Emanuel Ax to perform at OKC Phil’s Gala Opening Night

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents two time Grammy Award winning piano virtuoso Emanuel Ax in its season opening program Gala Opening Night, Saturday September 12 at The Civic Center Music Hall.

Born in Lvov, Poland, Emanuel Ax captured public attention in 1974 when he won the first Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition; he went on to receive other honors including the Young Concert Artists Michaels Award (1975), Avery Fisher Prize (1979), and was named an Honorary Member of the New York Philharmonic (2011). He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, holds honorary doctorates from Yale and Columbia Universities and teaches at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.

“It is a real treat to have Emanuel Ax perform with The Oklahoma City Philharmonic,” said OKC Phil Music Director Joel Levine. “He is a musician of such renown that he could play consecutive sold out concerts, alternating between Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and never leave New York.”

The concert features a balanced evening of music featuring the peppy and joyful Savannah River holiday by American composer Ron Nelson, the iconic Firebird Suite (1919) by IgorStravinsky and the glorious Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring Emanuel Ax.

Season and single tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 405- "TICKETS" (842-5387), or visit okcphilharmonic.org.

The OKC Phil, was formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Joel Levine and has remained steadfast in its mission "to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music." Through its consistent commitment to excellence, the OKC Phil strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with a diverse and inspirational performance experience.

The Gayly – September 10, 2015 @ 12:05pm.