The new season for the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra features artists who have special relationships with the 65-piece, volunteer community orchestra, hence the name: "Up Close and Personal."
Music Director Adam Riccinto said the new season includes four concerts, each with a special guest.
An Eastern Michigan University alumni, Riccinto, is the founder of the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra, and now serves as its conductor.
The “Up Close & Personal” season was designed to feature artists who have a special relationship with the orchestra. Additionally, Riccinto said the symphony often includes musicians who are Eastern Michigan University students.
“There is a real need for this type of ensemble,” Riccinto said. “There's a lot of musicians on that campus that aren't music majors, that are doing other things to make their living, but look for places to play, and that's what we do in a community ensemble. We provide that outlet for folks at a high level in a way that is accessible to them throughout the rest of their careers.”
The fall concert is the first, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. The concert will include four pieces including a concert with guest mandolin player Bob Phillips. Phillips is a renowned string educator and became a member of the University of Michigan School of Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
The holiday concert will be at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. The orchestra will be accompanied by the Washtenaw International High School orchestra in collaboration with well-known local composer and teacher at Washtenaw International High School, Brooke Pierson. The symphony will be performing a piece written by Pierson, followed by a short set from the students, and the rest of the program will include holiday pops.
The winter concert is 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. The spring concert will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025.
“The rest of the season is going to feature soloists from the orchestra and some other repertoire to be named,” Riccinto said.
The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra will also do an annual Memorial Day, “Pops in the Park” summer concert; the date is to be determined and will be held at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti.
All four “Up Close & Personal” concerts will be held in the Lincoln Performing Arts Center at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti Township. Tickets, ranging from $6 to $30, will be available for purchase at the door or online at A2Tix.com. Information about the concerts and updates to the schedule will be available on the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra’s website or on the symphony's Facebook page.
