Simone Dinnerstein (center in white) in Cuba with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra during their recording of "Mozart in Havana." Photo by Arianna Dominguez/Courtesy of Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
“In honor of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s (FSO) upcoming 60th Anniversary and the 275th Anniversary of Fairfax County, we are proud to expand our commitment to the community with the creation of a new series, FSO: Presents,” said Jonathan Kerr, Executive Director of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. “The new series feature guest artists and ensembles in an intimate concert setting in venues throughout Fairfax County.”
“The series will bring unique performing arts experiences to Fairfax, further strengthening the FSO’s contribution to the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the community,” added Kerr. “We at the FSO want to engage our audiences with world-class music and innovative arts education programs.”
“FSO: Presents” will launch with the return of the acclaimed New York-based and Northern Virginia audience favorite pianist Simone Dinnerstein. Dinnerstein will perform with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra in their American debut and the first stop on a national tour. The tour will be the first time a Cuban orchestra of this size has traveled to the U.S. in more than 50 years. Dinnerstein and the Havana Lyceum Orchestra will perform works from her new album, “Mozart in Havana.” The album was recorded in Havana last June.
Dinnerstein and the Havana Lyceum Orchestra will begin their Fairfax residency on Thursday, June 15 with a chamber music performance by the Havana Lyceum Orchestra Woodwind Quintet with Simone Dinnerstein at the piano. The performance will be at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. Dinnerstein and the full Havana Lyceum Orchestra will next perform at George Mason University’s Harris Theatre on Sunday, June 18. Beyond the two performances, there are education programs and Fairfax County school visits planned.
José Antonio Méndez Padrón is the founding music director of the Havana Lyceum Orchestra. The Orchestra was founded in 2008.
Dinnerstein spoke of the Havana Lyceum Orchestra as youthful musicians with a “desire to explore music which can too often be worn away by familiarity, as well as by their beautiful sound — a sound they made despite the fact that even the simplest supplies, like strings and reeds, have been hard to come by in Cuba.”
“FSO: Presents” patrons will experience not only the debut of the new series, but a unique collaboration and historic event. “It will be a testament to music’s ability to cross cultural and language barriers,” said Dinnerstein.
Where & When
Fairfax Symphony and the JCCNV present Simone Dinnerstein with the Havana Lyceum Woodwind Quintet in concert at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Performance Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $35 (Reserved seating), $25 (General Admission). Purchase tickets on-line visit www.fairfaxsymphony.org
Fairfax Symphony presents pianist Simone Dinnerstein with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra in concert featuring works from Dinnerstein’s album, “Mozart in Havana” at George Mason University’s Harris Theatre, 4440 University Drive, Fairfax. Performance: Sunday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at George Mason University’s Harris Theatre, 4440 University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets: $45, $38, $30. To purchase tickets on-line visit www.fairfaxsymphony.org or by phone at: 888-945-2468. Note: Following the concert, Classical WETA’s David Ginder will host a discussion with the artists on stage.