The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is returning to Carnegie Hall for the first time since 1985, as one of six orchestras invited to attend the fourth annual Spring For Music Festival, on May 7th, 2014 in New York City.
The RPO will perform "Merry Mount," the only opera from former long-time Eastman School of Music Director Howard Hansen.
Some 250 people will head to Manhattan to for the concert, and RPO President and CEO Charlie Owens is hoping for a large local contingent to make the trip as well.
He says there are many travel packages available, and concert-only tickets are just 25 dollars.
Those who buy a ticket will get a lilac colored bandana-like flag with the RPO and Spring For Music logos.
They'll be asked to wave that flag before the concert to show their home town spirit. WXXI will also be streaming the concert live on 91.5 FM.
Buffalo native Michael Christie is the guest conductor for the show.
He says this is a moment of great pride for him.
A preview of the performance will be held April 10th and 12th at Kodak Hall in Rochester.
Here's an excerpt of "Merry Mount" performed Friday by baritone Keith Brown and pianist Joseph Werner
http://youtu.be/s8YXgWBd2Xs