Published: August 30, 2007 10:58 am         

Pennsylvania Consort announces lineup for Guest Artist Series

BEDFORD, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Consort recently announced its program of performances for the 2007-2008 Guest Artist Series concert season.

Performances, held in the Bedford United Methodist Church, run from September 2007 to May 2008. Professional musicians from New York City, Washington, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, as well as a Penn State college choir, will present six concerts keyed to listener interests across a broad range of instrumental and voice repertoires.

Slated to perform are The Ambrosia Trio, jazz guitarist Joe Negri and his group, The Castalia Trio, Essence of Joy, the Penn State Gospel Choir, the Philadelphia Brass and young violin sensation Ann Fontanella.

* On April 26, 2008, The Philadelphia Brass will appear in concert. From the stage of the Royal Albert Hall to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, Philadelphia Brass has delighted audiences. Formed in 1988, the ensemble performs the finest brass literature of all styles and period and premiered "Creation of the World" by noted composer Daniel Pinkham, who referred to the group as "the most artistic brass quintet before the public today." The group will also present a school concert and master class.

* The season ends on May 11, 2008, with violinist Fontanella and her piano accompanist. Also a composer, Fontanella has been performing from the time she was 10, debuting with David Zinman and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Her debut at London's Wigmore Hall was proclaimed one of the top five concerts of the 2005 season. She has received numerous awards in violin performance from widely recognized organizations, including the David Greenfield Competition. She will give a master violin class as well.

Season tickets are priced separately for adults and students.

For further information, call Nancy MacRae at (814) 733-2301 or e-mail the Consort at paconsort@artsinbdfordpa.org. Single concert tickets are available in advance and t the door, with student tickets half price.