One of the city greatest treasures, Symphony Arlington, opens its 15th season Thursday, October 16 at Arlington Music Hall.

This season Symphony Arlington will bring you masterworks all in celebration of Italy's glorious and enduring musical heritage. "The ninety-three virtuoso musicians of Symphony Arlington and I invite you to join us for an exhilarating musical tour of 'la bella Italia!' " - Robert Carter Austin, Music Director.

In adding... Symphony Arlington will feature pianist Simone Sala performing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

Simone Sala was born in 1982 in Bojano, Italy, where he began studying piano at age 9, continuing the 150 year-old family legacy of musicians. At age 20, he graduated with "10/10, laude and special honors" from L. Perosi Conservatorium in Campobasso, Italy, with a degree in piano as a student of M. Battista (Piano) and L. Salvadori (Composition). After graduation he won a scholarship to attend the master classes of Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy, where he met Joaquin Achucarro, considered one of the world's finest pianists. In 2004, Mr. Sala received the gold medal from the Italian Republic President, an award reserved to those who gained merits in the field of school, culture and art. In 2006, he earned a full scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas to study with J. Achucarro and graduated in April 2008 with an Artist Certificate. Currently, Mr. Sala is continuing his studies with J. Achucarro and pursuing a Master's degree in Piano Performance at Southern Methodist University. As a classical pianist, Mr. Sala has performed recitals and concerts throughout both Europe and the United States as a chamber musician and soloist accompanied by Orchestras such as the National Ukraine State Orchestra, Molise Regional Orchestra, Campobasso Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, Meadows Symphony Orchestra, Donetsk Symphony Orchestra and several others.

Since 1996, Mr. Sala has won First Prize in both National and International piano competitions including:

• National Piano Competition "Coppa Pianisti d'Italia" Osimo,Italy (in 1996 and 2003)
• National Piano Competition "Città di Ortona" Ortona, Italy (in 1996 and 2003)
• National Piano Competition "Rassegna Giovani Musicisti" San Pietro in Vicoli (1996)
• National Piano Competition "Pianistico- Strumentale" Pompei, Italy(1999)
• National Piano Competition "Miglio d'oro" Portici, Italy (1999)
• National Piano Competition "Giovani Musicisti" Mercato San Saverino, Italy (1999)
• International Piano Competition "Premio Napoli" Naples, Italy (2^nd prize,1^st prize was not assigned, 2000)
• European Piano Competition " L.M Altruda " Vasto, Italy (2000)
• European Piano Competition "Concorso -Premo Aretusae- Siracusa, Italy (2001)
• National Piano Competition "Scuola Concerto"Campobasso, Italy (2002) . International Piano Competition Castel Nuovo della Daunia, Italy (2004)
• National Piano Competition, Rocchetta (2005)

In addition to Mr. Sala's solo performance, Symphony Arlington will also be performing Verdi's Overture to The Sicilian Vespers, Ponchielli's Dance of the Hours, and music from Khachaturian's Spartacus.

Symphony Arlington credits its Music Director, Robert Carter Austin, for its continued outstanding and diverse orchestral programming. Maestro Austin's background encompasses over 35 years of professional music experience and includes degrees from MIT, Cambridge University and Stanford University. Maestro Austin's musical experience includes conducting performances in countries including: Korea, Ukraine, Canada, Italy, Spain, China, France, Germany, Mexico, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Colombia, Philippines, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and the United States.

Season tickets as low as $60! Single tickets are priced at $16.50, $26.50, $36.50 and $46.50. All are available by telephone (817.385.0484), fax (817.274.3593), or email ([email protected] ). Group discounts are available. Please call the Symphony Arlington office at 817-385-0484 for more information.

All concerts begin at 7:30PM at Arlington Music Hall