OKCPhil presents Berlioz' "Symphonie Fantastique"

(Oklahoma City, OK) The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is pleased to present the fifth Classics concert in our 2015-2016 season, Symphonie Fantastique!, Saturday, February 6 at The Civic Center Music Hall. The concert conducted by Robert Moody, will be an evening of story- inspired compositions, featuring "The Abduction from the Seraglio" by Mozart, "The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto" by modern Chinese composers He Zhanhao and Chen Gang. And the wildly popular Berlioz masterpiece, Symphonie Fantastique. Single tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-"TICKETS" (842-5387), or visit okcphilharmonic.org.

Music Director Joel Levine says, "Symphonie Fantastique" is a showpiece for orchestra and conductor that never fails to wow an audience. It is some of the most evocative music of the season, based on legend and Berlioz's wild imagination." Arguably the highlight of Berlioz's career, PBS's Keeping Score reporter Michael Tilson Thomas says its music "tells the story of an artist's self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman.

“The symphony describes his obsession and dreams, tantrums and moments of tenderness, and visions of suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair. The story is a self-portrait of its composer, Hector Berlioz."

Additionally Overture, the PHIL's young professionals group, will gather at The Skirvin Hilton's sheik "Red Piano Bar" immediately following the performance. Join this group of accomplished and fun professionals from all walks of industry, for free light snacks and a cash bar as you relax and share good conversation and make new friends after the concert.

We are proud to have Inasmuch Foundation as our presenting sponsor for the 2015-2016 Classics Series. Additionally we are grateful to The Skirvin Hilton for being a valued concert sponsor. Their commitment to the Philharmonic and the OKC music community raises the bar, providing quality music for Oklahoma. A rebroadcast of the concerts will be played on March 9 & 12 on KUCO at 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. respectively, and KWTU on Saturday at 8 p.m.

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has gained recognition as one of the nation's premier regional orchestras. Tracing its roots to 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic 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 Oklahoma City Philharmonic strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with a diverse and inspirational performance experience. Committed to expanding its reach well beyond the concert hall, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Oklahoma's colleges and universities as well as the city's other premier arts organizations including Oklahoma City Ballet and Canterbury Choral Society. Additionally, the Phil presents the free, annualRed, White and Boom concert. This event includes a spectacular fireworks display and is attended by thousands from across the metro each July. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-"TICKETS" (842-5387), or visit okcphilharmonic.org.

The Gayly – January 31, 2016 @ 12:30 p.m.