All of us here in Grand Rapids, and West Michigan, are very proud of our nationally acclaimed, and Grammy nominated, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. The GRSO is rated one of the "very best" regional symphony orchestras in the country.

But, there is another professional orchestra here in West Michigan that you may not be as familiar with, the West Michigan Symphony.  For more that 70 years, WMS has played a leading role in the region's cultural community.  Located in Muskegon, their concerts are at the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts.

The WMS has just announced their up-coming season, opening Friday, September 21st for an eight-concert series that concludes June 1, 2013.

Music Director Scott Speck will return for his 10th season on the podium, welcoming such diverse guests as the three Broadway divas, Jan Horvath, Debbie Gravitte and Christiane Noll, compelling, award-winning pianist Awadagin Pratt, bright, young violinist Elena Urioste, six soloists from the famed Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, guest conductor Teresa Cheung, and the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. All guest artists will be making first-time appearances with the West Michigan Symphony.

All concerts in the series except November and February will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on consecutive Friday and Saturday evenings in the majestic Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon.  The Stars of the Joffrey Ballet will perform Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m., while the Mozart and Friends concert will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Season tickets can be purchased by calling the West Michigan Symphony ticket office at 231.726.3231. Several subscriber plans are available including the full series, masterworks series only, pop series only or flexible ticketing that allows concertgoers to create their own experience.  For more information or to receive a 2012-13 season brochure, contact 231.726.3231 or info@westmichigansymphony.org.

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