Symphony pays tribute to Irving Berlin

FLORIDA WEEKLY PHOTO Andrew Kurtz The Gulf Coast Symphony, under the direction of Andrew Kurtz, presents A Tribute to Irving Berlin Pops Concert Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

"Irving Berlin is, without doubt, one of America's greatest song writers," Kurtz said. "Everybody knows his music, his songs and we are thrilled to be presenting them in concert with full, rich orchestra accompaniment many of his most famous tunes. "

Starring soprano Shira Lissek, jazz singer Maci Miller and tenor Don Hill, this concert will take a trip down memory lane as the Gulf Coast Symphony pays tribute to one of America's greatest songwriters of all time.

An American composer and lyricist, Berlin was one of the most prodigious and famous American songwriters in history. He was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/ Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs, many of which ("God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "There's No Business Like Show Business") left an indelible mark on American music and culture. In addition to his individual songs, he also composed 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores.

COURTESY PHOTO Irving Berlin Single tickets are $26, $31, $37 and $51, with half-price tickets for children under 18. Tickets are available online at www. gulfcoastsymphony.org, by calling (239) 481-4849, or in person at the Barbara B. Mann Box Office one hour prior to the concert. For more information email: info@ gulfcoastsymphony.org.

If you go

>>What: A Tribute to Irving Berlin Pops Concert

>>When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17

>>Where: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

>>Cost: Single tickets are $26, $31, $37 and $51, with half-price tickets for children under 18

>>Info: online at www.gulfcoastsymphony.org, or call (239) 481-4849