Jan. 21: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to perform with Chelsea Orchestra program

(Publisher’s note: My apologies to Mary Steffek Blaske for the incorrect spelling of her name. It has been corrected.)

The Chelsea School District will host an exhilarating back-to-back concert with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) and the Chelsea High School (CHS) music department on Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. in the CHS auditorium.

The program will begin with the Chelsea Concert Orchestra playing Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. 8 and Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, and the Chelsea Symphony Orchestra performing Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music and the fourth movement of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. Following an intermission, the A2SO will take the stage under the direction of Maestro Arie Lipsky to perform selections from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein; the finale of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto, featuring Aaron Berofsky as soloist; and “Can-Can” from Orpheus in the Underworld by Jacques Offenbach.

“It is amazing to have Aaron Berofsky, a world-class violinist, perform at CHS,” said Jed Fritzemeier, the high school’s orchestra director.

In this second annual event, the high school will perform full orchestral music that includes wind and percussion players from the CHS band program. In preparation for the concert, principal musicians from A2SO mentored instrument sectionals. Additionally, Maestro Lipsky provided CHS with two clinics and he will conduct one piece with each high school orchestra during the concert.

Lipsky said, “[It] is always a great experience for the students to be able to work with professional musicians, and really reinforce the outstanding work Mr. Fritzemeier is doing with the Chelsea orchestra program. I love to work with them and together we make the composer’s wishes come to life for the audience.”

This educational performance opportunity is supported through grants from the Ann Arbor Symphony, the Chelsea Music Boosters, the Chelsea Education Foundation, and “…the incredible generosity of Chelsea’s own Ann and Mike Feeney,” said Fritzemeier. “Thanks also go to Mary Steffek Blaske, executive director, and Sarah Ruddy, director of education and engagement, for helping to make this happen.”

Fritzemeier said, “The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra has grown into a wonderful, professional ensemble over the years. I played in the orchestra for 4 years in the late 1980s and [even then] it was not nearly the level of music making it is now. I’m so thankful my students have the chance to hear them perform. The section coaches were very helpful. And my students loved working with Maestro Lipsky. The orchestra is lucky to have someone with his musicianship and his obvious passion for music. After each rehearsal, the kids were inspired and motivated.” 

Quick Facts           

What: Classical music concert partnership of Chelsea High School Orchestras, conducted by Jed Fritzemeier, “back-to-back” with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arie Lipsky.

Who: Conductor Arie Lipsky was born in Israel and played both cello and flute. He won his first musical competition at the age of nine, which allowed him to solo with his town’s orchestra. Serving the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for the last 18 years, Lipsky has conducted orchestras in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He said, “My goal as a conductor is to be a musician who puts the music first, and to make sure what the composers wrote is delivered to the audience.” Education and outreach are critical elements of Lipsky’s musical vision. (Lipsky’s full bio here: https://www.a2so.com/conductor-arie-lipsky/)

Concertmaster Aaron Berofsky, a Juilliard School alumnus, has performed throughout the United States and abroad and has numerous acclaimed recordings to his name. The French newspaper, “Le Figaro,” reviewed his playing as “Beautiful, the kind of music-making that gives one true pleasure.” Berofsky is in his 15^th year serving as concertmaster of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. He is committed to education and is currently a professor of violin at the University of Michigan and has given masterclasses worldwide. (Berofsky’s full bio here: https://www.a2so.com/aaron-berofsky/)

When: Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.

Where: Chelsea High School Auditorium, 740 North Freer Road

Tickets: $12/adults, $8/seniors and students; reserved seats; tickets available in advance at Chelsea Pharmacy, 1125 South Main St., or at the door.

About the A2SO: (from a2so.com) The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is passionately committed to enriching the culture of the region. We foster a growing appreciation for orchestral music and regional musicians through imaginative programming and community involvement, inspiring and educating a diverse audience.