OK Mozart to Feature Premieres, New Genres
The 2017 OK Mozart Music Festival in Bartlesville June 8-18 has delivered on its promise of a revitalized festival with a knockout lineup of classical performers, as well as the addition of new music genres.
The nine-day festival 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, “High Stakes” cowboy crooner Michael Martin Murphey lights up the Bartlesville Community Center accompanied by the world-class Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra. Best known for the hit “Wildfire,” 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 . The songs, “Hold On,” “Release Me” and “You’re in Love” topped the billboard charts in the 1990s, and their debut album became a Grammy-nominated smash hit. They recently appeared in the comedy, “Bridesmaids,” singing “Hold On.”
Classically-trained golden-voiced Chris Mann, who starred in “The Phantom of the Opera” in its North American tour, takes to the stage on June 10 accompanied by the Bartlesville Symphony. Since his 2012 stint on ’s “The Voice,” his career has skyrocketed with two albums topping the Billboard charts, two television specials, and the starring role in “Phantom.”
On the afternoon of June 11, the festival is honored to present the world premiere of composer Jerod Tate’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, spectators can 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 food from local food trucks.
On June 12-15, audiences have four chances to hear the Miró Quartet at Ambler Hall, playing a return engagement after popular request. The award-winning chamber quartet is consistently praised for its 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 gospel keep the two in constant demand.
“This season is filled with excitement and a little something for everyone,” says Mary Lynn Mihm-Howk, chairman of the OK Mozart Board of Directors. “We 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!”
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, “Homage to Haydn,” will be performed by the Trio, who also commissioned the piece.
On June 16, individuals can 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 children’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 are available through the Bartlesville Community Center, bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com. For information about , visit www.okmozart.com.
Updated 05-16-2017
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