Greater Rome Times

The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra presents a Fanciful Fall Festival with a Kick of Jazz for the opening gala concert of its ninth season on Sunday, November 12, 2006, at 4 p.m. at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center.

The afternoon performance features sensational violinist-Chihiro Inda from Toyko, Japan- interpreting the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto; legendary Atlanta jazz pianist-Gary Motley- in the world premiere of his "Highlands Summit Suite” for Jazz Quartet and Orchestra; and local Chinese-Malaysian13-year old pianist-Stephanie Ng- in her orchestral debut on Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2.

The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra is delighted to welcome Amanda Davis, TV News Anchor for Fox 5 Atlanta to the podium. Ms. Davis will guest conduct the orchestra for the Yohann Strauss, Jr.-Tritsch Tratsch Polka.

Violinist, Chihiro Inda, is a prize winner at the Novosibirsk International Competition in Russia, the Wolfgang Marshner International Competition, and first prize at the Toshiya Eto Violin Competition in Japan. A graduate of the Tokyo National University and currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Ms. Inda has performed as soloist with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.

Gary Motley, widely recognized as one of the leading jazz pianists of this country, has worked with artists ranging from Dave Brubeck to Clarke Terry. He has collaborated with Kenny Leon, Sean Combs, Whoopi Goldberg, and Debbie Allen, among others. Mr. Motley is a recipient of Creative Loafing Magazine's 2003 Critics Choice Award for Best Local Jazz Pianist. Gary Motley is on the faculty of Emory University where he serves as Director of Jazz Studies. In the premiere of his Highlands Summit Suite, Gary Motley will perform with members of his jazz quartet-Neal Starkey on bass, Clay Hulet on drums, and Dwight Andrews on saxophone.

Pianist, Stephanie Ng, is a member of the Walton High School Philharmonic Orchestra here in Atlanta. Currently studying piano with Dr. Laura Gordy, Stephanie began winning competitions at a young age and studied at the Moscow Conservatory in Moscow, Russia. Miss Ng shows a remarkable brilliance and flair in her approach to the keyboard.

Maestro Thomas Ludwig, former music director of the New York City Symphony and resident conductor for American Ballet Theatre with Mikhail Baryshnikov, will lead the 80 piece orchestra in a varied and colorful program that includes Stravinsky-Firebird Suite, Rossini-Overture to Semiramide, and Enesco-Roumanian Rhapsody No.1.

Call 770-623-8623 for tickets. Prices are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors and just $5 for Students under age 22.

For more information call 770-623-8623 or visit www.ludwigsymphony.org.