The Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS) will close out its 78th season with "A Bridge to Beethoven" on Saturday, April 13 at The Klein in Bridgeport, 8:00pm. The final concert of the season, "Building Bridges," will be led by Principal Guest Conductor Eduardo Leandro and will feature a dramatic cello solo by Dr. Nicholas Hardie.
This fifth concert will mark the beginning of “Round Two” of GBS’ continuing search for a new Music Director. Leandro is one of four candidates vying to fill the vacant position that was held by Eric Jacobsen from 2014 to 2023. "A Bridge to Beethoven" will be Leandro’s final concert and will be the last chance the audience has to participate in the decision and rate his performance for the season.
A highlight of the concert will be the appearance of cellist Dr. Nicholas Hardie on the Shostakovich “Cello Concerto No. 1.” Hardie is in demand as a soloist nationally and has been GBS’ Principal Cellist for many years. “GBS has had the gift of Nick’s amazing musicianship leading our cello section for some time, and now we’ll get to see and hear him right up front,” says GBS’ President Mark Halstead. “We’re exceptionally fortunate to have great players like Nick in our musician family.” GBS’ March concert also featured a soloist from within the orchestra; flautist Keith Bonner who has been GBS Principal Flautist since 2016.
“This is always an exhilarating time in our season as plans are underway to bring a wealth of talent and excitement to the GBS stage as we look forward to premiering our 79th season of extraordinary performances for the whole family,” says GBS Executive Director Phyllis Cortese.
There will be a Pre-Concert Talk before the show at 7:00pm to learn more about the music of the concert. Tickets are $18.00 to $65.00 (all fees included), available through www.GBS.org or by calling (203) 576-0263. Group rates and Family Pack Deals are available by calling GBS. All kids under 19 get in for just $10.00, and accompanying adults get 15% off their ticket purchases.