Tilles Center 24th season showcases a new generation of performers

By Karen Bloom

Get ready for a new, contemporary look from Long Island's venerable performing arts institution, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. The 2004-05 season, which opens Oct. 3, celebrates the vision and talents of a new generation of performers, from both the classical and the popular realms. Tilles Center's long-awaited revitalization, with a soaring glass and steel atrium lobby and enhanced public spaces, serves as a fitting backdrop to the season's contemporary approach. Among the acclaimed young classical artists appearing are Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, in his Tilles Center recital debut; pianist Lang Lang, appearing with the China Philharmonic; violinist Hilary Hahn, with the New York Philharmonic; also The Ahn Trio - Maria, Lucia and Angela - performing with the Parsons Dance Company.They will be joined by inventive young performers, appearing in the OffCenter Series, Latin American and African artists featured in the WorldStage series, and young jazz artists Joshua Redman and Roy Hargrove in Reckson Jazz. The busy season, which marks the dedication of North Fork Hall, the new name of Tilles Center's main auditorium, offers much to choose from. There are 17 subscription series, five non-series "specials," and Gala XXIV, for a total of 70 performances. Three different series in North Fork Hall will present internationally distinguished classical instrumentalists and symphony orchestras. Grand Duo features recitals by Joshua Bell and pianist Andre Watts. The Concerto series includes the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Sir Colin Davis, with guest soloist Hilary Hahn, Kurt Masur conducting the Orchestre National de France, with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, the China Philharmonic, and Jonathan Nott leading the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. Orchestra Variations offers Vladimir Spivakov conducting Moscow Virtuosi, Rome's I Musici, and Loren Maazel celebrating his 75th birthday in all-Strauss concert with the New York Philharmonic.The intimate Music at Hillwood chamber music series continues its program of distinguished theatrical commentary, with a season devoted to the music of Johannes Brahms. The Shanghai String Quartet, Imani Winds and clarinetist Charles Neidich will perform, with narration by George Hearn and Estelle Parsons.This year's Gala, Tilles Center's major annual fundraiser, features Art Garfunkel, fresh from his "Old Friends" tour. Appearing with the Long Island Philhamonic, Garfunkel sings Simon & Garfunkel classics, as well as favorites by Randy Newman and Jimmy Webb.Also making their way to Tilles Center's stage are the Smothers Brothers with the Yo-Yo Man, Ben Vereen in a special tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr., the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the sizzling Tango Pasion.That's just some of what's planned to keep Long Islanders entertained. There will be, of course, holiday programs and family events, along with opera, comedy, and ballet throughout the season, finishing up in May.

Schedule At A Glance

October
Sunday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m. - Music at Hillwood, Portrait of a Friend: Johannes Brahms, The Shanghai String Quartet with Caroline Stoessinger, piano
Friday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. - Latinas: Women of Latin America
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30, 8 and 10 p.m. - Steve Tyrell
November
Friday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. - Chick Korea Elektric Band
Saturday, Nov. 6, 8 p.m. - Gala XXIV with Art Garfunkel and the Long Island Philharmonic, conducted by David Wiley
Friday, Nov. 12, 8 and 10 p.m. - Linda Lavin
Saturday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m. - Tom & Dick: The Smothers Brothers Show, with special guest The Yo-Yo Man
Friday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m. - This Land is Your Land featuring The Kingston Trio, Glenn Yarborough and The Folk Reunion
Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m. - Moscow Virtuosi with Vladimir Spivakov
December
Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. - Ben Vereen Sings Sammy Davis, Jr.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. - Joshua Redman and Roy Hargrove
Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. - New York Philharmonic with violinist Hilary Hahn
Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. - Mark Morris Dance Group
Sunday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m. - Music at Hillwood, Portrait of a Friend: Johannes Brahms, The Shanghai String Quartet with Caroline Stoessinger, piano
Saturday, Dec. 18, 8 and 10 p.m. - Judy Kaye
Friday, Dec. 31, 8 and 10 p.m. - New Year's Eve Extravaganza with the Long Island Philharmonic
For further information contact: Tilles Center For The Performing Arts
Long Island University
C.W. Post Campus, Brookville
Box Office: TillesCharge (516) 299-3100
www.tillescenter.org