Metropolitan Detroit-based composer, conductor and performer Anthony Joseph Lai will premiere his newly commissioned piece “In Other News,” with the Dearborn Symphony at 7:30 p.m. May 9 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
Local composer Anthony Joseph Lai to premiere new work
DEARBORN —Prepare for an unforgettable evening as the Dearborn Symphony presents Fantasia Favorites, an electrifying season finale that promises to captivate audiences of all ages at 7:30 p.m. May 9 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
This performance features iconic orchestral masterpieces that have sparked the imagination through vivid storytelling and timeless music, including “Night on Bald Mountain,” “The Firebird Suite,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and “Dance of the Hours” from Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda.”
Adding to the excitement of the evening, the Symphony is proud to present the world premiere of a newly commissioned piece by metropolitan Detroit-based Anthony Joseph Lai, “In Other News.” Lai is a rising voice in contemporary music known for his innovative and expressive style who will be at the performance to introduce his work.
Lai is Director of Bands at Henry Ford College, director of the Seaway Chorale and Orchestra, and lead guitarist for Sarah and The Sugar Ham Band.
His orchestrations have been performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica, Henry Ford Big Band, the Flux Quartet, and Sage Strings of New York. His orchestration work ncludes collaborations with Luis Resto (writer and co-producer for Eminem) and Jena Irene Asciutto (“American Idol” runner-up).
Experience the thrilling intensity of Modest Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” with its dark, swirling melodies that evoke the mysterious and supernatural.
Let yourself be swept away by the evocative power of Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite,” ranging from haunting beauty to triumphant brilliance.
Paul Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” enchants with whimsical energy and playful charm, while Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours” adds elegance and humor through its graceful ballet themes.
Ticket prices range from $18 to $38 for adults and $10 to $15 for students. Tickets are available by calling the Symphony office or the Michael A. Guido Theater box office at 313-943-2354. Go to dearbornsymphony.org for more information.
The Dearborn Symphony has partnered with local restaurants for “Dinner and a Concert.” The restaurants offer a 20 percent discount to symphony ticket-holders on concert nights. Reservations are recommended at Mint 29, TRIA at The Henry, The Great Commoner, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in Dearborn Heights, and Roman Village in Dearborn.
Season sponsors include Dearborn Sausage Co. and North Empire with additional support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Dearborn Symphony has been named “Outstanding Community Orchestra” six times by Detroit Music Awards and is a contributor of the arts in Dearborn and the Downriver community.