EDMOND—The 2014-15 season of the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation concert series concluded on April 23 after bringing nine world-class performing arts groups to central Oklahoma. Edmond concertgoers soaked in eight Grammy Award-winners, a capella and Broadway vocalists, classical and jazz pianists, classical chamber music ensembles, a period orchestra, and a Russian ballet. A high-energy stepdance group punctuated the season.
The foundation’s 17th season opened on Sept. 14, 2014, with Broadway soprano Kelli O’Hara, an Oklahoma native and four-time Tony Award nominee singing Broadway hits, accompanied by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Tony Award-winning director and musician Ted Sperling.
Jazz pianist Peter Nero took the stage November 6 with bass player Michael Barnett. Nero, a Grammy Award winner with more 50 years as a professional pianist, played movie soundtracks and jazz pieces demanding dizzying finger speed.
Classical pianist Sergio Monteiro, winner of more than 30 competitions in South America, played Mozart, Schumann, Chopin and Henrique Oswald on November 21.
The five-time Grammy Award-winning Juilliard String Quartet took the stage on January 15. The group played works by Haydn and Beethoven, along with a piece from contemporary Israeli composer Shulamit Ran. The quartet is the first classical music ensemble to receive a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award (2011).
The Russian National Ballet Theater performed Swan Lake on January 26 and 27 to a full house. The troupe’s 60 dancers tour worldwide, led by artistic director Elena Radchenko, a former Bolshoi principal dancer.
The double Grammy Award-winning King’s Singers appeared on February 24. The all-male a capella sextet sang madrigals, folk songs and jazz.
The Venice Baroque Orchestra and mandolinist Avi Avital performed at Armstrong Auditorium on March 3. The orchestra is considered one of the world’s foremost period orchestras. Avital is the first mandolinist to receive a Grammy Award nomination.
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chamber orchestra and pianist Jeremy Denk played four pieces by Bach and Stravinsky on March 18.
The final event of the season was by Celtic song and dance group StepCrew. The group returned to Armstrong on April 23, combining fiddle-playing with Irish step, Ottawa Valley step and tap dancing. The group includes five dancers (two of whom play the fiddle), a vocalist, and a five-piece band. Two of the group’s performers (Jon Pilatzke and Cara Butler) have been long-time performers with The Chieftains, a six-time Grammy Award-winning traditional Irish band that appeared at Armstrong in February 2012.
A total of 6,519 concertgoers attended this past season. Comments included:
“Pure classical music.”
“Quite a surprise to find such a classy venue in the middle of the prairie.”
“A real jewel; it’s something special.”
“Definitely Oklahoma City’s best kept secret. This place is beautiful!”
The world-class performers also commented on the venue, the staff and the crowd:
“The stage is perfect. It’s the perfect size; it’s the perfect space.”
“The food, the chandeliers, everything; we love coming here.”
“The crew here at Armstrong Auditorium is by far the nicest group of people we’ve ever encountered—and we’re Canadian!”
“People in Oklahoma have been very kind to me.”
“Thanks to Armstrong for having me, for bringing me home.”
Armstrong’s 17th season begins on October 22 with “An Evening With Joshua Bell.”
The 2015-2016 Season
The upcoming season brings familiar names and new faces to the Armstrong stage.
An Evening With Joshua Bell
Grammy Award winner with three Grammy nominations, known as a superstar violinist.
Mark Jenkins: “My Favorite Jazz”
Herbert W. Armstrong College music faculty member, backed by Oklahoma musicians.
Mozart Orchestra of New York, Gerard Schwarz
A renowned orchestra performing Mozart’s last three symphonies, conducted by a Grammy and Emmy nominee.
Sara Sant’Ambrogio: “Chopin on the Cello”
Grammy Award winner and member of the Eroica Trio presents an all-Chopin program.
Moscow Festival Ballet
World-touring ballet company performs Prokofiev’s Cinderella and Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty.
Mariachi los Camperos
Grammy Award-winning 50-year-old Mexican-American band plays Mexico’s national music.
Band of Royal Marines and the Scots Guards
Active service members of Her Majesty’s forces present marching, bagpipes, highland dancing and anthems.
Beethoven’s Fifth—Polish Baltic Philharmonic
The largest orchestra in northern Poland plays an all-Beethoven program.
Herbert W. Armstrong College Choral Union: “Song of Songs”
Presenting an oratorio by college music director Ryan Malone from the biblical book, Song of Solomon.