TMF orchestra presents free performance at THE PAVILION

The Pavilion continues its “Symphony of Fun” Season June 23

The Woodlands, TX – Conductor Giuliano Silveri raises the baton to lead more than 100 gifted young artists from around the world in the June 23 performance of the University of Houston’s Texas Music Festival Orchestra at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. This free performance, beginning at 8 p.m., marks the festival's 17 th appearance at The Pavilion in as many years.

At this June 23 concert, Rob Smith, director of the Aura Contemporary Ensemble, premieres his work “Concerto for Orchestra” as part of TMF’s “New Texas Overtures” initiative, a series of new works specifically commissioned for the orchestral repertoire. The finalists of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artists Competition are also presented, and the winner of the competition performs a solo with the orchestra. This piece is announced from the stage. The concert concludes with Cesar Franck’s crowd pleaser, “Symphony in D Minor.”

Young professionals and talented advanced students from the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Asia, Central and South America come together at the home of the Texas Music Festival in the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. The festival, established in 1990 by Immanuel and Helen Olshan, provides these musicians with an environment that allows them to develop skills and techniques in orchestral and chamber music, with component guitar, jazz, flute and keyboard institutes.

The Texas Music Festival takes place over a period of four weeks, during which the students reside at the University of Houston and receive instruction from distinguished artists from the Moores School of Music, members of the Houston Symphony and internationally recognized guests. After four weeks of training, the TMF Orchestra joins together for a stunning performance at The Pavilion. Every member of the orchestra is eligible to compete for cash prizes and the chance to perform with the orchestra at The Pavilion and in the Moores Opera House. The winner of this competition gets the opportunity to perform in Leipzig’s famed Gewandhaus Orchestra along with the Akademisches Orchestra Leipzig and conductor Horst Foerster.

Maestro Silveri currently conducts the Perugia and Umbria Symphony Orchestra in Italy while directing at the Conservatory of Music in Perugia. He has taught at the “Santa Cecilia” Conservatory of Music in Rome and appeared throughout Italy and in summer festivals throughout Europe, as well as with the opera at the Versailles Royal Palace Theatre. Silveri placed first at the Casagrande International Piano Competition and the National Composition Competition, and is a graduate of the “Santa Cecilia” Conservatory of Music in Rome with degrees in piano, composition, and conducting.

Before the concert, Ira J. Black, noted music scholar and college professor, hosts Pavilion Talk, a free discussion with insight into the evening’s performance. Black captivates audiences with history of the evening’s musical selections, a look at the composers’ backgrounds, and inside information about the orchestra and conductor. This event is from 7:15-7:45 p.m. Children can also visit the “instrument petting zoo” at The Pavilion Partners tent. Guests are encouraged to register-to-win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House.” This prize package includes four VIP tickets, VIP parking and dinner for four catered by Tommy Bahama’s at an upcoming performing arts event at The Pavilion. Register at the white tent in the North Plaza before every performing arts event.

Gates for the June 23 concert open at 7 p.m. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free and complimentary lawn chairs are available. Picnics are welcome (no outside beverages allowed).

Prepaid, preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage located off Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Garage parking tickets can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Ticket Office.

Other performances of The Pavilion’s 2006 Performing Arts Season include:

For more information regarding upcoming events at The Pavilion, call 281-363-3300 or visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2006 Performing Arts Season is generously sponsored by BMW of Houston North, the Community Associations of The Woodlands, Houston Community Newspapers, Houston Endowment Inc., Mercedes-Benz of Houston North, The Wortham Foundation, The Pavilion Partners, and Continental Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion.