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CONTACT Alexis Kenleigh Chief Marketing Officer akenleigh@orchestraiowa.org 319.366.8206

Orchestra Iowa presents Bachtoberfest

A Bach inspired program marks the beginning of the Signature Symphonic Series
Friday, October 11, 8:00 p.m. at Iowa City West High School Saturday, October 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre Sunday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. at the Ottumwa Bridgeview Center

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- September 2013- Concerts for Bachtoberfest, presented by Orchestra Iowa, Iowas premier symphony, take place in Iowa City on Friday, October 11 at 8:00 p.m., in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m., and in Ottumwa on Sunday, October 11 at 3:00 p.m. Join Orchestra Iowa for this fall celebration of J.S. Bach, one of the most foundational composers in the entire development of orchestral literature. His works have been the centerpiece for much of the classical repertoire studied and performed today, and Orchestra Iowa pays homage to Bach by making him the centerpiece of its first performance of the 2013-2014 season. Each piece is either by or inspired by Bach, said Timothy Hankewich, Orchestra Iowas Music Director. Two of the works were composed by Bach himself, while the others connect to him in a huge way. Little Fugue, written by Bach at an early age, opens the concert. Originally written for solo organ and re-imagined for modern orchestra, this piece contains one of Bachs most universally recognized melodies. BACH meets EsCHer, by Midwestern composer Timothy Kramer, adopts a modern, exhilarating perspective on Bach. Kramer, who is currently the chair of the music department at Illinois College, is highly involved in composition throughout the nation and world. BACH meets EsCHer takes a unique approach to Bachs timeless music, blending Bachs contrapuntal ideas of using his own name in his work, with M.C. Eschers mind-blowing artwork. This piece utilizes the pitches that correspond with the letters in the names Bach and Escher, specifically B flat, A, C, B natural and E, C, and B natural.

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The orchestral experience then returns to Orchestral Suite No. 3 by Bach himself. This piece, often heard at weddings, conveys a joyous, celebratory mood. Concluding the concert is Mendelssohns Reformation Symphony, which quotes ideas from Bachs compositions. Mendelssohn was immensely significant in that he rediscovered Bach. He was all but forgotten, and certainly wouldnt be a household name today if it were not for Mendelssohn, said Hankewich. Tickets for the performance range in price from $19- $49 and may be purchased online at orchestraiowa.org or by calling 319.366.8203. Tickets are also available through the Orchestra Iowa Ticket Office, 119 Third Avenue SE, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Bachtoberfest Friday, October 11 at 8:00 p.m. Iowa City West High School Saturday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre Sunday, October 13 at 3:00 p.m. Ottumwa Bridgeview Center Tickets required, call 319.366.8203 Visit orchestraiowa.org Orchestra Iowa Timothy Hankewich, Music Director Program J.S. Bach (arr. Cailliet)- Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 (Little) Timothy Kramer- BACH meets EsCHer J.S. Bach- Orchesttral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 Felix Mendelssohn- Symphony No. 5, Op 107 (Reformation) Orchestra Iowa Orchestra Iowa is recognized as the states premier symphony orchestra, under the direction Timothy Hankewich, now in his eighth year as Music Director. Founded in 1921, the mission of Orchestra Iowa is "to foster enjoyment of, and support for fine symphonic music through quality performances, education, and community involvement". Its 82 professional musicians perform more than 120 public performances throughout the year, many of which can be heard on Iowa Public Radio and seen on Iowa Public Television.

Orchestra Iowa showcases its artistic excellence each season through an accomplished array of classical, ballet, opera, popular, and chamber performances, in addition to extensive community education and involvement. ###

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