Formation of Glendale Renaissance Orchestra Promises to Bring Vibrant Annual Music Program to Local Community

– Inaugural Performance of 2010 Season Will Be on April 29 at The Americana at Brand –

• Press Release
• Source: Glendale Renaissance Orchestra
• On 1:48 pm EDT, Wednesday October 21, 2009

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The newly formed Glendale Renaissance Orchestra promises to bring an exciting new music program to the Glendale community starting in 2010. Encompassing everything from light classical to pop, the concerts will be affordable and offer something for everyone to enjoy no matter what their age or musical interests. The orchestra’s executive director is Nelson Dodge who brings a strong track record of overseeing orchestral music organizations in a variety of markets in Southern California. The Americana at Brand will host the first three concerts starting in April 2010, while next year’s season will conclude at the historic Alex Theatre with a Holiday Concert and Community Sing-Along in December 2010. Tickets can be obtained from the Alex Theatre and The Americana at Brand concierge desk starting on Monday, November 9th.

“Glendale is known as the 'Jewel City' and the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra promises to be another gem in its crown,” said Rick Lemmo, senior vice president of community relations at Caruso Affiliated and chair of the orchestra’s executive council. “Recognizing that the soul of a community is a variety of cultural arts choices and that an orchestral program with consistent performances is a necessary element of those offerings, members of the arts community, our Chamber of Commerce and business leaders worked together to make the goal of having a first class local orchestra with an exciting annual music program a reality.”

The team that worked on the project includes Barry McComb, CEO of Glendale Arts and Elissa Glickman who serves as its associate director. Glendale Arts is a private nonprofit organization that manages the historic Alex Theatre, the community's premier performing arts venue. Built in 1925, it screened first-run movies until the 1980s, but was transformed into a performing arts center by the Glendale Redevelopment Agency in 1993.

“Glendale Arts is thrilled to partner with the new Glendale Renaissance Orchestra. We are confident that this unique and exciting new venture will offer our community a symphonic experience worthy of bearing the Glendale name,” said McComb.

Dodge is enthusiastic about the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra, seeing it as a great opportunity to provide access to live classical and pop music for all demographics.

“The Alex Theatre will offer affordable subscriptions, and there will be paid seating for three concerts on the lawn at The Americana at Brand, however, the music will permeate the evening air, allowing shoppers, diners, young and old to enjoy fine free entertainment,” Dodge noted. “Who can resist a concert under the stars or at an historic theatre that has been an integral part of the Glendale community since 1925. And with the holidays coming, what could be better than the gift of a season ticket – a gift that would keep on giving throughout the year?”

Judee Kendall, executive vice president and chief executive of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, sees the orchestra as an important element in the city’s cultural program, a catalyst of a vibrant business community and in bringing its varied communities together.

“The 2010 season that the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra has planned is worthy of a city that is ethnically diverse, with a rich history, a bright future and a strong commitment to preserving and enhancing its residents’ quality of life,” Kendall says.

Caruso Affiliated, owner of The Americana at Brand, has been very active in the Glendale community and has been a strong champion of the initiative to create a first-class orchestra for area residents, their families and friends. “I am delighted to see this important initiative bear fruit and look forward to a spectacular first season in 2010,” added Lemmo.

Casey & Sayre, Inc.
Karen Diehl, 310-473-8090