Contact: Lois Robinson, Executive Director
(318) 222-7496 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY CELEBRATES LEONARD BERNSTEIN'S
100TH BIRTHDAY ON MARCH 24      

"Bernstein at 100: A Choral Spectacular"  features
the Centenary College Choir and Prísma Vocal Ensemble


SHREVEPORT, LA, MARCH 7, 2018 - Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's birth, the Shreveport Symphony, Centenary College Choir, and vocal ensemble Prísma will join forces on Saturday, March 24 to perform Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, as well as the magnificent hymn-like conclusion of Copland's opera, The Tender Land. Rimsky-Korsakov's all-time favorite Russian Easter Festival Overture closes this evening.    
 
WILLIS-KNIGHTON MASTERWORKS SERIES 
 
BERNSTEIN AT 100: A CHORAL SPECTACULAR  
Saturday, March 24, 7:30 PM
RiverView Theater
Michael Butterman, conductor

HOVHANESS  Psalm and Fugue for String Orchestra
BERNSTEIN  Chichester Psalms    
with Centenary College Choir and Prísma Vocal Ensemble
COPLAND  Suite from The Tender Land   
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV  Russian Easter Festival Overture 
 
Tickets are available online at www.shreveportsymphony.com or by phone at 318-227-8863. Ticket prices range from $20-$60.  Student tickets are $12. 
 
A free shuttle service starts at 6:30 PM before each concert. The shuttle picks up at Regions Bank parking garage at the corner of Milam and Market Streets.
  
The SSO's season sponsor is Willis-Knighton Health System. The concert sponsors are Laura and Ed Crawford
 
ABOUT CENTENARY COLLEGE CHOIR
Centenary College Choir is the primary touring choral ensemble and musical ambassador for Centenary College. Established in 1941, the Choir is the oldest and largest ensemble at Centenary College, made up of 55-65 singers. The group sings a diverse repertoire of music, from classical to casual, making an international tour every other year.

Nicknamed "America's Singing Ambassadors" by the press, the Choir has toured throughout the world, bringing the name of Centenary College to audiences in 32 countries on six continents. The Choir is well-known for its engaging visual and aural appeal, and for its heartfelt connections to audiences.

The group has the high distinction of having performed seven times at the White House, two lengthy engagements at Radio City Music Hall, for American Choral Directors and International Lions Club conventions, for numerous conferences of the United Methodist Church, at famed cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris and St. Peters in Rome, and in renowned concert venues such as the Sydney Opera House.

ABOUT PRISMA VOCAL ENSEMBLE 
Prisma Vocal Ensemble is Shreveport/Bossier's first semi-professional chorus. The ensemble is committed to presenting quality performances of world-class repertoire, collaborating with area artists, and compensating singers for their dedication.

ABOUT LEONARD BERNSTEIN 
Leonard Bernstein (August 25, 1918 - October 14, 1990) was a world-renowned musician throughout his entire adult life. He served as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and conducted the world's major orchestras, recording hundreds of performances. His books and the televised Young People's Concerts with the New York Philharmonic established him as a leading educator.

Bernstein's compositions include Jeremiah, The Age of Anxiety, Kaddish, Serenade, Five Anniversaries, Mass, Chichester Psalms, Slava!, Songfest, Divertimento for Orchestra, Missa Brevis, Arias and Barcarolles, Concerto for Orchestra, and A Quiet Place. He also composed for the Broadway musical stage, creating masterpieces such as On the Town, Wonderful Town, Candide, and the immensely popular West Side Story. In addition to the West Side Story collaboration, Bernstein worked with choreographer Jerome Robbins on three major ballets, Fancy Free, Facsimile, and Dybbk. Bernstein was the recipient of many honors, including the Antoinette Perry Tony Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Theater, 11 Emmy awards, the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors.  Read full bio 
 
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About the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra 
Since its founding in 1948, the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has become Louisiana's oldest continually operating professional orchestra and one of the most respected regional orchestras in the United States. The SSO's mission is: To Embrace - to embrace the community we serve and to be embraced by the same community; to broaden the level of supporters and their involvement with the orchestra; to work across the region with various arts organizations through cooperation and partnerships. To Enlighten - to educate; to enlighten the senses beyond the norm. To Experience - to provide the unique aesthetic experiences of live orchestral music; to give depth and enriching life; to connect people through music; to foster cultural diversity. To Excel - to foster artistic, organizational, and financial excellence. www.shreveportsymphony.com