado Springs Philharmonic concerts are performed at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 South Cascade Avenue.Tickets from $19 ($12 students) unless noted; 719-520-SHOW (7469), Pikes Peak Center Box Office, csphilharmonic.org, or at the door

Music director Josep Caballé-Domenech Photo by