LPO Plans ‘Movie Magic’ for Jan. 28 Concert at TAMIU

Recreating magic moments when the music of movies uplift, enlighten and excite is the goal of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra with the presentation of its third concert of its 2011-2012 season Sunday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. in the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, Recital Hall.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors (62+). Local students with current IDs are admitted free of charge.

LPO director and conductor Brendan Townsend will lead the LPO in a diverse musical program spanning a broad spectrum of films and the music that has helped to secure their legendary status.

The afternoon program highlights will include: "Die Fledermaus Overture" by Johann Strauss II, heard in “The Safecracker and “Immortal Beloved” and Symphony No. 6 by Ludwig Beethoven, pivotal to the Disney standard "Fantasia."

Also joining LPO for the performance will be renowned guest soloist Pip Clarke, performing Lee Actor’s “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra.”

During the past decade, Clarke has established herself as one of the leading violinists of her generation. A highly expressive and romantic artist, her concert touring has taken her all over the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

In April of last year, Albany Records released a CD featuring her performance of the Actor Concerto she will perform in Laredo. Written for Clarke, it is an outstanding composition with lush contemporary romantic melodies and dazzling virtuosity and is featured in Clarke’s third compact disc release.

In addition to performing throughout the US with over 70 orchestras and in Canada, the English-born violinist has also toured Scotland and was featured in the Robert DeNiro/Edward Burns motion picture “15 Minutes.”

She made her London debut at age 16, prompting a national tour and her debut recording, “Romantic Violin Showpieces.” One reviewer, in referring to her commanding artistry, called her a “Superwoman of Strings.” She is featured in the book “The World of Women in Classical Music” and “The Great Violinists.”

To hear a performance by Clarke, go to: youtube.com/watch?v=zlhJmxAUkic&feature=related

For more information, contact the LPO at 326.3042, email laredophil@gmail.com or visit the

LPO website at laredophilharmonic.com, where tickets are available for online purchase.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu