GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY DVD AND CD FEATURING DEBORAH HENSON-CONANT RECEIVES GRAMMY NOMINATION

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Dec. 8, 2006 –The Grand Rapids Symphony’s DVD and CD featuring electric harpist and composer Deborah Henson-Conant, has been nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album. Titled “Invention & Alchemy,” the recordings were made during Henson-Conant’s 2005 performance with the Grand Rapids Symphony in DeVos Performance Hall as part of the orchestra’s Fox Motors Pops Series.

“What an incredible honor to be nominated for the most prestigious award in the music industry,” said Grand Rapids Symphony President Melia Tourangeau. “This nomination is another opportunity to put us on the map – as an orchestra and as a community. We have a great orchestra here, and a Grammy nomination is just further verification of that. Kudos to Deborah Henson-Conant, Symphony Music Director David Lockington and the Grand Rapids Symphony musicians. But more importantly, kudos to Symphony friend and philanthropist Peter M. Wege, who funded the project and to this great community that generously supports this fine institution.”

The joint project marks the Grand Rapids Symphony’s first DVD and tenth CD recording. “This is another confirmation of the excellence of the Grand Rapids Symphony,” said David Lockington. “Working with Deborah has been exciting, and it’s thrilling to see this fruition of our collaboration.”

“Invention & Alchemy” showcases the 80-piece Grand Rapids Symphony led by Music Director David Lockington and Henson-Conant’s original music and stories. The DVD, a multi-camera, surround-sound disc, shot in high-definition, includes a full-length feature presentation, plus almost 50 minutes of behind-the-scenes features. The companion CD was created as audio-music-theatre, similar to a radio play, and, like the DVD, includes both Henson-Conant’s original stories and music as well as her original orchestrations.  The DVD and CD were produced by Jonathan Wyner.

Henson Conant said “Invention & Alchemy” is an unusual project in many ways. “Right from the beginning it was unique in that it was funded by a single sponsor, Peter Wege, whose goal with the project is to champion this artist and this orchestra,” she said. “From there, each member of the creative team was chosen for their technical expertise, creative spirit and, most notably, for their willingness to collaborate beyond their usual comfort-zone with me to bring my work alive. Not only is David Lockington a world-class conductor, but also he's a passionate cellist, and a comic actor.”

About the Grammy-Nominated Project, “Invention & Alchemy”

The inspiration for “Invention & Alchemy” was sparked in 1999 when Henson-Conant first performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony. The chemistry between the orchestra and electric harpist was clearly evident. After the concert, Peter Wege, came back stage and said, “What I just saw I’d like everyone to see.” The idea of making a CD and a DVD was suggested because so much of Deborah’s performance has to be seen as well as heard. All of the proceeds from Grand Rapids sales of the recordings are going toward the Grand Rapids Symphony’s endowment fund.

Officially organized in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Culminating its 75th Anniversary Season, the Symphony made its debut performance to a full house in New York City's Carnegie Hall on May 21, 2005.  The New York Times wrote, “The orchestra is what it ought to be and gives a glimmer of hope for all of us in the music world.”

The Grand Rapids Symphony is also the recipient of two ASCAP awards for innovative programming and received the first Governor’s Arts Award in Michigan in 1987.

“Invention & Alchemy” is available for purchase at four locations: Grand Rapids Symphony concerts in DeVos Performance Hall, the Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, and Schuler Books and Music at 2660 28th Street in Grand Rapids, and at 2660 Alpine Ave in Walker. The 49th annual Grammy Awards will be presented Feb. 11, 2007.