CHAUTAUQUA - Scotty McCreery, 2011 winner of American Idol, takes the Amphitheater stage on Friday of Week Three at Chautauqua. Also in the Amphitheater this week are the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO), The Raleigh Ringers and Music School Festival Orchestra.
Week Three begins, as always, with free access to the grounds today. Guests can attend a performance by the Brass Band of the Western Reserve in the Amphitheater at 2:30 p.m. Parking fees apply only after 1:30 p.m.
On Monday, guest conductor Timothy Muffitt returns to the Institution this season to lead the Music School Festival Orchestra in the Amphitheater at 8:15 p.m.
The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra's first performance of the week is on Tuesday. The orchestra will be led by guest conductor Grant Cooper and will perform alongside the North Carolina Dance Theatre in Residence, directed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. This will begin at 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Internationally acclaimed, The Raleigh Ringers have performed in 34 states and present unique handbell arrangements of all different types of music. They return to Chautauqua this year on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater. This is a Community Appreciation Night performance, and the cost of tickets is reduced to $18.
One of America's most promising and talented conductors, Andrew Grams is the guest conductor of the CSO on Thursday. Pianist and winner of the 2011 Cleveland International Piano Competition, Alexander Schimpf will also join the CSO for the performance at 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Scotty McCreery makes his Chautauqua debut in the Amphitheater on Friday. McCreery has just completed the Virtual Reality World Tour with Brad Paisley and The Band Perry. He has also been nominated for the 2012 American Country Music New Artist and released his first album, Clear As Day. He has accepted only a few solo dates this summer and Chautauqua is one of them. His performance begins at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are still available.
The last entertainment event of Week Three is on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. The Chautauqua Opera Young Artists join the CSO to present the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra Opera Highlights Concert. The performance will be led by guest conductor Steven Osgood and will begin at 8:15 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
Tickets for Amphitheater performances are $40. On Community Appreciation Nights, ticket prices are reduced to $18 and Family Entertainment Series performances are always free.
For additional ticketing information, visit chautauquatickets.ciweb.org/ or call 357-6250.
Chautauqua Institution is a summer community located in southwestern New York State on Chautauqua Lake. It offers a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship, educational programs, and recreational activities. Each summer the Institution hosts over 2,200 events and 100,000 guests. For more information please visit, www.ciweb.org.