Fiddlers ReStrung Perform With the Michigan State Philharmonic Orchestra

Saline, MI - In an evening celebrating American folk music culture, Fiddlers ReStrung was recently invited to perform with Michigan State University's Philharmonic Orchestra. The Fairchild Theatre on campus in East Lansing was the stage for the Jan. 31^st performance as part of the MSU College of Music's The Year of the Arts performance series.

The program of music featured the Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Dr. Raphael Jimenez, Associate Director of Orchestras at MSU. Fiddlers ReStrung has previously collaborated with Dr. Jiminez when he led a private workshop for the group.

The concert began with an opening performance of Aaron Copland's Suite from the Ballet "Billy the Kid." The suite evoked the life, times and tragic death of the famous American outlaw with a delightful variety of orchestral special effects. Continuing in the concert's Americana theme, two medley arrangements by Richard Hayman were also featured.. "Pop's Hoe-Down" and "Hullabaloo" entertained as well as challenged audience members to identify the many references to American folk favorites.

Dr. Jimenez then introduced Fiddlers ReStrung as the evening's guest artists. Fulfilling her dual role that evening as concertmistress for the Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic Director for Fiddlers ReStrung, Cori Smith led ReStrung members on stage. The group launched into the energetic instrumental "Deadwood", followed by the mesmerizing improvisational number, "Josefin's Waltz." Audience members joined in rhythmic clapping as fiddler cloggers Audrey Gross, Asheema Saripalli and Kevin Walters finished the group's set with "Big John McNeil"

The evening's fun, light-hearted spirit was evident as Conductor Jimenez donned a ReStrung cowboy hat to lead the combined orchestras in a rousing rendition of "Orange Blossom Special". The Philharmonic Orchestra embellished the railroading theme of the piece with snippets from "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad."

Michigan State University is proud of its vibrant cultural community and is celebrating 2007-08 as MSU's Year of Arts and Culture. This initiative comprises a year of activities wrapping around all arts and culture units and academic programs. These arts and culture offerings educate and engage audiences by exploring the diversity of human expression, while contributing to the creative and economic vitality of the region.

The MSU Philharmonic Orchestra was organized in 1998 to provide yet a further orchestral experience for the growing music student population in the College of Music at Michigan State. This ensemble presents six concerts annually, collaborates with the Opera Theatre, and performs a challenging repertoire with outstanding graduate students selected as featured soloists.

For almost 15 years, Saline Area Schools has proudly produced one of the most renowned fiddling ensembles ever created. Founded by string educator and composer Bob Phillips, these high school students perform over 80 shows a year in venues ranging from community service to high profile and private events. Dedicated to preserving fiddle music, serving the community and encouraging the positive qualities of young adults, Fiddlers ReStrung acts as a role model for music education, attending and providing numerous workshops and instructional opportunities. Community contributions comprise a third of their schedule, astounding audiences at countless schools, churches, hospitals and senior centers each year.

Fiddlers ReStrung will be performing next at Detroit's Winter Blast on Saturday, February 9th at the Compuware Atrium in downtown Detroit. On Sat. March 1^st, they will present their Spring Hometown Concert at Saline Middle School at 7:00 pm. Opening the concert will be the Saline Middle School Fiddle Club. The evening's guest artist is Grant Gordy Quartet, a group of progressive stringband musicians from Denver, Colorado.

For More Information Contact:
Rebecca Groeb-Driskill
(734) 429-8020. fax (734) 429-8025
www.fiddlersrestrung.com