News

Franklin, TN (January 26, 2016) Gateway Chamber Orchestra proudly presents Enchanting Tales, 7:30 pm, February 8, at the Franklin Theatre. The Monday evening concert spotlights award-winning composer Jeffrey Wood’s world premiere of Different Bodies. The performance opens with Rossini’s charming Il signor Bruschino Overture, taking the audience through a full spectrum of contrasting musical fables and emotional tales, concluding with Maurice Ravel’s popular Mother Goose, a magical work that tells the story of Sleeping Beauty and other fairy tales.

Inspired by Kenneth Sherman’s book written about the infamous Elephant Man, Different Bodies, features acclaimed baritone, Jeffrey Williams. Composer Wood says, “Sherman’s book gives a personal point of view that allows Joseph Merrick a voice that is at once tragic and ironic: Sherman’s Merrick is a man fully aware of his strange appearance and bizarre life but oddly still able to embrace his peculiar reality.

At the same time, Sherman manages to make this most unusual individual a kind of Everyman: a marginalized person, an outsider looking in; physically unable to be part of the world around him, but ultimately unable to distance himself entirely from it. He contemplates his place in the day to day life of the world around him, trying to understand humanity from his unique perspective as an outsider to that humanity, while at the same time still being a part of it. Sherman’s Elephant Man is more than the sum of Merrick’s life and extraordinary physical appearance: it is a deeply human story.”
Enchanting Tales with Jeffrey Williams, baritone
Monday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. 
The Franklin Theatre

Giochinno Rossini – Il signor Bruschino Overture
Jeffrey Wood – Different Bodies (world première)
Maurice Ravel – Ma mère l’oye (Mother Goose)

FEBRUARY 8, 2016, Single CONCERT Tickets:
Adults: $25 | $30 | $40 | Student/Active: $15 • $20 • $30
Tickets for February 8 concert: CLICK HERE

 
SPRING SUBSCRIPTION SERIES PRICING (Two concerts*Best Value)
Adults: $40 | $50 | $65
Student/Military: $24 | $32.50 | $50
Two-concert series: Spring Subscriptions are available by phone at (615) 538-2076, and online by clicking HERE. 

Box Office hours: Sunday & Monday, Noon-5:00 pm
Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
JEFFREY WOOD did his undergraduate work in composition and piano at Oberlin College and graduate work at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he earned Master’s degrees in piano and composition and a Ph.D. in composition, working under Gilbert Kalish and David Lewin.

Wood’s compositions have been performed and recorded throughout the country and have received many awards including those from BMI, ASCAP, as well as the Bates Memorial Prize. He was the highest prizewinner at the Stroud Festival International Competition in Great Britain and was named Distinguished Composer of the Year by the Music Teacher’s National Association. Wood was one of eight composers awarded in the 1995 Young American’s Art Song Competition sponsored by G. Schirmer/Associated Music Publishers. Wood’s oratorio Lamentationes Ieremiæ Prophetæ (Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet)for chorus, soloists and orchestra was premièred at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. This work was subsequently nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Wood has held the Individual Artist Fellowship in Composition from the Tennessee Arts Commission and was awarded the Richard M. Hawkins Award for scholarship and creativity by Austin Peay State University. As a pianist Wood has worked with composers such as Roger Sessions, Thea Musgrave, Mario Davidovsky, Frederic Goossen, Alan Hovhaness and Ernst Křenek in performances of their keyboard music. He is presently Professor of Music at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee.

¨¨¨

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Gregory Wolynec, was formed in 2008 and is recognized as one of the leading new American ensembles. Comprised of professional musicians from Middle Tennessee and beyond, the GCO specializes in presenting traditional masterworks, overlooked treasures, and contemporary American compositions. The GCO’s recordings have received critical acclaim in publications such as the American Record Guide and Fanfare Magazine. Engaging 5,000 Middle Tennessee students annually with classical music through free performances, innovative educational outreach, and interactive Children’s Concerts, the GCO is committed to building new audiences for tomorrow. Visit gatewaychamberorchestra.com to learn more.

###

Live Music and Christmas Film Fest Featured

FRANKLIN, Tennessee (October 14, 2015) – The marquee of the Franklin Theatre shines every day, but always seems to lift the spirits a little more during the Christmas season. Lights and wreaths will adorn the façade nearer to Thanksgiving, but tickets for events inside the historic landmark are already on sale.

A variety of live concerts and classic holiday-themed movies will again celebrate the venue’s 78-year tradition that is always a highlight for families and friends to enjoy.

Among the award winning musical artists slated for December are Mandy Barnett (Dec. 5), John Scofield & Jon Cleary (Dec. 10), Melinda Dolittle (Dec. 11), Suzy Bogguss (Dec. 12), John Berry (Dec. 15), Exile (Dec. 17), Phil Vassar (Dec. 18), Asleep at the Wheel (Dec. 19), and Cab Calloway Orchestra with two shows on New Year’s Eve.

Plans are also in the works for an extra special evening (Dec. 21) of songs and stories entitled “Simply Christmas” to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Franklin Theatre also announces a lineup of holiday films such as Polar Express, Elf, Grinch, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, and White Christmas. Though many are staples on television, there’s nothing like seeing them on the big screen where they originally came to life. A holiday movie on Main Street is an entirely different event when enjoyed with so many others.

“The holidays are a special time to create new memories and remember old ones with people you care about and want to enjoy special experiences with,” says executive director Dan Hays. “It’s a special time to get together and great music and the stories in film help us touch people with unique experiences. We’ve put together a calendar with the hope to get everyone in the spirit of the season.”

LIVE EVENT DATES

12/5      Mandy Barnett

12/10    John Scofield & Jon Cleary

12/11    Melinda Dolittle

12/12    Suzy Bogguss

12/15    John Berry

12/17    Exile – Chrismas CD Release Concert

12/18    Phil Vassar

12/19    Asleep at the Wheel

12/21    “Simply Christmas”

12/31    Cab Calloway Orchestra (Two Shows)

MOVIE DATES

11/21-11/25     Polar Express

11/22-11/25     Love Actually

11/23-11/25     Elf

11/25-11/25     Planes, Trains and Automobiles

11/27-11/29     How the Grinch Stole Christmas

11/29-12/01     Scrooged

12/02-12/03     Christmas Vacation

12/03-12/04     Die Hard

12/05-12/07     Home Alone

12/08-12/09     It’s A Wonderful Life

12/12,19,26      Elf

12/20-12/25     White Christmas

12/22-12/26     Holiday Inn

TICKETS

Tickets for all shows are available by calling the Franklin Theatre box office at 615-538-2076 or online at www.franklintheatre.com.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged due to holiday demand.

GIFT CARDS

Available in any denomination and valid for any theatre event or concessions, Franklin Theatre gift cards are available to purchase at the box office (in person) or by calling (615) 538-2076.

BALCONY RENTALS

Private groups may rent the Franklin Theatre’s 44-seat balcony for movies and concerts (based on availability) by calling 615-538-2083. No additional fees are associated with balcony rentals for pre-existing events. Balcony rentals include a private bar and restrooms.

###

For further information, contact:

Brian Solomon

brian@franklintheatre.com

615-538-2079

Gateway Chamber Orchestra Single Tickets Available Now

Franklin, TN. (August 31, 2015)  The Gateway Chamber Orchestra announces tickets to individual concerts are on sale now. The GCO delivers an exciting mix of new music and adventurous programming paired with classical masterpieces and rarely heard musical treasures. The 2015-16 season will focus on talented Middle Tennessee composers, showcasing their exceptional musicality and bold themes. The GCO debuts its performances in the historic Franklin Theatre this season! In addition, a portion of each student ticket will be donated to Williamson County Schools to fund musical programming and education.

Gateway Chamber Orchestra Concert tickets and subscriptions are available now via the Franklin Theatre. Order tickets and subscriptions online at https://www.franklintheatre.com or by phone at (615) 538-2076.

Box Office hours: Sunday/Monday, Noon-5:00 pm, Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 am-6:00 pm

Adult Tickets: $25 • $30 • $40 

Student/Active Military Admission: $15 • $20 • $30

GCO Music Director Gregory Wolynec says, “I am so excited to share the tremendous musical gifts these composers bring, the incredible abilities of the GCO musicians and the vibrant energy that is created between the musicians and the audience during our concerts. Get to know the GCO! You’ll be glad you did.”

Opening Night with Schubert and Haydn presented by the Williamson Herald, kicks off the 2015-16 Franklin Season, Monday, September 21, at 7:30 pm. 

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra hosts an evening of music inspired by dance. Nashville-based Cristina Spinei premieres her new chamber orchestra arrangement of Strut. Schubert’s graceful Symphony No. 3 still sounds fresh – even as the piece turns 200 years old this year. Honoring the 150th birthday of Jean Sibelius, the GCO performs one of his signature works. Rounding out the evening, Haydn’s cheerful Symphony No. 88 will send everyone home whistling the famous finale. Adult tickets are priced beginning at $25 and up, with special pricing for students and active military.

Cristina Spinei – Strut (world première)

Franz Schubert – Symphony No. 3 in D Major

Jean Sibelius – Valse Triste

Franz Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 88 in G Major

¨¨¨

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Gregory Wolynec, was formed in 2008 and is recognized as one of the leading new American ensembles. Comprised of professional musicians from Middle Tennessee and beyond, the GCO specializes in presenting traditional masterworks, overlooked treasures, and contemporary American compositions. The GCO’s recordings have received critical acclaim in publications such as the American Record Guide and Fanfare Magazine. Engaging 5,000 Middle Tennessee students annually with classical music through free performances, innovative educational outreach, and interactive Children’s Concerts, the GCO is committed to building new audiences for tomorrow. Visit gatewaychamberorchestra.com to learn more.

Gateway Chamber Orchestra Announces 2015-16 Season

Partnering with the Franklin Theatre,

Premiere Season in Williamson County

Franklin, TN (July 23, 2015) Gateway Chamber Orchestra partners with the Franklin Theatre to announce its new home in the historic Main Street venue. After performing in multiple locations throughout the Nashville area since 2008, the GCO opens the 2015-16 season with the Franklin Theatre as its home. Subscription series are available now by calling the Franklin Theatre at (615) 538-2076 or online athttps://www.franklintheatre.com.

The world-class Gateway Chamber Orchestra presents its 2015-16 season with well known masterworks including Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Beethoven’s powerful Eroica Symphony and Ravel’s mesmerizing score to Mother Goose. The orchestra will premiere music by Juilliard-trained composer Cristina Spinei as well as the world premiere of Different Bodies, by the award-winning composer Jeffrey Wood, which features baritone Jeffrey Williams. The season concludes with a new-music orchestral song-cycle by Judd Greenstein, written for indie-rock vocalist DM Stith. This exhilarating new work, commissioned in collaboration with the Detroit Symphony and North Carolina Symphony is set to the poetry of Walt Whitman, and celebrates home and one’s community.

The GCO has been a growing classical presence in Clarksville and Nashville since 2008. Offering performances with accomplished musicians who sparkle with enthusiasm, dynamic masterworks, lost treasures, and contemporary American composers, the GCO offers a tantalizing array of musical treats.

Gateway Chamber Music Director Gregory Wolynec says, “As the Gateway Chamber Orchestra continues to build a loyal following since launching our first Nashville season in the fall of 2013, it was imperative that we find the best possible home for our audience to enjoy a dynamic concert experience with our talented musicians. The Franklin Theatre is a stunning venue with terrific acoustics, and offers a great box office experience with easy access to free parking for our audience in Williamson and Davidson Counties.”

Subscriptions for the four-concert series begin at $80 for Adults and $40 for Students and Military. A portion of each student ticket will go directly back to Williamson County Schools for music education. Subscriptions are available now.

Come join us and hear what all the buzz is about – Get to know the GCO!

For additional information about the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, educational outreach programs or its Clarksville performances, visit www.GatewayChamberOrchestra.com.

The 2015-16 Season Masterworks Concert Series

Monday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m.

The Franklin Theatre

Opening Night with Schubert and Haydn

Cristina Spinei – Strut (world première)

Franz Schubert – Symphony No. 3 in D Major

Jean Sibelius – Valse Triste

Franz Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 88 in G Major

Join the Gateway Chamber Orchestra for an evening of music inspired by dance. Nashville-based Cristina Spinei premieres her new chamber orchestra arrangement of Strut. Schubert’s graceful Symphony No. 3 still sounds fresh – even as the piece turns 200 years old this year. Honoring the 150th birthday of Jean Sibelius, the GCO performs one of his signature works. Haydn’s cheerful Symphony No. 88 will send everyone home whistling the famous finale.

Monday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m.

The Franklin Theatre

Quintessential Mozart

Clarence Cameron White – Elegy

Bela Bartók – Divertimento for Strings

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphony No. 40 in G Minor

The GCO reaffirms the talent of Middle Tennessee native violinist and composer Clarence Cameron White with a performance of his peaceful Elegy. Bartók’s masterpiece for strings highlights soloists within the chamber orchestra with a joyful finish. The grand finale of Mozart’s sublime symphony enchants and energizes; don’t be surprised when its light and buoyant tempo has you secretly tapping your toes!

Monday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m.

The Franklin Theatre

Enchanting Tales with Jeffrey Williams, baritone

Giochinno Rossini – Il signor Bruschino Overture

Jeffrey Wood – Different Bodies (world première)

Maurice Ravel – Ma mère l’oye (Mother Goose)

Rossini’s charming overture contrasts against Jeffrey Wood’s brooding world premiere; based on texts inspired by the Elephant Man. The GCO presents a full spectrum of contrasting musical fables and emotional tales, concluding with Ravel’s colorful Mother Goose, an enchanting garden of magic.

Monday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.

The Franklin Theatre

Our City with DM Stith, vocalist

Judd Greenstein – Mannahatta

Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, Eroica

The GCO pulls out all the stops for this exhilarating season conclusion. Judd Greenstein’s original score set to the poetry of Walt Whitman features the vocal acrobatics of genre blending DM Stith. Beethoven’s mighty Eroica Symphony captures the spirit of the GCO ranging from intimate sensitivity to inspirational exuberance.

Subscription Packages

Masterworks Concert Series (Four concerts)

Adults: $80 | $100 | $130

Students and Active Military $50 | $65 | $100

*Tickets for single concerts are also available.

Gateway Chamber Orchestra Concert tickets are handled directly by the Franklin Theatre.

Address: 419 Main St, Franklin, TN   ·   Telephone: (615) 538-2076

Website:https://www.franklintheatre.com   ·Contact: boxoffice@franklintheatre.com

Box Office hours:

Sunday & Monday, Noon – 5:00 PM, Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

¨¨¨¨

About The Gateway Chamber Orchestra: Conducted by Gregory Wolynec, the GCO was formed in 2008 and is recognized as one of the leading new American ensembles. Comprised of professional musicians from Middle Tennessee and beyond, the GCO specializes in presenting traditional masterworks, overlooked treasures, and contemporary American compositions. The GCO’s recordings have received critical acclaim in publications such as the American Record Guide and Fanfare Magazine. Engaging 5,000 Middle Tennessee students annually with classical music through free performances, innovative educational outreach, and interactive Children’s Concerts, the GCO is committed to building new audiences for tomorrow. Visit GatewayChamberOrchestra.com to learn more.

About Franklin Theatre: The Franklin Theatre’s story began in the summer of 1937 when the marquee first illuminated Main Street showcasing the silver screen’s most popular characters. Reopened in 2011, the Franklin Theatre now charms the city of Franklin as a premier music venue bringing top-tier talent from around the world.

###

For more information:

Laurie Davis

615.491.5102

ladvol@hotmail.com

The little known star of the Franklin Theatre is finally getting its time in the spotlight. Since 2012 the Showtime Premium Chocolate Bar has enhanced the theatre experience for those that have been lucky enough to partake. A previously under-the-radar item, the Showtime Bar is now in a starring role.

Exclusively made for and available at the Franklin Theatre, the Showtime Premium Chocolate Bar includes dark chocolate, crushed almonds, a dash of sea salt and caramel throughout.

Not only is the Showtime Premium Chocolate Bar produced exclusively for the Franklin Theatre, it’s made locally. Created in partnership with Schakolad Chocolate Factory, the bar itself went through several revisions before landing on the recipe that is sold today. It’s a chocolate bar made by chocolate lovers for chocolate lovers.

Through August, or while supplies last, a free movie ticket (some restrictions apply*) is included on the inside of the wrapper. Showtime Bars may be purchased for only $5 while attending events or at the box office. Free movie tickets are good through October 25, 2015.

A Showtime Bar is the perfect companion to a summer movie. Several summer classics are slated for late Summer performances.

Back To The Future—Celebrating Marty McFly’s time-traveling arrival into the future in 2015—July 20, 2015

Funny Girl–In this bittersweet, classic musical drama, the vibrant and beautiful young Fanny Brice starts out as a bit player on the New York City vaudeville stage, but works her way up to stardom on Broadway. Valued for her vocal and comedic talents by the renowned theater impresario Florenz Ziegfeld, Fanny thrives, but her relationship with her suave, imprisoned businessman husband, Nick Arnstein, is another story. July 21, 2015

The Breakfast Club – 30th Anniversary of five strangers with nothing in common but each other—Aug. 3, 2015

Movies On Main Street has been a tradition on Franklin since 1937. Restored and reopened in 2011, The Franklin Theatre in its current incarnation continues that tradition. ­­­

*Not valid for holiday movies, special screenings, or movies hosted by other groups at the Franklin Theatre.

The Franklin Theatre will be increasing admission fees for certain categories of movies effective immediately. This marks the first such increase time since the theater reopened in 2011.

While many popular silver screen “classics” and Saturday morning (10 AM) children’s movies will remain at $5 per person; admission for new and recent releases will increase as follows:

$7 for adults

$6 for children (ages 18 and under) *

$6 for seniors (65 and older) *

$6 for active military *

* valid ID required for special rates

“We’ll continue to have a $5 movie tradition, and the new rate to see recent releases is still considerably lower than most options nearby,” according to Executive Director Dan Hays. “The experience of patrons is unique at the Franklin Theatre and keeping prices within range for families is important to us.”

The theater is also increasing “preservation fees” added to ticket charges for movies and all other events. These fees are earmarked to help take care of major repairs and improvements to the theater as it ages.

As the summer movie season draws near, the Franklin Theatre will screen a line-up of fan favorites and a Memorial Day blockbuster. We’ll celebrate with classic titles of romance, coming of age, science fiction, and rites of passage. Pricing for these films remains $5.

• Pretty Woman—the 25th anniversary of the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere favorite—May 20, 2015
• Jaws—Kickoff of summer’s fun-filled Shark Week—July 5, 2015
• The Secret Handshake—Starring Kevin Sorbo, Amy Grant and Mark Collie, men and boys learn together what it takes to be a man.—May 28 at 7pm & May 31 at 1, 4 & 7pm ($7)
• Back To The Future—Celebrating Marty McFly’s time-traveling arrival into the future in 2015—July 20, 2015
• The Breakfast Club – 30th Anniversary of five strangers with nothing in common but each other—Aug. 3, 2015
• Father of the Bride—In honor of the summer wedding season, a celebration of brides and sentimental dads—June 2015 (exact date TBD)

Marvel’s biggest movie of the summer –The Avengers: Age of Ultron premieres at the Franklin Theatre on May 22. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance.

All movies currently on sale and showtime, as well as other events including music concerts, are available at www.franklintheatre.com

###