Symphony opens season with tribute to Hollywood

PHOTO BY MARK LYONS Erich Kunzel The Southwest Florida Symphony kicks off the 2008/09 Pops Season Dec. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. with "Hello Hollywood" at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

"Hello Hollywood" is conducted by the incomparable "Prince of Pops" Erich Kunzel. Memorable and recognizable music from Hollywood will include "Dancing Queen" from Mamma Mia, "Moon River" from "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and themes from such favorites as "The Pink Panther", "Goldfinger", and "Chariots of Fire".

Back again by popular demand, the magnetic and energetic Maestro Kunzel propelled the Cincinnati Pops to international recognition and placed orchestral pops mainstream. A pinnacle of his career, Maestro Kunzel was awarded The National Medal of Arts in 1996, the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons, which recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.

Hand picked by Maestro Kunzel, special guest pianist Marcus Küchle will be featured throughout the program. Mr. Küchle is the director of artistic operations at the Cincinnati Opera and maintains a performance schedule throughout the U.S., Canada, England and Germany. He holds degrees from the prestigious Hochschule für Musik (Munich, Germany) and Indiana University where he studied under Edward Auer.

The Pops Series concerts are held at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. The series includes "A Very Merry Pops," Dec. 20 and 21, conducted by Joseph Caulkins, associate conductor and director of choruses; "Rodgers & Hammerstein," Jan. 9 and 10, conducted by Erich Kunzel; and "John Williams Tribute," Feb. 6 and 7 conducted by music director Michael Hall.

Concert series tickets start as low as $38 and single tickets start as low as $15. Tickets are selling quickly so order today by calling the Symphony box office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 418-1500 or order online at www.swflso.org.