The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra returns with audio/visual extravaganza

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra brings to The Woodlands a multimedia experience with “NATURE: A Tribute to George & Cynthia Mitchell and 40 Years of The Woodlands”, the symphony’s latest concert in its Da Capo season’s Concerto Celebrazione series. The concert will take place on Sunday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nancy Boch Center for Performing Arts at McCullough Junior High School, located at 3800 S Panther Creek Dr. in The Woodlands. The concert is presented by Bob Milner, co-owner with Joe Agresti, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands.

The concert will feature the full 60-piece orchestra as it plays Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. The concert will be led by the symphony’s first ever guest conductor, Lawrence Wheeler, a celebrated conductor, teacher, chamber musician and soloist. He has served as principal viola in major metropolitan orchestras in Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Dallas and Houston. An advocate of music education, Wheeler is also the Founding Music Director of the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra.

The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra is comprised of professional musicians from the area, including The Woodlands, Magnolia, Tomball, Conroe, Spring and Houston. It was designed to be an orchestra that does more than merely provide musical entertainment to local residents; it also encapsulates the entire unique essence of The Woodlands and surrounding area.

A 30 minute celebration will take place before the concert with a large-screen slide presentation honoring the nature of The Woodlands and the historical figures that have shaped the community, such as George and Cynthia Mitchell with David Gottlieb, Marina Walne (Ballantyne) and more honored guests in the audience. In an innovative approach to music and arts, additional photographs of The Woodlands environment will accompany the symphony during the entire performance.

“We are excited to present this multimedia experience to whole new audiences,” said Darryl Bayer, Artistic Director and principal trumpet player of The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra. “The Woodlands has a rich history, and its very name inspires sights and sounds of nature. Mahler’s symphony, combined with a wealth of photographs we have procured from historical archives, are a perfect fit for this concert.”

Bayer helped form the original Woodlands Symphony in 1993 while working at The John Cooper School. He held the principal trumpet chair for the entire first fifteen years of the orchestra until it disbanded in 2008. Five years later, urged by local musicians and former patrons, Bayer began to rebuild the orchestra. Many of the professional musicians in this current symphony were part of its previous incarnation as early back as 1993. With the help of local government, businesses, an impressive advisory board and dedicated volunteers, The Woodlands Symphony continues to grow and will introduce its Resurrection Season for the fall of 2015.

Discount advance tickets can be bought online for $20 adult seating, $10 for students and seniors. Corporate sponsors for the April 26th concert include Spirit of Mercedes-Benz of the Woodlands, Texas Bank and the Texas Brass Ensemble. To purchase tickets or to donate to the symphony, or for more information, visit www.woodlandsymphony.org or www.facebook.com/woodlandsymphony.