Fourteen. That’s right an amazing litany of 14 guest artists will help the Michigan Philharmonic bring back live concert music during its historic season beginning in October and running through next May. The nationally and internationally recognized guest artists offer a world-wide musical and vocal perspective along with an amazing amount of talent during what is a historic 76th year for the cultural jewel many lovingly call “the Phil.”
Led by Conductor and Musical Director Nan Washburn, now in her 23rd season, the Philharmonic’s “Take2 Celebration” will kick off on Oct. 2 with the stylings of internationally renowned pianist Anastasia Rizikov, who first played with the Philharmonic when she was 12 years old. In November, the Philharmonic’s “M & Ms” performance is centered around the famed Mendelssohns (Felix and Fanny) and a world premiere from composer Andre Myers. One “Holiday Pops with the Phil” concert in December will feature the Philharmonic’s principal oboist Chris Wheeler performing Georg Telemann’s “Oboe Concerto in E-Flat: Allegro.” Then the year 2022 opens for the Philharmonic with a unique January performance featuring well-known Ann Arbor mandolin artist and composer Brad Phillips. In February it’s time for “All that Jazz” with talented jazz guitarist Mimi Fox at Schoolcraft College. On March 11 at the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth, the Philharmonic season takes an unusual turn with “A Night in Tropics” featuring a never before spotlighted steelpan soloist Josanne Francis. The April 9 performance offers “Ode to Joy,” the return of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with four great soloists and three local choirs. The choirs include Schoolcraft College Chorale, PCCS High School Choir and the Plymouth Oratorio Society. The final Philharmonic performance of the 2021-2022 season will be the “The Great American Songbook” featuring the smooth sounds of versatile vocalist Suede.
