Supporting the Family Concert Series

Dear Family Concert Series Supporter,

Another successful Family Concert Series is completed, and we are grateful for the generous support that allowed us to hold four outstanding concerts and offer a number of workshops for our students last year. We want to take a moment to provide an overview of the 2008-09 Series hoping you will consider renewing your support of the Family Concert Series.

This fall we will be welcoming:

• Ahn Trio:    Born in Seoul, Korea, and educated at Juilliard in New York City, the members of the Ahn Trio sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella are redefining the art and architecture of chamber music, breathing new life into the standard piano-trio literature. The sisters are not only impeccable musicians, but were recently included by People Magazine in their 50 Most Beautiful People, based on beauty and career achievement. The Ahn Trio will be present three workshops throughout the district, and an evening concert at Opstad Auditorium at 7:30PM, September 16th. www.ahntrio.com



• King's Singers:    SOLD OUT!    We are thrilled to present England’s most accomplished vocal ensemble, the King’s Singers. The King’s Singers delight audiences around the world with their incomparable musicianship, charm and wit. The King’s Singers repertoire is all encompassing, from medieval music to masterpieces of the Renaissance, from lieder to folk, pop and jazz. The list of venues at which they have appeared includes cathedrals and palaces as well as all the world’s major concert halls. The ensemble will present a workshop during the day, and an evening concert on December 2, at Opstad Auditorium. The King's Singers are the second in the Herb and Janice Wilson Headliner Series. www.kingssingers.com

Next spring we will be welcoming:

• Empire Brass:    The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America’s finest brass quintet, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. The five musicians -- all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras -- perform over 100 concerts a year in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, London, Zurich and Tokyo. With their bestselling recordings on the Telarc label they have introduced an even larger audience worldwide to the excitement of brass music from Bach and Handel to jazz and Broadway. They will hold a three day residency, holding 4 workshops throughout the district, as well as an evening concert on Jan 28, 2009 at the West High Auditorium. www.empirebrass.com



• Peking Acrobats:    SOLD OUT!    Hailing from the People’s Republic of China, The Peking Acrobats® have for decades been diplomats of their spirited culture. Since 1958, this elite group has toured the world over, leaving audiences spellbound by the graceful presentation of their ancient folk art, acrobatics. Carefully selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, these gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers transform 2000-year-old athletic disciplines into an all-ages kaleidoscope of entertainment and wonder. These amazing performers will present a performance at Opstad Auditorium at 7:30 on February 13, 2009. http://www.myspace.com/pekingacrobats

We are excited to bring this talent to Iowa City and offer it to students and families in our community at affordable prices. We are also pleased to be able to continue our complimentary ticket program through which we provide 10% of our tickets on a complimentary basis to students and families who otherwise could not afford to attend the concerts.

We appreciate your support of the Family Concert Series in the past and hope that you will renew your support for the coming year. Your generosity makes it possible for many families to experience world-class musical talent, unparalleled concert opportunities and student workshops. This simply cannot occur without the generous support of our community and people such as you.