WHAT: Charlotte Concerts (formerly Carolinas Concert Association) is kicking off its 80^th performance season in style, partnering with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) to bring Perlman/Schmidt/Bailey to the College’s prestigious Halton Theater stage. The event is the first in a series of great performances scheduled for Charlotte Concerts’ 2009-2010 season and is being underwritten by long-time Charlotte Concerts benefactor Sarah Belk Gambrell.

First formed in 1999, Perlman/Schmidt/Bailey is comprised of Navah Perlman, pianist; Giora Schmidt, violinist; and Zuill Bailey, cellist. The ensemble has earned widespread critical acclaim for their extraordinarily compelling performances of the chamber music repertoire.

The Perlman/Schmidt/Bailey trio’s energetic and passionate performances have taken them to major venues across North America, including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. The trio has performed Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with symphony orchestras including Chicago, Toronto, Phoenix and Louisville, Ky., the National Orchestra of Cuba in Havana, and the Orquesta Filarmonica de UNAM in Mexico City.

In addition to their evening performance at CPCC, the ensemble will participate in a master class with CPCC music students at 12:30 p.m. in Bryant Hall the same day.

WHEN: Friday, October 23; 8 p.m.

WHERE: Halton Theater, Overcash Center, CPCC Central Campus, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte

CONTACT: Individual tickets are $25 – $50; season tickets range from $125 - $225. To order tickets, please call the CPCC Box Office at 704.330.6534. Free parking is available in the faculty/staff parking deck, accessible from East Fourth Street.

Charlotte Concerts is a nonprofit organization founded in 1930, and is the first organization to present a performing arts series in Charlotte. Charlotte Concerts sponsors and promotes the finest programs in the performing arts from around the world. They also provide a myriad of educational opportunities that enable students to develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for classical music and dance. For more information, visit www.charlotteconcerts.org.

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.