Grand Rapids Reporter

The Grand Rapids Symphony recently released a CD of the orchestra's performances, featuring music by Richard Strauss and Heitor Villa-Lobos. 

The songs were conducted by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger and featured the Grand Rapids Symphony, according to a press release from the symphony. The music was performed and recorded in front of live audiences at DeVos Performance Hall. 

Lehninger said this album marks his first commercial recording with the symphony.

“The idea behind the program was to celebrate my Brazilian and German heritages, allowing the listener to experience the orchestra performing these two very contrasting styles,” Lehninger said in the release. “All the pieces were recorded during live performances from different concerts.” 

Lehninger recently met with Margaret Coleman, who funded the project, to thank her for her tremendous support and present her with an autographed copy of the recording, the release said. 

“I am very excited to know that this new ‘calling card’ will help showcase the exceptional quality and depth of our beloved Grand Rapids Symphony under the direction of Maestro Lehninger,” Coleman said.

Organized in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony is West Michigan’s largest performing arts organization, the release said. It is recognized nationally for the organization's quality of concerts, education programs, and initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Music aficionados can buy a CD at the Grand Rapids Symphony’s website, GRSymphony.org, or can download a digital copy from Tonsehen.com.