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André De Shields to Host Orchestra Lumos’ “Orpheus Sings” Concert
Following his acclaimed performance as the narrator in the Orpheus myth within the Tony-award winning musical Hadestown, André De Shields will take the stage as the host for Orchestra Lumos’ season opener concert titled “Orpheus Sings.” This captivating program will explore various classical interpretations of the legendary myth, showcasing the story’s enduring resonance through music.
Orchestra Lumos, known as Fairfield County’s resident orchestra, is set to present this special concert during its opening weekend on October 5 and 6 at The Palace Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut.
Scheduled under the banner “Orpheus Sings,” this concert is the first in a series of four curated programs for the season, each designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the human experience. Notably, this season will feature a host for each performance, transforming the concert experience into a more theatrical presentation.
André De Shields is a highly revered performer with an impressive 55-year career that has earned him an array of prestigious awards, including multiple Emmys, Tonys, Grammys, and more. He is particularly celebrated for his roles in productions such as Hadestown, The Full Monty, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and The Wiz.
Joining De Shields will be the talented 15-year-old Australian pianist Anwen Deng, who has already made significant strides in her burgeoning international music career.
Details for the concert program are as follows:
Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 6 at 3:00 PM
Featuring:
Anwen Deng, piano
André De Shields, host
Michael Stern, conductor
The concert will include the following works:
- Franz Liszt – Orpheus, S.98 (Symphonic Poem No. 4)
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, op. 58
- George Walker – Orpheus for Narrator and Chamber Orchestra
- Christoph Willibald Gluck – Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance of the Blessed Spirits
- Jacques Offenbach – Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld
About André De Shields
At 78, André De Shields continues to make his mark as an extraordinary actor, activist, educator, and philanthropist across a lengthy career. His artistic mission is to imbue intimate spaces with profound beauty, aiming to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. As an activist, he strives to enhance the representation of Black performers in the theatrical world, promoting literacy and elegance in their artistry.
Over the years, De Shields has received accolades such as an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He established THE André De Shields FUND to promote equity and diversity within the performing arts. His triple crown achievement in the 2019 award season, which included prestigious recognitions for his role as Hermes in Hadestown, further solidifies his place as a luminary in Broadway history.
About Anwen Deng
Anwen Deng, a young pianist from Brisbane, Australia, began her musical training at the tender age of three. Her exceptional talent led her to be accepted into the pre-college program at the prestigious Juilliard School by the age of six, where she studied under Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky.
The young prodigy has garnered numerous accolades in piano competitions, including first prizes at the 26th Chopin International Piano Competition for Children and Youth, the Grand Prize at the 9th Chopin International Piano Competition, and the 2018 Steinway & Sons Piano Competition. At just eight years old, Anwen made her debut with the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra, and she has since performed with various esteemed orchestras, including the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with notable conductors throughout her early career.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com