Philharmonic optimistic as new season approaches

From David Itkin's perspective, as the conductor and director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, there is only one obstacle standing in the way of the orchestra: money.

Any organization that depends on the financial goodwill of the public is suffering, thanks to a sinking economy, so it stands to reason that the symphony would feel the effects, too, Itkin says.

But if ticket sales for the upcoming season are any indication of what lies ahead, the philharmonic is on the right track.

"Everybody is feeling this one way or another and we are, too," says Itkin, referring to lackluster attendance at the orchestra's Fourth of July concert. "But we're not feeling it in ticket sales, they are right where they should be compared to preceding years."

And that's a good thing, he adds, because this season marks the 10th anniversary of the orchestra and includes marquee guests as well as a new series.

"The guest artists we're bringing in this year are remarkable. I think the profile of guest artists is raised permanently; they are the kind of talent you may only see once in a lifetime," Itkin says.

They include pianist Misha Dichter, who opens the Masterworks Series Sept. 6 with a performance of Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor; jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling, who opens the new Pops series with a tribute to Louis Armstrong Oct. 11; and Brent Barrett, former star of "Phantom -- the Las Vegas Spectacular," singing Broadway hits during the Pops Series March 21.

The philharmonic also will perform its annual Christmas Celebration concert.

A Connoisseur Series, which starts Oct. 1, features concerts in smaller settings.

The new Pops Series will offer selections that are different from the classical orchestral concert, Itkin says. In other cities, pops series serve as popular fundraisers for orchestras.

But Itkin, in his second year with the philharmonic, says he is optimistic for the future of classical performances in Las Vegas. Past orchestras have broken up after local support died, but the public has shown great interest in the philharmonic, he says.

"I think the thing that most stands out in my mind about last year is ... (the) enthusiasm of the audience. People come and essentially fill the hall at every concert," Itkin says.

Hundreds of people come to the pre-concert talk, which is given before every performance. That's unheard of in other cities, Itkin says, and proves that Las Vegans want an orchestra. And, once the philharmonic's permanent home, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, opens in 2011, Itkin expects interest to only increase.

"I think people here want this very badly," Itkin says. "They want a stable arts scene here."

The Las Vegas Philharmonic performs in Artemus Ham Hall at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. For a full schedule of performances, visit lasvegasphilharmonic.com. Ticket information also is available by contacting the UNLV box office at 895-2787.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.