OXFORD, Miss. – Classical music lovers are sure to enjoy the IRIS
\nOrchestra and pianist Jeremy Denk in concert Sunday (Nov. 15) at the
\nGertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of
\nMississippi.
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\n“It is a pleasure to present one of the country’s most renowned
\npianists with the IRIS Orchestra together here in the Ford Center,”
\nsaid Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director. “The performance promises
\nto be one of the highest moments in this season’s programming.”\n<\/p>\n
\nTickets for the 3 p.m. concert are $20 to $28 for various seating
\nand $10 to $12 for UM students and faculty enrolled in the Cultural
\nPassport program. Tickets are available by calling 662-915-7411 or by
\nvisiting the UM Box Office in the Student Union from noon to 4 p.m.
\nweekdays or the Ford Center Box Office from noon 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
\nweekdays.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe program begins with the IRIS Orchestra’s presentation of
\nAmerican composer Michael Daughtery’s “Tell My Fortune.” Denk will be
\nfeatured in Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor. The concert
\nwill conclude with “Symphony No. 4, Italian” by 19th century German
\ncomposer Felix Mendelssohn.\n<\/p>\n
\nFounded in 2000 by conductor Michael Stern, the IRIS Orchestra
\nhas earned wide acclaim for its performances of music spanning more
\nthan three centuries. Although recognized for its commissioning and
\nadvocacy of contemporary composers, the unit brings a special vitality
\nand insight to the great masterpieces of the 18th and 19th centuries.\n<\/p>\n
\nA recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, Denk
\nmade his debut in 1997 as winner of the Juilliard Piano Debut Award.
\nThe next year, he won the Young Concert Artists International
\nAuditions. Since then, Denk has appeared as soloist with the
\nPhiladelphia Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony, San
\nFrancisco Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and
\nmany others.\n<\/p>\n