Itzhak Perlman to Join Nashville Symphony for Grand Reopening of Schermerhorn Symphony Center on New Year's Eve

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight months after massive flooding caused nearly $40 million in damages to Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the Nashville Symphony's concert hall will reopen to the public with a New Year's Eve concert featuring violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and the Nashville Symphony. Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero will lead the orchestra. The concert will begin at 9 p.m.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center has been closed for repairs since widespread flooding throughout Middle Tennessee in early May caused extensive damage to the building. At its highest point, the water reached 24 feet, filling the building's basement and sub-basement with an estimated 5 million gallons of water. In the months since, repair crews led by American Constructors, Inc. have worked around the clock to replace the building's electrical system, heat-and-air system and commercial kitchen, all of which were destroyed by the flood. In addition, the Symphony will be replacing two Steinway grand pianos and the 50 musical instruments in its educational "Instrument Petting Zoo." The console for the Schermerhorn's Martin Foundation Concert Organ is being rebuilt by San Francisco-based organ manufacturer Schoenstein & Co.; all repairs to the organ will be completed after the New Year.

One of the world's best-known classical soloists since his Carnegie Hall debut in 1963, Perlman has a long history with the orchestra, having first appeared with the Nashville Symphony in 1967. "We are beyond thrilled about returning to Schermerhorn Symphony Center," says Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine. "This is a truly momentous occasion, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than by having Itzhak join the orchestra. We are deeply honored that he has decided to spend his New Year's Eve with us."

The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony has a growing international reputation for its recordings and innovative programming. With 140 performances annually, the 83-member orchestra is an arts leader in Nashville and beyond, offering a broad range of classical, pops and jazz concerts; special events; family and education concerts; and community engagement programs.

Named in honor of the late Music Director Kenneth Schermerhorn, who led the orchestra for 22 years, Schermerhorn Symphony Center opened to the public in September 2006. The Schermerhorn's 1,844-seat Laura Turner Concert Hall is one of the few halls nationwide to feature natural interior light through 30 special soundproof windows. One of the building's most innovative features is a system that transforms seating in the concert hall from theater-style seating to a 5,700-square-foot hardwood ballroom floor in two hours. A unique motorized system lowers rows of seats into a special storage space below the surface of the ballroom floor. Though this storage area was extensively damaged by the flooding, the concert hall and its seating were not affected.

"Nashville Music City" is one of the South's fastest-growing and most vibrant cities, internationally renowned for its rich musical heritage and vibrant musical life. Schermerhorn Symphony Center will rejoin other notable Nashville attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum, historic Ryman Auditorium, the world famous Grand Ole Opry, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Vanderbilt and Fisk universities, and the city's lively honky-tonks.

Tickets for the Schermerhorn's New Year's Eve Grand Reopening with Itzhak Perlman will go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 15. Ticket prices start at $75 and include complimentary champagne and dessert. More ticket information is available at NashvilleSymphony.org or by phoning 615.687.6400. Dinner reservations can be made by calling 615.687.6613.

SOURCE Nashville Symphony