Peter Nero Stars In Of VISIONS OF AMERICA Through 2/1

How do you portray democracy through the arts? That question was the inspiration for Visions of America and the collaboration between famed Grammy Award-winning pianist/conductor Peter Nero, renowned Americana photographer Joseph Sohm, and Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer Roger Kellaway. Visions of America paints a portrait of America by choreographing Sohm's photographs to stirring traditional and new music performed by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, resulting in a photo symphony that celebrates the sights and songs of democracy. With the world premiere taking place at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on January 25, 2009, five days after America inaugurates its new president, Visions of America is a post-inaugural celebration for the people that marks a unique time in the nation's history.

Visions of America unfolds for audiences as a visual and musical journey through the 50 states over three musical-movements and 13 "Mosaics" (visualized-songs). Nero, who is the founding music director of the Philly Pops, will conduct the world premiere of original music composed by Kellaway to support Sohm's stunning visuals. Kellaway, a fellow jazz pianist, has been friends with Nero for 50 years. Legendary lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman (best known for their Grammy and Academy Award-winning work with Barbra Streisand) collaborated with Kellaway on two new songs, written specifically for this program and performed by 2008 Grammy Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin.

The concert is preceded by a video introduction by Pennsylvania Governor Edmund G. Rendell, who acknowledges Peter Nero on the 30th anniversary of his Philly Pops.

This world premiere also coincides with the release of Sohm's 312-page oversized tabletop book under the same title, "Visions of America" (ISBN: 978-0-9707957-1-7). Paul Theroux, legendary travel writer and winner of numerous publishing awards, writes the book's foreword. Both the concert and book are structured in the same 13 chapters and songs, all addressing the idea of democracy. In conjunction with the concert, the book will be available as a special concert collector's edition through the Kimmel Center's gift shop, Hendrixson's Furniture of Furlong and Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and online through Amazon.com.

Visions of America brings incredible talent to the Kimmel Center's stage and will remind audiences of just how brightly the American spirit burns. The world premiere will be followed by performances on Wednesday, January 28, at 8 p.m.; Friday, January 30, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, January 31, at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through the Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Web site, www.phillypops.org, or by calling 215.893.1999.

Governor Rendell's Introduction to Visions of America

Good evening, and welcome to the premiere of an extraordinary photo symphony created for and dedicated to Democracy. This ideal has been America's most powerful and lasting contribution to the world - a dream made real right here in Philadelphia 232 years ago. As we witness the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another in Washington D.C., it is the perfect moment to celebrate here in the birthplace of our nation, the history, diversity and ongoing expression of Democracy. How do you capture our essence and values in pictures and music? I have no doubt this question will be answered by evening's end. If our Founding Fathers were here in the audience tonight, they would witness with pride how their bold, idealistic experiment has succeeded. Tonight is an inaugural concert for the people, for it is the people of America who built this Democracy and the people of America who will preserve and protect it for future generations. On this 30th anniversary of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, I am honored to present to you the world premiere of Visions of America. Maestro, let us begin!

 

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