
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 24, 1992                   TAG: 9203240340
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JEFF DEBELL
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SYMPHONY'S SEASON TO INCLUDE CHET ATKINS AND TONY BENNETT

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra is accepting season-ticket orders for the 1992-93 Monday-night concert series, which will include the world premieres of three commissioned works.

Orders also are being taken for a special Tony Bennett concert, a concert version of Verdi's "Aida" (with Opera Roanoke), two pops Atkins concerts (one featuring guitarist Chet Atkins) and two ArtSounds concerts at Olin Hall.

Adult prices for the full Monday series range from $50 to $85. A number of promotional deals, including "mini series" packages and free tickets to the Bennett concert, are being offered.

Ludwig Van Beethoven will be the season's featured composer. One of his works will be on every Bennett Monday-night program, beginning with the Leonore Overture No. 3 on Sept. 14.

The composers whose new works will be premiered during the season are Dalit Warshaw (Nov. 16), David Baker (March 22) and Margaret Brouwer (May 3). A work by contemporary composer Joseph Schwantner, who will be in residence at Washington and Lee University's annual new music symposium ("Sonoklect") next spring, also is on the May 3 program.

Guest artists during the season will be violinist Ida Bieler (Sept. 14), the yet-to-be-announced win- Isbin ner of this year's winner of the prestigious Naumberg Competition in piano (March 22) and guitarist Sharon Isbin (May 3).

The Roanoke Valley Choral Society will appear with the orchestra to perform Mahler's Symphony No. 2 on Jan. 25.

The Tony Bennett concert is set for Oct. 31 at the Salem Civic Center. It is being underwritten by longtime orchestra patron Marion Via as a special event that is not covered by the season ticket.

Concertgoers will be able to sit at cloth-covered tables and have beverages, but there will be no meal.

The Picnic with the Pops concerts are set for July 25 and Aug. 29, with Atkins featured on the first date and a program of show tunes on the second.

The work of composer David Baker will be featured at the first ArtSounds concert, on Jan. 15. The second ArtSounds program, to take place on a yet-to-be-announced date in April, will feature the Sonoklect Ensemble.

Further details on programs and ticket prices are available from the orchestra box office. The number is 343-9127. - JEFF DeBELL

by CNB