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Virginia Symphony Musicians to host International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SYMPHONY AND OPERA MUSICIANS(ICSOM)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Bruce Ridge, ICSOM Chairman
919-833-8720
bruceridge@earthlink.net
Hampton Roads to Host Conference of Top Orchestras
The International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) has selected Hampton Roads, Virginia to host its annual conference to be held in the summer of 2009.
The musicians of the Virginia Symphony, along with the Norfolk Musicians’ Association, Local 125 of the American Federation of Musicians, will host the event, scheduled for August 19-22. Representatives of the nation’s top 51 orchestras will attend, along with representatives of the Organization of Canadian Symphonic Musicians and members of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association.
The Virginia Symphony was accepted into this prestigious and historic organization in 2000. Despite operating on a lean budget, the Virginia Symphony demonstrates leadership and quality worthy of membership among North America's elite orchestras.
Last year’s conference was held in San Francisco and in 2007 the orchestra representatives convened in Minneapolis.
The elected ICSOM delegate of the Virginia Symphony, violinist Amanda Armstrong, attended those conferences and observes, "It is noteworthy that what puts Hampton Roads in the company of America’s major cities is our orchestra. We have long been Hampton Roads’ major league team, an ambassador for Southeast Virginia and a proud regional citizen."
Virginia Symphony Music Director JoAnn Falletta notes, "This orchestra is held in the highest regard by every guest soloist and every conductor who gets to share in their work. Virginia is profoundly fortunate to have dedicated musicians of such excellence and artistry living in the region. The musicians and I are proud to be members of ICSOM and honored to have the privilege of hosting the
annual meeting. We look forward to welcoming our colleagues to our beautiful region."
The International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) represents over 4000 symphonic musicians in the top 51 AFM orchestras in the United States. ICSOM's key mission is to facilitate communication between all members of the greater musical community and to advocate for the arts in America and beyond. More information can be found at www.icsom.org.
Please contact ICSOM Chair Bruce Ridge at (919) 833-8720, or by writing bruceridge@earthlink.net.
For information about the 2009 Conference, contact Conference Coordinator Tom Reel at (757) 461-0424 or by writing tom.reel@cox.net.
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The Virginia Symphony Orchestra with a complement of 79 professional musicians under the direction of Grammy-nominated Music Director JoAnn Falletta performs 140 concerts annually, reaching 200,000 concert goers every season in venues throughout the region. Our education and outreach programs reach 53,000 students and adult learners every year. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is the cultural cornerstone of the performing arts in Hampton Roads.
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