The Phil and Music Director Andrew Constantine Announce the 2011/12 Season

“It is always an inspiring challenge and responsibility to plan an upcoming season; to build on the successes of 2010/11 season is demanding. I am thrilled about the caliber of guest artist who will play in Fort Wayne and who are equally thrilled to be playing with The Phil. They bring an exciting variety of experiences that enrich our lives both culturally and artistically – music is the great conduit for enrichment.”     - Music Director Andrew Constantine

Mr. Constantine will be joined by a distinguished list of conductors, including Bedros Shetilian and Matthias Bamert, as well as returning guest conductor Jonathan Carney.
Andrew has invited guest artists of the highest caliber to perform with The Phil next season, including Jonathan Haas, Jonathan Carney, Jason Vieaux, Joshua Roman, Andrew von Oeyen, Eleena Urioste, Ilya Yakushev, Boris Slutsky.

Two Phil musicians will also be featured as soloists in the 2011-12 season: Principal Timpani Eric Schweikert and Principal Oboe Sandra Stimson. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus will be featured in their own Signature Choral Series as well as on the Season Finale Masterworks concert.

Masterworks Pricing Reduced for 2011-12
As a continuation of The Phil’s efforts to reach a broader audience, pricing for all Masterworks concerts has been restructured so that 60% of seats at the Embassy Theatre are available for $25 or less on a per concert basis, and $20 or less on a subscription basis. “Currently, around 10% of seats are available for $25 or less for our Masterworks concerts. These seats almost always sell out, indicating a high demand for tickets at this price level.” explained J.L. Nave III, president of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. “By making this dramatic reduction in price indicates our shift in our focus from total ticket revenue to total attendance. The bottom line is we want as many people to attend our performances as are able to attend, and ticket prices should not be a reason someone is unable to enjoy our incredible orchestra.”

Audience Choice Concert
 A new addition to The Phil’s classical offerings, the Audience Choice Concert is exactly what the name implies. Selecting from a list of possible programs and symphonic works, members of the general public will have the opportunity to create the program for this first-of-its-kind concert in Fort Wayne. “One of my main visions for the future of The Phil is for everyone in the community to feel a greater sense of ownership of the orchestra. Frankly, I can’t think of a better way for us to achieve this and learn more about each other than for the community as a whole to be sharing the planning process,” say Music Director Andrew Constantine.

Pops Headliner Bernadette Peters
The Phil is excited to announce actress, singer, comedienne and Tony award winner Bernadette Peters will join our acclaimed orchestra for the 2011-12 Pops series. This coming spring she will star in the highly anticipated production of Follies at the Kennedy Center in New York. Ms. Peters is a highly sought after entertainer and this concert will mark her Fort Wayne debut. Bernadette will thrill the audience with songs from her acclaimed Broadway performances as well as from her Grammy-nominated recordings.
The Phil and Fort Wayne Ballet join forces to perform Sleeping Beauty
For its annual spring co-production, The Phil and Fort Wayne Ballet will perform one of the most beloved ballets in history – Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty.  This age-old tale made famous in Disney animation, audiences young and old alike will be enchanted with the story of Princess Aurora and her 100 year slumber only to be awakened by a kiss from Prince Florimund.

2011-12 Subscriptions
Fort Wayne Philharmonic subscribers may renew their subscriptions through mid May. Single tickets traditionally go on sale in early August. The Phil offers subscription packages to each of its series: Masterworks (5 or 8 concerts), Signature (4 concerts), Signature Choral (3 concerts), Family (3 concerts), Freimann (4 concerts) and Pops (3 or 6 concerts). The popular Create Your Own Series allows patrons the flexibility to pick and choose which concerts they want to attend while still receiving a discount off the single ticket price. Subscription prices range from $15 to $384.

New and renewing subscribers may purchase subscriptions through The Phil’s ticket office by calling 260.481.0777. Current subscribers will receive a special mailing of renewal information at the end of March.