K-W Symphony Accompanies Krysta Mellon in SYMPHONY IN THE COUNTRY 4/28

Local audiences can expect a unique experience when the renowned Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony takes the stage at the Drayton Festival Theatre on Saturday, April 28th for Symphony in the Country. This special fundraising event was conceived by Drayton Entertainment Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas to make arts and cultural events more accessible to rural communities.

“We are absolutely delighted to create this opportunity to bring new audiences to the Drayton Festival Theatre,” says Alex Mustakas. “It’s fitting that this symphony event will be performed in our beautiful 1902 opera house, with its rich and varied musical history.”

Leading the nationally acclaimed orchestra is Kitchener-Waterloo native Evan Mitchell, Assistant Conductor for the K-W Symphony. Mitchell recently finished his residency with the Vancouver Symphony and is proving to be one of Canada's most innovative young conductors. Equally at home with symphonic masterworks, opera, contemporary repertoire and pops, in addition to his conducting endeavours, Mitchell is an award-winning percussionist both home and abroad. The 2005 winner of the Pioneer Leading Edge performance award, Mitchell also won First Prize at the Werlde Musik Kontest in Kerkrade, Netherlands and was a top prizewinner in the 2008 TD Canada Trust Elora Music Festival Young Performers competition.

Up-and-coming soprano Krysta Mellon has delighted audiences across Canada in both recitals and operas including Morgana in Handel’s Alcina for Opera NUOVA and Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute for Opera Laurier. The recent Wilfrid Laurier University graduate is welcomed to the Drayton Festival Theatre stage as the soloist for several classical and musical theatre selections.

Featured pieces include Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, regarded as a cornerstone of the symphony’s repertoire. Audiences will also be delighted to hear West Side Story Selections composed by Leonard Bernstein and arranged by Jack Mason showcasing songs including, “I Feel Pretty,” “America,” and “Maria” among others.

Symphony in the Country takes place Saturday, April 28th at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Drayton Festival Theatre. The concerts are generously sponsored by Heffner Toyota and Peel Maryborough Mutual Insurance.

Tickets for this special event are $38 for adults, and children are $20. HST applies. Tickets may be purchased through the Box Office at 519-638-5555, or online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.

Surrounded by rural countryside, a visit to the Drayton Festival Theatre offers a pleasant drive along quiet roads where common sights include farm-gate signs and roadside stands that tempt you with fresh produce, flowers and maple syrup.

The Drayton Festival Theatre is located in an historic 1902 Opera House that contains 375 seats and boasts marvellous acoustics with a main floor and balcony. This celebrated building once served as the Town Hall and housed the Fire Department, Library, Jail, and Council Chambers.

Drayton Entertainment is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization that is widely regarded as one of Canada's most successful professional theatre companies. Each year they present the finest in live theatre at six locations across Ontario: The Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse and Playhouse II in Grand Bend, King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and the Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs.

A seventh venue is currently under construction in Cambridge, Ontario with an anticipated 2013 Opening.

Each Drayton Entertainment venue maintains a distinct identity, but at the same time successfully combines the energies and strengths of all, in order to provide a theatre experience that is second-to-none.

From Broadway musicals, to laugh-a-minute comedies and riveting dramas, the 2012 Season offers unforgettable live theatre experiences for all life’s stages.

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