'Amazing Area Artists' slated for 2007-08 concert season
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Now in its 62nd season, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra is concentrating on talent found in Amherst.

The 2007-08 season's theme, Amazing Area Artists, will bring together a variety of Amherst-area residents and natives to perform during the four regular-season concerts.

On Oct. 21, the concert Four & More will feature the Attacca Quartet, with first violinist and Amherst High School graduate Amy Schroeder making a hometown return.

Formed in 2003 at the Juilliard School, Attacca is a group that has risen quickly on the international music scene.

"There's not a lot of music out there for string quartet and orchestra," said Joan Fishburn, general manager of the ASO.

On Dec. 2, Holiday Songs & Dances will feature baritone Dr. Brian Zunner, a Buffalo native and Amherst dentist, as well as professional dancers, including husband and wife team John Potter and Paula Iacono, owners of Iacono Ballroom Center.

On Feb. 10, Romantic Rachmaninoff will feature Snyder resident and former University at Buffalo piano professor Stephen Mannes.

Mannes, another Juilliard graduate, has performed in many U.S. cities, as well as in London, West Berlin, the Hague and Vienna.

On April 6, Spring Forward will include East Amherst resident John Fullam, principal clarinetist of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

"The season started with Amy, and we knew we wanted a male singer and Dr. Zunner's name came up," Fishburn said of the theme. "After that, things just fell into place."

All concerts will be held at 7 p.m. at Amherst Middle School, 55 Kings Highway, Snyder. Preconcert events begin at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free, but contributions are encouraged.

Halfway through last season, the orchestra installed a contributor appreciation benefit program.

Donors will receive benefits ranging from a name listed as a contributor, to reserved seating and parking, to a private string quartet or woodwind trio concert in their home.

Contributions can be sent to Amherst Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 1083, Williamsville N.Y., 14231.

Beginning Oct. 21, the orchestra is hoping to have its own Web site instead of a link on the Town of Amherst's Web site.

For more information on upcoming concerts, becoming a contributor to the orchestra or the different levels of contribution benefits, call 633-4606, visit www. amherst. ny. us/ news/ sym phony.asp or send an e-mail to ASOrch46@aol.com.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com