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André Watts Returns to Perform PIANO CONCIERTO NO. 2 IN D MINOR with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, 1/25

By: Jan. 09, 2014
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There wasn't just one standing ovation. There were three. And each one lasted over five minutes. That was the response to André Watts' performance last year with the Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO). Fortunately for northeast Ohio, Watts is returning for the next CSO concert on January 25.

Performing to a sold-out crowd, Watts left last year's audience thrilled and ready for more. Fast-forward a year and "more" is now here.

With his iconic piano-dance, his light-hearted stage presence, and his amazing technical expertise, André Watts returns to the Umstattd Performing Arts Hall stage to perform Edward MacDowell's Piano Concerto No. 2 in d minor with the CSO.

Interviewed last year by The Canton Repository regarding Watts' first of three appearances with the orchestra, Gerhardt Zimmermann said, "The first time I worked with him was in 1980. He asked me what phrasing I would like to do in one particular place in the Brahms Second Concerto. First of all, I was so floored that an artist of his stature would ask me, because I was just starting out. Secondly, I was dumb-founded that he agreed with what I wanted to do. He has turned out to be a wonderful colleague. I can think of no other pianist that I would want to really 'make music' with. Period. He is, in every sense of the word a true artist."

The concert is the second in a three-year residency with the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Watts will perform in Canton during the 2014-15 season as well to perform all five of Beethoven's piano concertos.

MacDowell's Piano Concerto No. 2 was inspired by some of the all-time great European composers - Beethoven, Liszt, and Schubert - yet is a quintessential American composition. MacDowell composed this piano concerto in the midst of troubled times when he was questioning the viability of his career as a composer. He premiered the piece in 1889 with the Philharmonic Society of New York and never looked back. MacDowell soon became the best-known American composer of his day.

The concert features only American composers. Beside MacDowell, the CSO will perform Arthur Foote's Suite for Strings in E Major, Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2, and Walter Piston's The Incredible Flutist Suite.

Tickets for the concert range from $25-$45. There are senior, student and group discounts available. Dress is casual and the concert is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Tickets and the full concert season schedule are available online atwww.CantonSymphony.org, by calling 330-452-2094, at the box office window located inside the Cultural Center for the Arts (weekdays 10am-2pm), or by walk-up.

The orchestra has also implemented "Student Rush" pricing this year. Beginning one hour prior to any MasterWorks concert, students may purchase any available ticket for only $10 when they show a valid student ID at the Box Office.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain. Under the direction of Gerhardt Zimmermann, the orchestra performs classical, pops, holiday, and educational programs. Most performances are in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio (at McKinley High School across from C.T. Branin Natatorium). Parking at McKinley High School is free. For more information, please visitwww.CantonSymphony.org.



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