ASO to celebrate 'Roscoe'

First published: Sunday, February 25, 2007

The Albany Symphony Orchestra is inviting Capital Region book clubs to take part in its upcoming celebration of William Kennedy, Albany's own Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

At 7:30 p.m. on April 20 at Albany's Palace Theatre, the ASO will present the world premiere of "Roscoe, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" by Kevin Beavers. The new work was inspired by Kennedy's novel "Roscoe," the seventh book in his Albany cycle about politics and power in a fictionalized Albany of the 1930s and '40s. Violinist Colin Jacobsen will perform the piece alongside Kennedy, who will read selections from the novel, to introduce the movements of the work.

Kennedy will talk about his work and sign books at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at Borders on Wolf Road in Albany.

Area book clubs are encouraged to read "Roscoe" in preparation for the world premiere of the Beavers' concerto, and may attend the performance at a special discounted rate of $22 per ticket. Book clubs attending the concert also will be able to meet and have a photo opportunity with Kennedy.

To receive the book club concert ticket discount, club leaders must sign up at the ASO Web site: http://www.AlbanySymphony.com, where a readers guide to "Roscoe" developed by Kennedy is also available.

For more information, call the ASO at 465-4755.

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