‘Unplayable’ Concerto February 6 in Suntree 

Taiwanese Pianist Joins Space Coast Symphony for Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1

(Suntree, FL) January 25, 2016 – Taiwanese virtuoso pianist, Tsu-yi-Chen joins the Space Coast Symphony for a concert aptly titled, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto, on Saturday, February 6th at 7:00 PM at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Suntree.  Celebrated around the world, Tsu-yi Chen performs Tchaikovsky’s powerful Piano Concerto No. 1, which, in 1875, critics and soloists deemed “technically unplayable.” With its explosive opening chords and lyrical melodies, Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto contains bold, dramatic keystrokes and rippling musical passages.  Also on the program is Anton Bruckner’s expansive “Romantic” Symphony No. 4, which will take listeners on a spectacular journey through the Austrian countryside. At its debut in Vienna in 1881, the composer was reportedly called out to take a bow after each movement. Another special treat on the concert is “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from the opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner.  Guest conducted by the celebrated U.S. Army bandmaster, Colonel Hal Gibson, Wagner’s stately and beautiful music depicts the princess Elsa as she makes her way to marry Lohengrin, knight of the Holy Grail.  The concert is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID.  $20 advance tickets for adults are available through the orchestra website at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at several convenient ticket outlets, including Ace Hardware stores in Indialantic and Cocoa Beach, Blue Sky Insurance in Cocoa Village, Tropical Realty of Suntree, Art Expressions in downtown Eau Gallie, Atlantic Strings in Melbourne, A Floral Affair in Merritt Island, Brass & Reed Music Store in Merritt Island, La Moda Boutique in Satellite Beach and Brevard Florist in Palm Bay.  Tickets at the door are $25.  The Scott Center, in north Melbourne, is located just off the Pineda Causeway at 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, 32940.  For more information, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.

Conductor and Artistic Director, Aaron Collins, welcomes the chance to perform with the Taiwanese virtuoso pianist Tzu-yi-Chen.

“We are beyond excited to be able to showcase the immense talent of Tzu-yi-Chen,” said Collins.  “When this music was first composed, critics called it ‘technically unplayable.’ But Tzu-yi-Chen will prove otherwise.  The concerto is a masterpiece, with all the drama we expect from Tchaikovsky.”

For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2015-16 season or the Symphony for Everyone discount ticket program, please visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS –

ABOUT TZU-YI CHEN– One of Taiwan’s promising talents and leading pianists of her generation, Tzu-Yi Chen is currently enrolled with full scholarship in Columbus State University in Georgia, where she is becoming a Teaching Assistant in the piano department, studying with Alexander Kobrin. In 2009 and 2011 she obtained her MM degree of piano performance and “Solistexamen” – the highest diploma of piano performance under Prof. Michael Uhde in the National Kalrsurhe Music University in Germany, where she was a lectureship of piano as well. Year 2002 till 2006 Ms. Chen received the premiere prix from Paris CNSM, where she studied with Jacques Rouvier and Prisca Benoit.

Ms. Chen is the recipient of many awards, including the 1st prize of Atlanta Music Club Scholarship Competition (2012), the 4th prize at Darmstadt international Chopin competition in Germany(2009), the 1st prize at NTSO (National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra) Piano Competition (2007), the 1st prize at Fourth International Piano Competition of Mauro Paolo Monopoli Italy and 6th prize at the International Gina-Bachauer Piano Competition for Young Artists (2001). 2nd prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition of Taipei (2002) . and was a prize winner at the International Competition for Young Pianists in Ettlingen, Germany, Special Prizes in the Second European Chamber Music Competition in Karlsruhe Germany as well as in the Third International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Artists, and the 1st prize of the Hwa-Shin Bank and Taipei Philharmonic Radio-Showcase Piano Competition.  Ms. Chen also performed at the Taiwan Presidential Palace as part of the 20th Musical Gala Celebration.  Highlights of the 2010-2012 season included the performances of Rachmaninoff Piano concerto No.3,with Taipei Symphony Orchestra and Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini together with Baden-Badener Philharmonie in Germany. And Performances in Darmstadt for “New Year’s Reception Concert” in the House of  Lords in front of 800 members of parliament, as well as recital in the Polish Embassy in Cologne, Germany.

Following the season 2012-2013 she is invited to play a series of recitals and concerto in Taiwan (Taipei, Tainan, Kaoshiung) and also in America (Atlanta, Newnan, Columbus, Auburn).

ABOUT HAL GIBSON –Colonel Hal J. Gibson, United States Army retired, is an internationally acclaimed musician and conductor with a professional background that spans more than a half a century. For more than 30 years he was a military bandleader holding positions at the highest levels of the Army’s band program. These included assignments as bandleader at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he also conducted the highly acclaimed Cadet Glee Club; Commander and Conductor of the Army’s “showcase” Musical Ambassadors, the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus; and in 1974 he was selected from the bandleaders of all services to form and conduct The Armed Forces Bicentennial Band and Chorus which was the only military musical organization ever to have been comprised of members from all five U.S. uniformed services. During his long and distinguished career he has conducted in all 50 states and in 36 foreign countries.

Following his retirement from the Army he was appointed Director of Bands and Professor of Music at the Schwob School of Music of Columbus State University. He served there for 16 years and developed one of the finest wind ensembles of the southeast. Following his retirement he was voted to be Professor Emeritus by the Georgia Board of Regents, and is the only college band director from the state to have been so honored. In November of 2001 the rehearsal hall of the newly constructed world class RiverCenter (sic) for the Performing Arts of Columbus State University was dedicated and named for him.

In February of 2004 he was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Distinguished Band Conductors. He is a national honorary member of Phi Beta Mu, the College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and is an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He is listed in the International Who’s Who of Music and serves on the boards of several important musical organizations. In May of 2011 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree at the graduation ceremonies of Columbus State University. He and his wife Marie currently reside in Viera, Florida where he conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band, and the Colony Singers of the Indian River Colony Club.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.  The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

33- year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements.  LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.  Space Coast Businessmagazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.”  Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra performs in several very comfortable venues in Brevard and Indian River counties, with advance general admission tickets priced at just $20.  School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID.  In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert.

Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 17 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org by c