What do we love most about fall? An earnest start to the arts season, and no weekend could start it better than this one.
Symphony, Opera and Symphony Again
First on your list: The Delaware Symphony Orchestra Classical Series begins Friday, Sept. 23, with pianist Vassily Primakov joining the orchestra for “From Superhuman to Superman,” a program of Rachmaninov, Strauss DSO promises “herculean feats of pianistic prowess. “ If that kind of line doesn’t hook you, who knows what would. The concert begins at 8 p.m., with a pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. See it at The Grand Opera House. For more, call 656-7422, or visit delawaresymphony.org
Good fortune continues for music lovers with the OperaDelaware Studio Series Sept. 23-25. This chapter is a “Night of Love,” which means studio artists Michelle Johnson, Alok Kumar, Charlotte Paulsen and Jose Sacin will perform popular arias in a cabaret setting. Friday and Saturday’s shows begin at 7:30 p.m., Sunday’s at 2 p.m. Visit the studios at the Wilmington Riverfront. For more, contact operade.org.
But wait-there’s more. We mention this one too rarely, and shame on us: The Kennett Symphony Orchestra. On Saturday, Sept. 24, see the season’s opening concert, “Magnificent Masters: Beethoven and Bizet.” Hear B1’s overture to “Egmont” and the “Emperor” concerto, which will be played by West Chester University’s Igor Resnianski. The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre of West Chester University. Call (610) 444-6363 or visit kennettsymphony.org.
Uniquely Brandywine
In this year of all things Howard Pyle, visit Brandywine River Museum for a primer on the great illustrator. Until Nov. 17, see “Inspiring Minds” Howard Pyle as Teacher, which explores his methods of instruction. As for his students, none is so famous locally perhaps as N.C. Wyeth, sire of the famous art family. Until Nov. 20, see “N.C. Wyeth’s Treasure Island, Classic Illustrations for a Classic Tale,” which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the edition of the Stevenson classic with Wyeth’s iconic work. Finally, “Four Decades of Collecting” opens Saturday, Sept. 24, to celebrate the museum’s anniversary through a special exhibit of some the finest pieces in its collection. See it till Nov. 20. For more, call (610) 388-2700, or visit brandywinemuseum.org.
From Music to Musicals
What better during baseball season? The Tony-winning ÅgDamn YankeesÅh plays at The New Candlelight Theatre until Oct. 30. You’ll hear favorite tunes like ÅgYou Gotta Have HeartÅh as you see how a floundering baseball team struggles toward a pennant. Contact the theater at 475-2313 or ncstage.org.
Meanwhile, ÅgBroadway RythmsÅh opens Friday, Sept. 23 at Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach. The show offers a little song and dance from nine famous musicals, from ÅgShow BoatÅh to Cabaret.Åh It plays through Oct. 9. Call 227-2270, or visit clearspacetheatre.org.
Finally, the spirited Possum Point Players perform ÅgRagtime: The MusicalÅh Sept. 23-Oct. 2. For more, call 856-4560, or visit possumpointplayers.org.
Now You See It, Now You Don’t
We’ll be sorry to see this one go: ÅgPerception/Deception: Illusion in Contemporary ArtÅh at Delaware Art Museum. One of the most fun exhibitions we’re seen, it explores the use of shadow play, lights, mirrors and more in sculpture that makes you question the difference between appearance and reality. It closes Sunday, Sept. 25, so catch it quick. For more, visit delart.org.
