Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Performs the Music of Michael Jackson, July 15

Conductor Larry Baird leads BSO and vocalist James Delisco in hits from “ABC” to “Thriller”

Baltimore, Md. (June, 21 2010)— Conductor Larry Baird will lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a Michael Jackson Tribute, joined by vocalists James Delisco, Felicia Barton and Kelli Reisen on Thursday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Michael Jackson fans can enjoy an entire evening filled with music spanning the 40 years of The King of Pop’s influential and celebrated career with the power of a live orchestra. See below for complete program information.

Michael Jackson has won hundreds of awards over his lifetime including 13 Grammy Awards and 26 American Music Awards. This performance explores his early years with the Jackson 5 through his mega-hit album Thriller and beyond, featuring multi-platinum hits like “ABC,” “I'll Be There” and “Got to Be There,” “Beat It,” “Rock With You,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” and many more. Jackson’s death in 2009 brought his fame and decades of musical influence into perspective for all music-lovers. His albums continued to sell more than ever and Sony Music Entertainment agreed to release seven posthumous albums throughout the decade following his death.

Vocalist James Delisco will take the lead for the BSO’s special tribute to Michael Jackson. In 2005, Delisco won E! Network’s reality TV contest, “The Entertainer.” Sir Elton John called Delisco "great" and moved the late Peter Jennings to tell Delisco "man you rock!” Delisco has starred on Broadway in Smokey Joe's Cafe and was featured in the hit musical Ragtime. This will be his first appearance with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Larry Baird, conductor
As a composer, arranger and orchestrator of contemporary music, Larry Baird has established a reputation for having a highly creative, intuitive and fresh approach to repertoire. He has been the orchestral music director, conductor and arranger for the legendary British band, The Moody Blues, since 1992. Since 1999, he has been the orchestral music director, conductor and arranger for Three Dog Night with whom he recently recorded Three Dog Night with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. He most recently toured with Michael Bolton as orchestral music director, conductor and arranger. He has also toured and worked in the same capacity with Kansas and Brian Wilson. He has conducted hundreds of performances with more than 250 symphony orchestras including Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

James Delisco, vocalist
Crowned "The Entertainer" by Wayne Newton himself, on the E! Network's reality TV series, James Delisco has proved he is more than worthy of that title. After completing his one million dollar contract at the Las Vegas Hilton, where his show opened to rave reviews, "Delisco" continues to obtain critical acclaim in every market and venue on his recent worldwide tour. He has created his own style of music he calls “RaGaBaR,” which is a synthesis of the elements of 20th century music such as rhythm and blues, gospel, rock and ragtime. On the threshold of major stardom, this polished young talent and electrifying performer returns to the U.S. from Berlin, Germany, the Venetian Casino in Macau and opening the new Sands Casino in Singapore.

COMPLETE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Michael Jackson Tribute
Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. – Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Larry Baird, conductor
James Delisco, vocalist
Felicia Barton, background vocalist
Kelli Reisen, background vocalist

Tickets are $23 to $50 and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000, 877.BSO.1444 or BSOmusic.org.