First Posted: 9/4/2014

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will open its 43rd Season at the F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. with a program of symphonic favorites by Tchaikovsky. This will be the only performance of this concert, which marks the beginning of Maestro Lawrence Loh’s 10th anniversary season with the NEPA Philharmonic. A pre-concert lecture will begin at 7 p.m. and a post concert reception in honor of the Maestro will take place immediately following the performance at the Kirby Center.

Award winning pianist Jon Nakamatsu, returns as guest artist for the season opener, Masterworks 1, “An Evening of Tchaikovsky”. Mr. Nakamatsu will play Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Orchestra, Op.23. and following intermission, the Philharmonic will perform Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Opus 74, “Pathetique.”

As part of the Philharmonic’s partnership with the community, Kings College, Misericordia University, and Wilkes University will co-sponsor the first concert with sponsors Carol and Don Dembert. The opening night reception will be sponsored by Sally and Peter Bohlin and co-sponsored by the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Genetti’s, and Maiolatesi Wine Cellars.

Opening week will feature two additional regional events. Philharmonic Friends will host an informal gathering, in partnership with Artists for Art, at the AFA Gallery, Scranton, Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Friends group, headed by Chelsea Barrows, is a 20-50 something group recently formed to introduce new, younger audiences to the orchestra. This event and the organization are open to the public.

The NEPA Philharmonic will open its 2014-2015 Chamber concert series Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Sordoni Theater, WVIA, at 7 p.m. Featured will be pianist Jon Nakamatsu and concertmaster Erica Kiesewetter. The program includes Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano by Cesar Franck and Sonata in G Major, Opus 78, for Violin and Piano by Johannes Brahms. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and tickets are required, by calling 570-270-4444.

Subscribers are the foundation of the Philharmonic. Their benefits include premier seating, special pricing and ticket exchanges in advance of the concerts. Subscriptions, beginning at $90.24, are still available and may be purchased by calling the Philharmonic office.

Tickets to this and future concerts (single tickets) may be purchased from the Philharmonic Ticket Hotline, at www.nepaphil.org , and may also be purchased at the door on the night of the performance. Student tickets are available at $20.