Accordionist Joseph Petric performs with Symphony Nova Scotia

Halifax, NS ’Äì Critically acclaimed virtuoso Joseph Petric joins Symphony Nova Scotia on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax and on Friday, March 13 at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB¬Ýfor a rare performance on a beautiful but often-neglected instrument ’Äì the accordion.

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The evening will feature the world premiere of award-winning Canadian composer Brian Current's Accordion Concerto, commissioned by the prestigious Koussevitzky Foundation especially for Petric and Symphony Nova Scotia. The Koussevitzky Foundation only funds the world's top composers, so this commission is a very special occasion. ¬Ý

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"I'm thrilled to explore this exciting new concerto by one of Canada's most dynamic composers with local and national audiences ’Äì both live in concert and in future CBC broadcasts," says Petric. "It offers yet another rich texture to the accordion's history and narrative on the Canadian east coast."

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"The accordion is one of my favourite instruments," adds Maestro Gueller, who will be conducting the performance. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

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Also on the program are Grieg's Holberg Suite and Robert Schumann's uplifting Symphony no. 2.

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Get your tickets now! Prices range from $32-47.50 (HST included), or you can pick up a subscription and save up to 30%. Student and group discounts are also available. Call 494.3820 or 1.800.874.1669, or visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca.

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This concert will also be the launch of Symphony Nova Scotia's 2009-10 season! Audience members will be the first to hear the inside scoop on the orchestra's plans for 2009-10, including new collaborations, huge Maritime and Canadian stars, and the return of some of our most beloved guest musicians.

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Join CBC host Heidi Petracek at 7:30 pm for the pre-concert season announcement, and stay after the concert for a free audience reception. Audience members will also have the opportunity to renew or purchase Symphony Nova Scotia subscription packages at the concert. For more information, visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca.

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Composer Brian Current will give a composition lecture at Dalhousie University's Arts Centre (Room 111) on Wednesday, March 11 at 1:30 pm. Admission is $5, and tickets are available at the Music Department or at the door.

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About Joseph Petric

Laureate of the BBC3 Radio and CBC National Radio Auditions, JUNO and Prix Opus nominee, and first instrumentalist recipient of the Friend of Canadian Music Award, accordionist Joseph Petric has enjoyed a distinguished international career in more than 20 countries since 1986. A recitalist of choice, Petric was the first accordionist to offer European and American debuts to critical acclaim. He has commissioned more than 207 works and has been invited to give master classes, lectures, and recitals at conservatories around the world.

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About the Koussevitzky Foundation

The Koussevitzky Music Foundation of New York and the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation, established in 1942 and 1950, respectively, perpetuate Serge Koussevitzky's lifelong efforts to encourage contemporary composers. Koussevitzky was appointed conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1924, a post he held for 25 years. Works commissioned by him and the two foundations include such established masterpieces as Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes" and Bˆ©la Bartˆ„k's "Concerto for Orchestra."

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About Brian Current

A 2005 Guggenheim Fellow and recipient of the 2003 Barlow Prize, Brian Current has established himself as one of North America 's leading young composers. His music, lauded and performed internationally as well as broadcast in over 35 countries, is renowned for its energy, wit and daring bravado.

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Raised in Ottawa , Current studied music at McGill University in Montreal with Bengt Hambreaus and John Rea. He later completed his PhD in composition on full fellowship from the University of California at Berkeley in 2002. He has since been featured conducting with New Music Concerts, Soundstreams, CBC's In Performance and the Esprit Orchestra's New Waves Festival. Recently, the Royal Conservatory of Music appointed Brian conductor and artistic director of its New Music Ensemble.

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About Symphony Nova Scotia
Expect the Unexpected with Symphony Nova Scotia ’Äì from Baroque to Berlioz to bluegrass! Each year the 37-member ensemble performs for more than 40,000 audience members (including 14,000 young music lovers) in communities across Nova Scotia. Under the inspirational leadership of Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country. Join the orchestra in celebrating its 25th anniversary this season!

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Symphony Nova Scotia is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture, and Heritage, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for their continued support.