Community Concert series shows listed

NPAC information

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is excited to announce the Community Concert Series for 2012-2013.  It features five fabulous shows designed to provide a variety of entertainment to all patrons. From the highlights of “America’s Sweethearts” to the smooth classical sound of Gershwin, to the legendary sounds of master music craftsmen and side-splitting laughter, this series is sure to please.

The Lennon Sisters are an American institution: glamorous, yet unpretentious; sophisticated, yet down-to-earth; famous, yet approachable. No wonder America fell in love with them as the girls next door. For 13 years on “The Lawrence Welk Show,” they charmed the nation with their sweet-voiced harmonies. The combination of their extraordinary natural vocal talents, hard working professionalism, striking looks, unassuming personalities and strong family values earned them a place in the homes and hearts of millions of fans nationwide. They kick off the series on Saturday, October 6, at 7:30 pm.

Following them at the end of October, on Saturday, the 27th, at 7:30 p.m., the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass takes the stage. The group is comprised of some of America’s top brass musicians dedicated to bringing the joyous experience of great music to a wide range of audiences. A veritable “dream team” of virtuoso brass players, members of the group have appeared on the world’s most prominent stages and performed with such groups as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Baltimore Symphony, Canadian Brass, and Boston Brass.  The concert will feature music from traditional brass repertoire to pop and jazz.

Audience members will laugh their socks off as Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo take the stage on Sunday, November 11, for a 3 p.m. show. These two classical musicians have taken the world by storm with their unique and hilarious theatrical shows, which combine comedy with classical music and popular culture. They have been recognized as today’s modern Victor Borge!  Equally comfortable performing in classical concert halls, as well as in stadiums in front of crowds of 18,000, their collective dream is to make classical music accessible to a wider and younger audience.

Returning by popular demand to Van Wert Friday, February 22, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. is the critically acclaimed American Spiritual Ensemble. This professional group composed of some of the finest singers in the classical music world took the Niswonger audience by storm three years ago!  The American Spiritual Ensemble vocalists have thrilled audiences around the world with their dynamic renditions of classic spirituals and Broadway numbers. Director Dr. Everett McCorvey founded the group in 1995, and many of its members have performed in such venues as the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera. The group has also performed abroad in England, Germany, Italy, among others.

Rounding out this great series of five shows is young American pianist Thomas Pandolfi on Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m.  Pandolfi is an exciting virtuoso who, with each passing season, is becoming more and more sought after by audiences, as well as showered with superlatives by critics for his passionate artistry and amazing technique.  In the “Pops” genre, Thomas is considered a leading interpreter of the works of George Gershwin, some of which he will perform.

Pandolfi helps the NPAC celebrate its fifth season on the beautiful Baldwin concert grand piano that was donated by the Community Concert Association in 2007.

All five of these shows can be purchased as one package for one low price of $60 and will be available for sale to the general public on May 30.  Patron, Sponsor, and Director levels are also available to those wishing to support the series.  Individual tickets for each of these shows will be on sale approximately 90 days prior to concert date.  For more information please visit the website at www.npacvw.org or call the box office Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m., at 419.238.NPAC (6722) or stop by the box office in person at 10700 Ohio 118 in Van Wert, Ohio during box office hours. The NPAC can also be found on Facebook!