MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Beutler (405) 232-7575
March 23, 2022
Oklahoma City Philharmonic Reveals 2022-23 Season
A spectacular new season awaits concert goers as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic reveals plans for the Inasmuch Foundation Classics and the Chickasaw Nation Pops series. The 2022-23 Season kicks off with “Opening Night” at 8 p.m. on September 17 at Civic Center Music Hall, with world-renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson.
“I think everyone will be so excited to see what we have planned,” said Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev, Executive Director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. “Our Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate has selected a wide variety of works our audience will enjoy, along with a line-up of phenomenal guest artists. It will be another amazing year of high-caliber performances and entertainment!”
The Classics series includes “Mahler’s Vienna,” “Bolero!” with guest conductor Joseph Young and legendary guitarist Pepe Romero, followed by “Nordic Soundscapes.” The Cliburn International Piano Competition Medalist Daniel Hsu will be featured in the “Rite of Spring,” program and percussionist Evelyn Glennie visits Oklahoma City for “Sight and Sound.”
“One of the biggest names in classical music is violinist Joshua Bell,” said Alexander Mickelthwate, Music Director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. “He will be here for one evening next April and we are so excited to bring Joshua onto our stage!
“Also, our Classics series includes ‘Oklahoma Stories,’ commemorating the centennial of civil rights leader Clara Luper,” Mickelthwate added. “We have commissioned a work by Hannibal Lokumbe, titled ‘Trials, Tears, Transcendence: The Journey of Clara Luper.’ We will present that during the final program of next year in May as a tribute to this extraordinary civil rights icon who made such a difference in the lives of so many Oklahomans.”
The Pops Series will be just as phenomenal, with a special 90th Birthday Tribute to legendary composer John Williams, who has written some of the most iconic film scores in cinematic history, from Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park, E.T. to Schindler’s List and many more.
Next, “Celebrating 80 Years of Rodgers & Hammerstein,” one of the most beloved musical theater duos of all time. Enjoy some of their most memorable tunes, including a special tribute to their first-ever collaboration Oklahoma! that started it all eight decades ago!”
The Christmas season arrives in December, with all the magic and gaiety one would expect from the Holiday season.
“During the Holidays, all roads lead home,” Mickelthwate said. “We are excited to bring you an all-new spectacular Christmas production. ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ is more than just a title. It is our personal invitation to you to join your Oklahoma City Philharmonic family for an evening of music and merry-making! Christmas is about family and friends, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Holidays and we hope you will join us in decking the halls!”
Another family favorite will be “Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies.” For many of us, some of our earliest childhood movie memories involved a Disney film. Now, relive those memories as this wonderful production features four fabulous vocalists with our full orchestra, along with clips and images from original Disney movies.
The OKCPHIL will present the Emmy Award-winning vocal trio The Texas Tenors, one of the most sought-after musical acts, with a repertoire ranging from classical to country to big band. This group was a fan favorite on the TV show “America’s Got Talent,” and have an extraordinary mass appeal you are sure to enjoy.
Finally, our cinematic tradition continues as we bring you Marvel Studio’s Black Panther in Concert! This groundbreaking film shattered box office records when it premiered in 2018. Now you can enjoy it again as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents a one-of-a-kind experience for the entire family—performed with live music!
“This will be such an amazing season,” Mickelthwate added. “We have some other special surprises for you–some we are not ready yet to divulge. Just know you will be very pleased and excited with what we have planned!”
Information on these and other OKCPHIL-related concerts and projects can be found on the website at OKCPHIL.org.
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