BBC “Young Musician of the Year” Nicola Benedetti
Debuts With Santa Rosa Symphony Nov. 11, 12 & 13

Daniel Hege Guest Conducts

News Release Contact:

Sara Obuchowski, (707) 546-7097 ext 218

October 11, 2006

(SANTA ROSA, CA) – Nineteen-year-old Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, named BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2004, debuts with the Santa Rosa Symphony on November 11, 12 and 13 at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. She demonstrates her prowess in Bruch’s First Violin Concerto, a piece that culminates in astonishing fireworks for the soloist. Also making his debut with SRS is the polished music director of the Syracuse Symphony, Daniel Hege. In honor of the 150th anniversary of the composer’s death, Hege conducts Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 3, one of the most colorful and beloved of Schumann’s orchestral compositions.

The London Sunday Times has written of Nicola Benedetti, “a prodigious, incandescent talent with unswerving self-belief.” The violinist signed a one million pound recording contract with the world’s leading classical music company, which released a CD that hit number 1 on the European charts. She has also been the subject of a BBC documentary. Described as “a gem of a musician,” Benedetti tours schools to talk about music and is involved with Sargent Cancer Care for Children and UNICEF.

Daniel Hege is currently in his seventh season as music director of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and earned critical acclaim for his fresh interpretations of the standard repertoire and for his commitment to creative programming. He also held the position of assistant, associate and resident conductor of the Baltimore Symphony. During his tenure as music director of the Chicago Youth Symphony, Hege was twice honored by the American Symphony Orchestra League for innovative programming. The Syracuse Post-Standard refers to him as “competent and fearless…a hardworking and demanding maestro.”

The November 11, 12 and 13 performances of the Santa Rosa Symphony Classical Series are underwritten by The Press Democrat. Performance times are Saturday and Monday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Conversations with the Conductor begin in the concert hall one hour prior to performances.

The popular Discovery Series of open rehearsals continues at 2 p.m. on November 11 These concerts, priced at $10 for adults and $6 for youth, offer a sneak peek into the final rehearsal process before each concert set.

Call (707) 546-8742 for tickets or visit the Symphony Box Office on the first floor of the North Coast Bank building at 50 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Tickets are also available online at www.santarosasymphony.com.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door 1½ hours before each performance on a space-available basis. Single tickets are $27-50, with student and senior discounts available. $10 Student Rush tickets (to students showing school I.D.) can be purchased a half hour prior to curtain.