Syracuse’s Symphony and Opera to make beautiful performances together:

The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Syracuse Opera have teamed up to offer a series of 26 events with the flexibility to choose performances that fit the hectic lives of modern audiences. This “FREEDOM Series” started on July 4 and offers audiences the opportunity to choose any combination of at least four events from both the SSO’s and Opera’s 2008-09 performance lineup, slated for a special ticket price of $35 per ticket for Front Balcony/Rear Orchestra, and $50 for Main Orchestra.

This season, the SSO and Syracuse Opera have had a combined box office ticket sales function and are now promoting the new FREEDOM Series together as a way to best communicate to their common audiences.

“The SSO and Opera have always shared a similar, passionate audience – people who love the arts and appreciate the professional talent that both organizations bring to this community,” said Edgar Herrera-Arizmendi, Director of Marketing and Patron Relations for the SSO. “It makes sense to offer our patrons the option to combine SSO performances with Opera productions.”

From classical superstars to a Grammy-nominated Latin jazz band and family circus event, this year the SSO Special Events offer something for everyone, all year long. The SSO announces its exciting lineup of five Special Events, which will be included as part of the FREEDOM Series. Eroica Trio will kick off the 2008-09 season with a Gala Opening night on Sept. 24. Other guest artists to watch for include veterans of the exceptional cirque programs in Cirque de la Symphonie and the world famous violin virtuoso, Joshua Bell. A full schedule of the 2008-09 special events is listed below.

FREEDOM Series SSO Special Events:

EROICA TRIO, Gala Opening Night, Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m.: The most sought-after trio in the world, the Grammy nominated Eroica Trio thrills audiences with flawless technical virtuosity, irresistible enthusiasm and sensual elegance as they perform ‘Beethovens Triple Concerto.

SPECTRUM, Monday, Jan. 9, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.: This group draws upon the talent of four radiant voices and diverse personalities to form a first-class vocal quartet covering the music of The Four Tops, The Platters, and other well-known groups, with angelic harmonies and deft choreography.

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.: Bringing the magic of circus to the concert hall, artists include the most amazing veterans of exceptional cirque programs throughout the world – aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers and strongmen.

JOSHUA BELL, Monday, May 11, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.: His bold, charismatic artistry has brought a fresh voice to the most venerable masterpieces and his restless curiosity and multifaceted musical interests have taken him in exciting new directions that have earned him the rare title of “classical music superstar.” Mr. Bell will perform Saint-Saens’ Violin Concerto No.

TIEMPO LIBRE, Thursday, July 16. 2009 at 8 p.m.: Things heat up in July with Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre, one of the hottest young Latin Jazz bands today.

The Syracuse Opera performances on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.:

The Magic Flute by Mozart, Oct. 24 and Oct. 26, 2008: The enchanting power of Mozart that vividly accentuates the colorful journey of Prince Tamino and his sidekick to rescue Princess Pamina from the “evil” Sarastro. Armed with magical instruments, the Prince must complete three trials to win not only his freedom, but his love for Pamina as well. Can love truly conquer all?

Romeo & Juliet by Gounod, March 6 and March 8, 2009: The image of two hearts breaking. In this epic Shakespearean tale of secrets and facades, passion and betrayal, Romeo and Juliet must keep their feelings for each other hidden from their feuding families. Soaring melodies only accentuate this emotional roller coaster ride. Peace will eventually be made, but at what cost?

Little Women by Adamo, May 1 and May 3, 2009: The powerful, inseparable bond that grows between Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy when their father goes off to minister to the troops during the Civil War. In this classic coming-of-age story, it’s this connection that keeps these four very different sisters together, even when faced with devastating tragedy. Don’t miss this popular American opera unified dramatically throughout with the music of Mark Adamo.

Also included in the series are the following SSO Post-Standard CLASSICS and M&T Bank POPS performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.:

Brahms Double Concerto:

Oct. 3-4, 2008

Nakamatsu Plays Rachmaninoff 3:

Oct. 17-18, 2008

Resurrection Symphony:

October 31- November 1, 2008

Noches Europeas:

November 7-8, 2008

Beethoven’s 5th:

November 21-22, 2008

Mozart According to Fleisher:

January 16-17, 2009

Roman Festivals:

January 30-31, 2009

Ravel’s Bolero:

February 13-14, 2009

From the New World by Dvorak:

February 27-28, 2009

Beethoven Piano Concerto 4:

March 20-21, 2009

The Planets by Holst:

April 3-4, 2009

Piano Parables:

May 8-9, 2009

M&T Bank Pops

Bugs Bunny on Broadway:

September 26-27, 2008

An Evening with Chuck Mangione:

November 14-15, 2008

Holiday Pops:

December 19-20, 2008

Forbidden Broadway:

February 6-7, 2009

When Swing Was King:

March 13-14, 2009

Patriotic Pops:

May 15-16, 2009

Patrons can subscribe to the FREEDOM Series by calling 424-8200 or (800) 724-3810, or visiting www.SyracuseSymphony.org/FREEDOM