THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 3, 1996 TAG: 9602030356
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICKEY WRIGHT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Jazz singer-turned-maestro Bobby McFerrin leads the lineup of Virginia Symphony guest artists for the 1996-97 season.
The Symphony announced schedules for most of its series Friday.
McFerrin is a 10-time Grammy winner best-known for his 1988 pop hit ``Don't Worry, Be Happy.'' Recognized for his complex a cappella vocal harmonies, he has since turned his attention to the classical world.
McFerrin holds a conducting position with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and last year issued ``Paper Music,'' his first recording as a conductor.
At his Sept. 11 Chrysler Hall performance, McFerrin will draw on his wide-ranging talents by both conducting and singing in an eclectic program.
The Symphony's season begins Sept. 7 with a Classical Masterworks evening featuring pianist Fabio Bidini. A Van Cliburn Piano Competition finalist, Bidini will play works by Smetana, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff in a Chrysler Hall concert conducted by Symphony musical director JoAnn Falletta.
Other Masterworks guest performers include pianist-conductor Lukas Foss and violinist Miranda Cuckson. Pianist Leon Bates returns in April to play Virginia Beach composer Adolphus Hailstork's piano concerto in a program that also features works by Barber and Elgar.
Falletta will also conduct two performances of Prokofiev's score for ``Alexander Nevsky'' as Eisenstein's film is screened.
The Pops series at Chrysler Hall includes concerts by former ``Tonight Show'' bandleader Doc Severinsen, country star Kathy Mattea and vocal group Chanticleer. Virginia Beach's Walter Noona conducts a salute to big bands with members of the Roy Muth Big Band in April.
The Peanut Butter & Jam Family Series will include concerts based on animals, life on the water, space and the Christmas season.
Of three planned dance programs, only a Feb. 15 performance of ``Coppelia'' by Richmond Ballet was announced.
Among the special, non-subscription events are Handel's ``Messiah,'' set for Dec. 20-21, and a March 8 concert featuring theater and film composer Marvin Hamlisch.
The Mozart & More and Pavilion Pops series schedules will be announced at a later date. ILLUSTRATION: Bobby McFerrin, known for his hit ``Don't Worry, Be Happy,''
holds a conducting position with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
TO BUY TICKETS
Symphony subscriptions went on sale Thursday.
Options include a new ``Freedom Series'' that offers benefits and
scheduling flexibility.
For details, call 623-2310.
by CNB