AMARILLO, TEXAS – (March 4, 2016) – The Amarillo Symphony, (www.amarillosymphony.org), leader of orchestral music in the Texas Panhandle since 1924, announces their upcoming concert “The Firebird”. One of the most recognized and exciting symphony works ever written, Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite will take you on a musical journey that’s magical, energetic and explosive. Join us Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts!

The Firebird Suite has become a classic. Walt Disney utilized it in his fil, Fantasia and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country borrows thematic elements. Maestro Bairos fills this concert with romantic intensity and exuberant imagination including a composition from Aaron Kernis, the teacher of the Amarillo Symphony Composer in Residence, Chris Rogerson, who found immediate success when one of his works was premiered by the New York Philharmonic with Zubin Mehta conducting. The Amarillo Symphony will premiere a brand new work by the Composer in Residence for the Amarillo Symphony titled Shadows Lengthen.

Elena Urioste returns for the third time to perform with the Amarillo Symphony and will be featured on Kernis’ Air for Violin and Orchestra and Corigliano’s The Red Violin: Chaconne for Violin and Orchestra. Elena Uriose was recently selected as a BBD New Generation Artist, is known for her “hypnotic delicacy”, “expressive poise”, and “lyrical sensitivity” following her debut with The Chicago Symphony. Since first appearing with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 12, she has made acclaimed debuts at major orchestra throughout the United States and abroad including the New York and London Philharmonics and The Boston Pops.

“Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite is filled with imaginative colors, rhythms and sounds that are both powerful and mighty,” said Jacomo Rafael Bairos, Music Director and Conductor of the Amarillo Symphony. “The Firebird is one of Igor Stravinsky’s most iconic works, a great masterpiece that is sure to impress audiences of all ages. We are excited to bring back Elena Urioste who will be featured on two works during the concerts this weekend and we are excited to have a brand new work that was specifically written for the Amarillo Symphony by our Composer in Residence Chris Rogerson. Don’t miss this exciting concert filled with a little bit for everyone.”

The Firebird will be held at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Single tickets are available for $19, $34 or $49. For more information about Hooray for Hollywood or to purchase tickets, please visit www.amarillosymphony.org or call 806-376-8782.

The 2015 – 2016 season is sponsored in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Learn more about the Amarillo Symphony at www.amarillosymphony.org.