Orchestra to make its Gilmore Festival debut

Art

Apr 13

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Community College

The Kent Philharmonic Orchestra will perform as part of the Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival for the first time on May 8. The event features internationally acclaimed pianists across classical, jazz, and pop music and takes place at the St. Cecilia Music Center at 7:30 p.m. The orchestra will perform with pianist Elliot Wuu, featuring Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor.”

The Kent Philharmonic Orchestra operates through Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), which provides funding for the conductor, rehearsal space, and support services. The membership comprises GRCC music students and community members who love music.

Conductor, viola recitalist, and educator Dr. Libor Ondras is the Music Director of Kent Philharmonic Orchestra and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. He is also guest conductor for the Slovak State Opera; string faculty and artist-in-residence at the Bay View Music Festival; and director of orchestras and professor at Grand Rapids Community College.

“This is a safe place in which to learn,” Ondras said. “We provide the instruction and rehearsal time for people to grow in their artistry and abilities while tackling an exciting repertoire. As a result, we have been able to play with distinguished soloists and help launch careers.”

Elliott Wuu, the featured pianist for the May 8 concert, was a 2018 Gilmore Young Artist. Wuu has appeared as a soloist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Parnassus, and Arad State Philharmonic in Romania, among others.

“KPO has the talent and the leadership to play with emerging artists,” said Ed Millermaier, Chair of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra Board and a viola player. “We perform at St. Cecilia, which is a coveted performance venue. The Gilmore wants to expand and develop audiences. This is a win-win for everyone.”

Kent Philharmonic Orchestra is a place where musicians can learn to play full symphonic works while developing a musical network.

“Libor has been the catalyst for affirmation and growth,” Millermaier said. “We’ve seen a surge of young players joining the orchestra, and everyone is excited about the potential. This is a wonderful way to elevate the quality of the GRCC music program while giving musicians a place to play repertoire they might not otherwise have the chance to experience.”

The orchestra performs four concerts each year, plus two chamber concerts. Dr. Ondras has intentionally cultivated the orchestra and its capabilities to reach this point.

“It’s a tremendous honor to play under the auspices of the Gilmore Festival,” he said. “That’s a challenge we are ready and eager to accept, because it is another rung in the ladder of growth. We’re filling the gap between a college symphony and a professional symphony, providing quality experiences and training that are accessible. In the process, we are building a network of lasting relationships that showcases the role of KPO in the community.”

Tickets for the May 8, 7:30 p.m. concert at St. Cecilia can be purchased online at www.kentphilgr.org.

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