BEMIDJI, Minn. (July 30, 2009) — The Bemidji Concert Series announces a star-studded season for 2009-2010, including the vivacious Ahn Trio, virtuoso violinist Midori and the ever-popular Doc Severinsen, formerly of “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” as well as a “Night of Chamber Music” from Minnesota Orchestra musicians and the classical guitarists of the Gothenburg Combo.

The series, now in its eighth season, is presented by Bemidji State University’s Department of Music and attracts world-class musicians for performances as a service to the Bemidji community and the northern Minnesota region. Season ticket packages are available now. Performances will be held at the Bemidji High School Auditorium and the Thompson Recital Hall of Bemidji State’s Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.

Ticket packages
Season ticket packages are offered in three tiers:
• Regular season ticket: $70, includes all concerts except the Severinsen concert. Includes reserved seating for the Midori concert.
• Expanded season ticket: $90, includes all concerts, as well as reserved seating for the Severinsen and Midori concerts.
• Student season ticket: $20, includes all five concerts, no reserved seating.

Regular season tickets and membership packages may be ordered by mailing a check to the Department of Music, Attn: Bemidji Concert Series, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 or visiting the Department of Music office, second floor, Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, Lueken’s Village North or Tutto Bene. All three will also sell individual event tickets, $20 for the general public and $5 for students, with the exception of the Severinsen concert, which will be $25 for the general public, $30 for reserved seating and $5 for students. Tickets, if available, will be sold at the door prior to each show.

Performance schedule
• “A Night of Chamber Music” with Minnesota Orchestra musicians, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, Thompson Recital Hall; a selection of ensembles and soloists from one of America’s top ranking symphonic ensembles.
• Gothenburg Combo, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, Thompson Recital Hall; a dynamic guitar duo of David Hansson and Thomas Hansy that infuses fresh energy into a classical repertoire of compositions ranging from Debussy, Brahms, Bach and Rossini to the more contemporary Brian Wilson, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
• Ahn Trio, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, BHS Auditorium; a trend-setting threesome noted for their technical virtuosity as well as their physical beauty and runway sense of fashion. This chamber ensemble comprises Korean-born twin sisters, pianist Lucia and cellist Maria, and younger sister, violinist Angella, who appeal to all ages through their exploration of contemporary classical and popular music composers.
• Doc Severinsen and El Ritmo De La Vida, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, BHS Auditorium; Grammy award winning Severinsen had planned to retire in Mexico in 2006 until he met violinist Pedro Cartas and guitarist Gil Gutierrez and found he couldn’t resist another opportunity to perform. The musicians formed El Ritmo de la Vida, “the rhythm of life,” and play a variety of mixed jazz that defies any particular genre. Severinsen, 82, continues to prove his technical proficiency and flare for showmanship.
• Midori, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010, BHS Auditorium; virtuoso violinist Midori Gato, born a child prodigy of Japan, made her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1982 at the age of 11 and soon became a household name. She has delighted audiences for nearly three decades performing with many of the world’s best orchestras. She is also celebrated as a United Nations Peace Ambassador and founder of several non-profit organizations that bring music education to children around the world.

History and sponsorship
The Bemidji Concert Series began eight years ago with the goal of making Bemidji the cultural center for northern Minnesota and providing the Bemidji region with music that could not commonly be heard without traveling to the Twin Cities.

The series is supported by sponsorships from the Bemidji State University Department of Music, Bemidji “Pioneer,” the Villa Calma Bed & Breakfast, Paul Bunyan Telephone and the BSU Student Activity Allocation Committee.

For more information, please call the Department of Music at (218) 755-2915.