Local Orchestra To Feature Mexican Violinist

Published: October 14, 2004

DULUTH—The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra will perform the opening concert of its eighth season on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m. at Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by the Instituto de Mexico, the concert features Mexican violinist Anabel Ramirez, who is Catholic, playing Sarasate’s “Carmen Fantasie,” and pieces by three 20th-century Mexican composers—Ponce, Halffter, and Revueltas. In addition, local talent, 24-year-old Elizabeth Pridgen will perform Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No. 2.

Acclaimed as a “brilliant virtuoso,” Ramirez has performed with orchestras around the world and is famous for performing the rare Paganini Violin Concerto No. 2 from memory with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Mineria with only two weeks’ preparation. Pridgen, who now resides in New York where she graduated from The Juilliard School, has been called by David Dubal (author of “The Art of the Piano”) “a young artist of high talent, blessed with a fluid technique—her playing possesses both fire and poetry.”

Originally from Alpharetta, Pridgen recently performed with Yo-Yo Ma at the Tanglewood Music Festival.

Maestro Thomas Ludwig, former music director of the New York City Symphony and resident conductor for American Ballet Theatre, will lead the 80-piece orchestra in a varied and colorful program.

The vice president of the symphony’s board of directors, Peggy Espinda, is a Catholic and co-president of the Kindred Spirits ministry for singles over 35 at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta.

Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $7 for students. Group discounts are available. For more information call (770) 623-8623 or visit the Web site at www.ludwigsymphony.org. The Gwinnett Arts Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.