The Essence of Spring! April 15, 2011

Join the GSO as it moves through the seasons with the classics. The GSO will be performing Debussy’s “Rondes de Printemps”, and the Sixth Annual Movie Scores Quiz!
This concert will also feature pianist Simone Sala performing Michael Camilo’s Concerto for Piano, Harp, and Strings. The Suite for Piano, Harp, and Strings is influenced by jazz and is an enjoyable and breezy piece to listen to. The Latin roots of the composer are very evident. Of course, the piano plays the major role, and Mr. Camilo proves he is a great jazz pianist. Finally, there is Caribe, Mr. Camilo's signature tune and a piece that first attracted attention.

Simone Sala was born in 1982 in Bojano, Italy, where he began studying piano at age 9, continuing the 150-year-old family legacy of musicians. At age 20, he graduated with "10/10, laude and special honors" from L.Perosi Conservatorium in Campobasso, Italy, with a degree in piano as a student of M. Battista (Piano) and L. Salvadori (Composition). After graduation he won a scholarship to attend the master classes of Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy, where he met Joaquin Achucarro, considered one of the world’s finest pianists. In 2004, Mr. Sala received the gold medal from the Italian Republic President, an award reserved for those who gained merits in the field of school, culture and art. In 2006, he earned a full scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas to study with J. Achucarro. He graduated in April 2008 with an Artist Certificate. Currently, Mr. Sala is continuing his studies with J. Achucarro and pursuing a Masters degree in Piano Performance at SMU. As a classical pianist, Mr. Sala has performed recitals and concerts throughout Europe and the United States as a chamber musician and soloist accompanied by orchestras such as the National Ukraine State Orchestra, Molise Regional Orchestra, Campobasso Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, Meadows Symphony Orchestra, Donetsk Symphony Orchestra and several others. Since 1996, Mr. Sala has won First Prize in both national and international piano competitions including: • National Piano Competition "Coppa Pianisti d’Italia” Osimo, Italy (in 1996 and 2003) • National Piano Competition “Città di Ortona” Ortona, Italy (in 1996 and 2003) • National Piano Competition "Rassegna Giovani Musicisti” San Pietro in Vicoli (1996) • National Piano Competition “Pianistico- Strumentale” Pompeii, Italy(1999) • National Piano Competition "Miglio d’oro” Portici, Italy (1999) • National Piano Competition "Giovani Musicisti” Mercato San Saverino, Italy (1999) • International Piano Competition “Premio Napoli" Naples, Italy (2nd prize,1st prize was not assigned, 2000) • European Piano Competition " L.M Altruda " Vasto, Italy (2000) • European Piano Competition "Concorso -Premo Aretusae- Siracusa, Italy (2001) • National Piano Competition "Scuola Concerto” Campobasso, Italy (2002) • International Piano Competition Castel Nuovo della Daunia, Italy (2004) • National Piano Competition, Rocchetta (2005) • International Piano Competition Guradiagrele (2005). "Concerto Competition" SMU, Dallas (2007) • "Texas Young Artists Competition" with J. Jones, Conroe, USA (2008) • “Premio Cafaro” Magliano Sabina, Italy (2008) • “Premio Napolitano” Vietri sul Mare, Italy (2008) • “Hubbard Music Competition” Roundrock, USA (2009). His next tour (ten recitals) will take him through the United States and Europe, starting in Dallas, through London and ending in Rome. His second CD, “Never Say Ever”, recorded with the Simone Sala Jazz Quartet, is debuting in May. This compilation showcases Mr. Sala as a composer, arranger and performer.

The Garland Symphony Orchestra credits its Music Director, Robert Carter Austin for its continued outstanding and diverse orchestral programming. Maestro Austin’s background encompasses over 30 years of professional music experience and includes degrees from MIT, Cambridge University, and Stanford University. Maestro Austin’s musical experience includes conducting performances in countries including: Korea, Ukraine, Canada, Italy, Spain, China, France, Germany, Mexico, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Colombia, Philippines, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and the United States.

Single tickets are priced at $15, $25, and $35, and are available by telephone (972.205.2790) or online at www.garlandsymphony.org. Group discounts are available; please call the Garland Symphony office for more information (972.926.0611).

All concerts begin at 8PM at the Granville Arts Center
Linda Brownlee Auditorium
300 North 5th Street
Garland, TX 75040
972.205.2790

For more information on the Garland Symphony Orchestra, please visit www.garlandsymphony.org