22nd Annual Concerto Competition
For NW Florida Musicians 8th Grade thru College Age
Applications Due in September


The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Guild and the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College (formerly Okaloosa-Walton College) are proud to sponsor the 22nd Annual Concerto Competition open to students of orchestral instruments, keyboard, and voice who are 23 years of age or younger. Students compete for prize money and the opportunity to play with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in a live concert.

The contest is open to students who are legal residents of the following counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Columbia, Baker, Union, Duval, Nassau, Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Putnam, St. Johns, Bradford, and Clay.

The competition is divided into three divisions:
The Junior Division is open to students in grades up to the 8th grade
The Senior Division is open to students in grades 9 through 12
The College Division is open to college undergraduates who are 23 years or younger

Application materials must be postmarked by September 20, 2008 to be considered. After the initial screening, applicants will be selected to participate in a live audition. All applicants will be notified by phone or email no later than October 4 regarding their participation in the live audition. Live auditions will be held on Saturday, October 18 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWF State College’s Niceville Campus. All applicants are required to provide their own accompanist for the competition. Winners will perform, at the Music Director’s discretion, with the NFSO in concert on February 20, 2009. Awards and prize money will be presented to the winners at the concert. Awards are $500 for Junior Division winner, $1,000 for Senior Division winner, and $1,500 for College Division winner. The decision of the judges is final.
Applications and contest rules are available online at www.nfsymphony.org or at the Fine Arts Office. For more information about the Concerto Competition please call (850) 729-5382.

The region’s premiere professional symphony, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at NWF State College, is under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Jeffrey Rink. The orchestra has performed each season since 1987, providing cultural programs for thousands of area residents in its 22-year history and numerous educational endeavors such as the Concerto Competition.

And Then There Were None
by Agatha Christie
Directed by Clint Mahle
Auditions: August 25 with callbacks on Tuesday, August 26in the Sprint Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Sign-in will start at 6:00pm and auditions begin at 6:30pm. In preparation, a one minute monologue is asked for that consists of eight to ten lines along
with your best British accent. In this superlative mystery comedy, also one of Agatha Christie’s most produced plays, statuettes of little soldier boys on the mantel of a house on an island off the coast of Devon fall to the floor and break one by one as those in the house succumb to a diabolical avenger. A nursery rhyme tells how each of the ten "soldiers" met his death until there were none. Eight guests who have never met each other or their apparently absent host and hostess are lured to the island and, along with the two house servants, marooned. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder and then one drops dead---poisoned. One down and nine to go! The characters are as follows: Justice Wargrave, a recently retired Judge, Vera Claythorne, a young woman who used to be the nanny for an upper-class family, Phillip Lombard, a former Army man, Emily Brent, a crotchety old woman, General Macarthur, between 50 and 60 years old, Dr. Armstrong, a popular physician to the London upper class, Tony Marston, a drunken rich boy, Rogers and Mrs. Rogers, caretakers of the Island. William Blore, a former police officer turned private detective, Fred Narracott, a local who provides ferry service to and from the Island. Performance dates are October 8 – 11, 2008 with rehearsals beginning Wednesday, August 27 and running Tuesdays through Fridays until the week before opening and Sunday afternoon through Saturday the week of the show. For further information or questions please contact Mr. Mahle at 850-729-6007.
Performances: October 8 - 11, 2008 at 7:30pm in the Sprint Theater
Tickets: $15 Adults/$10 Youth. Tickets available September 3. Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office (850) 729-6000, box office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org 
Synopsis: In this superlative mystery comedy, also one of Agatha Christie’s most produced plays, statuettes of little soldier boys on the mantel of a house on an island off the coast of Devon fall to the floor and break one by one as those in the house succumb to a diabolical avenger. A nursery rhyme tells how each of the ten "soldiers" met his death until there were none. Eight guests who have never met each other or their apparently absent host and hostess are lured to the island and, along with the two house servants, marooned. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder and then one drops
dead---poisoned. One down and nine to go! 

Richard III
by William Shakespeare
Performances: March 18 to 21 at 7:30pm on the Mainstage
Tickets: $15 Adults/$10 Youth. Tickets available February 2. Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office (850) 729-6000, box office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org 



Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Performances: July 22 to 25 at 7:30pm on the Mainstage
Tickets: $20 Adults/ $15 Youth. Tickets available June 1. Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office (850) 729-6000, box office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to
4:00pm or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

Mattie Kelly Arts Center Broadway Season

This season the orchestra will present beloved masterpieces, international guest artists from Japan, a Pops concert with Grammy-nominated vocalist and screen star Della Reese, collaborative performances with the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorus and more. Season tickets and individual concert tickets are on sale now from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office in-person, by phone at 850-729-6000, or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

The orchestra’s “Stars of Tomorrow” concert on February 20, 2009 will feature certain winners of the Concerto Competition as part the program. “The Concerto Competition winners are always truly stunning and this event is one of the favorites of our long-time NFSO patrons,” noted Maestro Rink.


Mattie Kelly Arts Center 2008-2009 Broadway Season

9 National Broadway & Artist Shows inlcuding Nunsense with Sally Struthers, Oliver,
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and more!
Season Tickets on Sale August 25, Individual Ticket Sales Start September 5

Broadway Season packages go on sale August 25 through November 8 and offer season patrons priority selection of seating for the season’s top shows, a discount over single ticket prices, and the first opportunity to add additional individual show tickets to their package purchase. Season tickets will be available by phone, in-person or by mail only from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office. The Broadway Package includes four shows for $165, a discount over the $45 per adult individual ticket price. The Broadway/Artist combo package includes seven shows for $225, also a discount over individual ticket prices. The two Family Events, “Oliver” and “Moscow Cats Theatre” may be added to package purchases, but are not included in the season packages.

For purchase of individual show tickets, the popular early ticket option introduced last season will continue this year. Individual tickets for any of the season’s national touring Broadway, Artist or Family shows may be purchased through the center’s on-line ticketing system at starting at 9:00 am Friday, September 5 and by phone or in-person from the box office starting Monday, September 8 at 9:00 am.

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center has instituted a new web address www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
 Patrons are encouraged to bookmark the new box office web address. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center’s box office phone and in-person hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Call (850) 729-6000 or toll free 1-888-838-ARTS (2787). The on-line box office is open 24 hours a day. For more information or to be sent a season brochure, call (850) 729-6000.


Jungua- Descendents of the Dragon
November 8, 2008
The amazing skills of China's finest acrobats and martial arts masters fuse with modern staging, exciting choreography and dramatic music/lighting to immerse the senses and present these cultural treasures of China from a uniquely modern perspective. Described as a “A high impact, theatrical entertainment experience for all audiences,” Jungua celebrates Chinese culture in an explosion of Kung Fu, acrobatics, music, dance, dramatic scenery and lavish costumes that create a feast for the eyes.
Individual tickets for this Artist Series show are $25.

Nunsense
December 4, 2008
The hit musical comedy celebrates its 25th anniversary with this special national tour starring two-time Emmy Award winner, Sally Struthers! Don’t miss this zany evening with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in the show that has become an international phenomenon, boasting more than 5,000 productions worldwide in over 21 different languages! Struthers brings this new production and its comic surprises to roaring life as Mother Superior in "A hail of fun and frolic," according to The New York Times.
Individual tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45.

Oliver!
December 16 & 17, 2008
Hailed the world over as one of the best-loved family musicals of all time, this national tour of Oliver! brings to the stage some of Charles Dickens’ most unforgettable characters, along with one of Broadway's most memorable scores. Hits such as "Consider Yourself At Home," "Food, Glorious Food" and "Where Is Love" surround this heartwarming tale of the young orphan, Oliver Twist, in this all new production of Lionel Bart's magical musical.
Individual tickets for this special Family Event are $40 for adults and $30 youth 18 & under.


The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
January 12, 2009
This Tony-Award winning new musical comedy has been acclaimed by the Wall Street Journal as “perfect in every possible way – that rarity of rarities, a super-smart musical that is also a bona fide crowd pleaser.” Follow six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, as they learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. This delightfully tuneful, offbeat and at times heartwarming show even offers audience members the opportunity to become part of the stage action. This show has an adult audience advisory for some mature themes.
Individual tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45.

The Drowsy Chaperone
January 21, 2009
Be transported to a magical, wonderful world where the critics are in awe, the audiences are in heaven and the neighborhood is buzzing with excitement! Boasting the most 2006 Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway, this new musical comedy will swoop into town on its national tour with tons of laughs! It all begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone and the show magically bursts to life. You’ll be instantly immersed in the glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with thrills and surprises that take both the cast (literally) and the audience (metaphorically) soaring into the rafters.
Individual tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45
.

American Spiritual Ensemble
February 7, 2009
A phenomenal and moving repertoire of dynamic renditions of classic spirituals, jazz, Broadway numbers and more that highlight the Black experience and keep the American Negro spiritual alive. Magnificent soloists in their own right, the members of the American Spiritual Ensemble have sung in theaters and opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and abroad in Italy, Germany, Britain, Scotland, Spain and Japan. Don’t miss these extraordinarily talented vocalists who have thrilled audiences across the globe since 1995.
Individual tickets for this Artist Series show are $25.


Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
February 23, 2009
Chicago’s leading contemporary dance company celebrates 30 years as one of the most renowned dance institutions in the world. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire, the company features dance artists who display unparalleled versatility and virtuosity in performances that inspire, challenge and engage audiences. The company performs works unmatched in artistic excellence by world-renowned choreographers, continually expanding its diverse repertoire. Don’t miss this exceptional national tour of artistry in motion.
Individual tickets for this Artist Series show are $25.


Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
March 11, 2009
Set on the glorious, glamorous Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a delicious musical comedy that follows two con artists as they take on the lifestyles of the rich and shameless – and end up with a lot more than they bargain for.“One of the liveliest, funniest, best-performed musicals in years!” according to the New York Post.
Individual tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45.


Moscow Cats Theatre
March 21, 2009
Imagine 35 cats, one dog and 5 clowns! Making its U.S. debut in New York City two years ago, Moscow Cats Theater has appeared on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, Montel Williams, and Regis and Kelly Show and more. These Russian cats have been the talk of the country! It’s the only entertainment of its kind in the world that features non-stop action by a group of talented felines performing original and astounding acrobatic feats, integrated into a non-verbal, colorful and fun-filled family show! Enjoy dizzying balancing acts, cat dancing, acrobatics and barrels of laughs for all!
Tickets for this special Family Event are $20 for adults and $15 youth 18 & under.


OWC trustees also approved a series of three children’s shows that will be matinee performances for school groups, including “Nate the Great” on October 21, “The Ant and the Elephant” on November 12, and “Junie B. Jones” on April 9. If space permits, limited seating for the public may be available at these school shows.


The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is also the home venue of the region’s premiere professional symphony, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO), now in its 22nd season. Season tickets and individual tickets for all of the symphony’s six concerts are now on sale at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office. Symphony season tickets are $120 for six concerts or $22.50 each for individual tickets. Also available now are tickets to a special “NFSO Goes Pops” event on March 14, 2009 with Grammy nominated vocalist and screen star Della Reese who will join the orchestra to perform a Pops Concert to benefit the orchestra’s year-round programs. Tickets for the Della Reese event are $45 for regular reserved seating and $100 for front row seating which includes an exclusive post-concert reception with Reese. NFSO regular season concert dates are September 27, November 1, December 12, January 30, February 20 and May 9. The season finale on May 9 will feature the prestigious Tokyo Oratorio Society with more than 70 vocalists travelling from Japan to appear in performance with the orchestra. Other special guests throughout the season are noted on the symphony’s web site at www.nfsymphony.org 

For more information or to be sent a Broadway Season or Symphony Season brochure, call (850) 729-6000. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at 100 College Boulevard in Niceville, Florida and is easily accessible via Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 285, U. S. Highway 85 and the Mid-Bay Bridge.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located on the Niceville campus of NWF State College at 100 College Boulevard and is easily accessible via Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 285 and Highway 85.