415 S.E. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74003 hello@okmmusic.org 9183369900

OK Mozart Festival 2017 features 2 world premieres, new genres

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. ā€” The OK Mozart Music Festival has delivered on its promise of a revitalized 2017 festival with a knockout lineup of classical performers as well as the addition of new music genres.

ā€œThis season is filled with excitement and a little something for everyone,ā€ said Mary Lynn Mihm-Howk, chairman of the OK Mozart Board of Directors. ā€œWe have scheduled diverse, highly-acclaimed musical talent for residents and visitors alike to enjoy classical, jazz, blues, rock and other mixed genres. We also have two world premieres!ā€

The nine-day festival, planned June 8-16, kicks off Thursday evening with a street concert featuring the 145th Army Band, followed by western blues band Honey Blue, which is free to the public.

Later that evening, ā€œHigh Stakesā€ cowboy crooner Michael Martin Murphey lights up the Bartlesville Community Center accompanied by the world-class Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra. Best known for the hit ā€œWildfire,ā€ real-life rancher Murphey has topped the pop, country, bluegrass and western music charts.

On June 9, the harmony-rich sound of Wilson Phillips, a vocal trio comprised of sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips, comes to the BCC. The songs, ā€œHold On,ā€ ā€œRelease Meā€ and ā€œYouā€™re in Loveā€ topped the billboard charts in the ā€˜90s and their debut album became a Grammy-nominated smash hit. They recently appeared in the comedy, ā€œBridesmaids,ā€ singing ā€œHold On.ā€

Classically trained, golden-voiced Chris Mann, who starred in ā€œThe Phantom of the Operaā€ in its North American tour, takes to the BCC stage on June 10 accompanied by the Bartlesville Symphony. Since his 2012 stint on NBCā€™s ā€œThe Voice,ā€ his career has skyrocketed with two albums topping the Billboard charts, two PBS television specials, and the starring role in ā€œPhantom.ā€

On the afternoon of June 11, the festival is honored to present the world premiere of composer Jerod Tateā€™s Muscogee Hymn Suite, commissioned and performed by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Tate, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, breathes new life into five traditional Creek hymns, not only restoring the original melodies, but adding orchestration to the pieces.

That evening, enjoy a Concert Under the Stars at Sooner Park with entertainment by Mojo, a popular Oklahoma jazz band. While enjoying the sounds of cool jazz on a hot summer night, patrons can enjoy cocktails purchased at a cash bar and savor food from local food trucks.

On June 12-15, audiences have four chances to hear the MirĆ³ Quartet at Ambler Hall, playing a return engagement after popular request. The award-winning chamber quartet is consistently praised for their deeply musical interpretations and exciting performances.

On June 13, hear the inspirational Burchfield Brothers perform at First Baptist Church. Their stylistic diversity of Appalachian, classical, jazz, Renaissance, praise, worship and gospelĀ keep the two in constant demand.

On June 14, the Brightmusic Society of Oklahoma and Trio Solari bring their exceptional talent to Ambler Hall. Besides performing audience favorites from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, Brightmusic also delves into modern works. The world premiere of the Joseph F. Tyldesley composition, ā€œHomage to Haydn,ā€ will be performed by the Trio, who also commissioned the piece.

On June 16, head out to Woolaroc for the crowd-pleasing picnic-style performance. Wear comfortable clothes, bring dinner and a lawn chair, and enjoy Disney classics performed by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. The traditional fireworks over the lake will cap the evening.

A full spectrum of Showcase events is planned, including childrenā€™s activities. Enjoy folk and jazz entertainment at the Price Tower, a tribute to Gershwin by Those 2!, and a jam session by Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Famers, among others.

There is plenty more on tap, and tickets will be offered starting April 10 through the Bartlesville Community Center, www.bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com.

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