Chicago Symphony Orchestra to make Lied Center debut Feb. 6

Hailed as the top American orchestra by international music authority Gramophone Magazine, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will make its first appearance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Lied Center for Performing Arts on Feb. 6.

Jaap van Zweden, one of the most sought-after conductors in the world, will lead the CSO's Lincoln debut, featuring a performance by leading baritone soloist Matthias Goerne. The audience will experience the majesty of Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony along with works by Richard Strauss and Franz Schubert.

A limited number of tickets, starting at $50, are available at http://www.liedcenter.org, the Lied Center Box Office, 301 N. 12th St., or 402-472-4747. UNL students can obtain tickets at a 50 percent discount with a valid NCard.

Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently recognized as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. From baroque through contemporary music, the CSO commands a vast repertoire. Its renowned musicians annually perform more than 150 concerts, most at Symphony Center in Chicago and, each summer, at the suburban Ravinia Festival. Since 1892, the CSO has made 58 international tours, performing in 29 countries on five continents. People around the globe listen to weekly radio broadcasts of CSO concerts and recordings on the WFMT network. Recordings by the CSO have earned 62 Grammy awards.

Goerne is one of the most internationally sought-after vocalists and a frequent guest at renowned festivals and concert halls. He has has appeared on the world's principal opera stages, including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; Teatro Real in Madrid; Paris National Opera; Vienna State Opera; and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Goerne's artistry has been documented on numerous recordings, many of which have received prestigious awards, including four Grammy nominations, an International Classical Music Award, and most recently, the Diapason d'Or Arte.

The CSO's performance marks the fifth performance of this season's Beethoven Festival in which the Lied Center, UNL's Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra have partnered for a special campuswide celebration honoring Beethoven. Recognized as the single most important musical figure of the early 19th century, Beethoven was a revolutionary figure and will long be remembered as the man who single-handedly created the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era and for his many other contributions to classical music during his lifetime and beyond.

Several pieces of artwork by Nebraska artist Dan Howard will be displayed in the lobby during the CSO performance. Drawing inspiration from the festival and Beethoven's illustrious career, Howard, professor emeritus of the UNL Department of Art and Art History, accepted a challenge from Lied Center executive director Bill Stephan to create an original work honoring the life and work of Beethoven. Howard created three original Beethoven portraits and all will be on display Feb. 6 for patrons to enjoy. The artist will also be available to answer questions before the performance and during intermission.

Beethoven's works are being featured in the Lied Center's 25th anniversary season in the following classical music performances:

> Feb. 8, 3 p.m., Kimball Recital Hall -- Clark Potter, violin (free and open to the public).
> March 13, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center main stage -- Joshua Bell, violin (tickets available through the Lied Center).
> April 25, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center main stage -- Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra featuring Jon Nakumatsu (tickets available through the Lied Center).

Writer: Carrie Christensen, Lied Center for Performing Arts