Gateway Chamber Orchestra: Gateway Chamber Orchestra Announces America's Haydn Festival, including music of William Grant Still (1895-1978)

William Grant Still (1895-1978)

Virtual Festival Features Performances by St. Lawrence String Quartet, Henry Kramer, Anna Harwell Celenza and Michael Samis with Host Bill McGlaughlin

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn., April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gateway Chamber Orchestra (GCO) presents its third America's Haydn Festival, a virtual concert series celebrating the music of the "Father of the Symphony" and the "Father of the String Quartet" composer Franz Joseph Haydn, on May 13th and 16th and May 20th and 23rd. America's Haydn Festival, sponsored by Google, features concerts by GCO, recognized for nuanced performances of Haydn; GRAMMY-nominated St. Lawrence String Quartet, considered North America's most expressive interpreters of Haydn; exuberant pianist Henry Kramer; celebrated children's author and musicologist Anna Harwell Celenza and emerging cellist Michael Samis. Hosted by Peabody Award-winning classical radio host, Bill McGlaughlin, the festival intends to raise the awareness and relevance of Papa Haydn's music for audiences today.

GCO Music Director and Conductor Gregory Wolynec says, "We wanted to create a series of programs based on Haydn, but not exclusively, that would also feature works by underrepresented composers and performed by distinctive artists. Haydn's music reveals something new every time, from a sense of wit and lightheartedness, to deep intensity. We want audiences to understand how exciting and invigorating Haydn's music can be as well as its relevance today."

In addition to landmark works by Haydn, the festival also features works by Osvaldo Golijov, William Grant Still, Maurice Ravel and recent Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw. America's Haydn Festival will be streamed on the GCO website. Tickets are $20 for a weekend pass or $30 for a festival pass with full access to the performances. Purchase tickets directly at https://www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com/haydnfest.

About Gateway Chamber Orchestra

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra is an American ensemble that performs regularly in Middle Tennessee under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Gregory Wolynec. The GCO has been recognized for its inspired classical and contemporary musical offerings, innovative educational initiatives and numerous world-class recordings. Ensemble members include leading professionals from around the Southeast including symphony musicians, recording artists and the performance faculty at Austin Peay State University. Visit https://www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com/.