"Beethoven and Rossini"
Saturday, 12 April 2014 - 8:00 PM
E. J. Thomas Performing Arts, Akron, Ohio
Program:
Walton: Coronation March "Crown Imperial"
Beethoven: Symphony no 5 in C minor, Op. 67
Rossini: Stabat mater
About Christopher Wilkins:
Christopher Wilkins became Music Director of the Akron Symphony in the fall of 2006. Since then the orchestra’s programming has reflected his strong interest in community-oriented projects. During his tenure he has made it a priority to develop partnerships with artists and organizations based in Northeast Ohio, and to develop educational programming for all ages. Collaborators have included the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Akron Art Museum, Firestone High School, the Summit County Historical Society, Hale Farm and Village, YEPAW 365, and GroundWorks Dance Theater.
In addition to the Akron Symphony, Mr. Wilkins serves as Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, a summer orchestra performing weekly on Boston’s Esplanade and throughout the neighborhoods of Boston. As a guest conductor, he has appeared with many of the leading orchestras of the United States, including those of Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. He has also appeared frequently with orchestras in Latin America, New Zealand, Spain, and the UK.
He previously served as Music Director of the San Antonio Symphony and the Colorado Springs Symphony, and is currently Artistic Advisor to the Opera Theatre of the Rockies in Colorado Springs. Mr. Wilkins also served as resident conductor of the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, helping in the formation of that orchestra in its inaugural season, and subsequently leading it on tours throughout the Americas.
Mr. Wilkins was winner of the Seaver/NEA Award in 1992. He served as the associate conductor of the Utah Symphony, assisting his former teacher Joseph Silverstein; assistant conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, as assistant to Music Director Christoph von Dohnányi; conducting assistant with the Oregon Symphony under Music Director James DePreist; and was a conducting fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center.
Born in Boston in 1957, Mr. Wilkins earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College. As an oboist, he performed with many ensembles in the Boston area, including the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, and the Boston Philharmonic under Benjamin Zander. He received his Master’s of Music degree from Yale University, where he studied with Otto-Werner Mueller.