Loudoun Symphony announces the receipt of a $40,000 grant from the Sheila C. Johnson Foundation in support of its upcoming 2006-2007 concert season. "The Loudoun Symphony, offers not only classical music concerts, but it also touches lives at all different levels in our community through educational and outreach programs. It is a perfect match for the Sheila C. Johnson Foundation's interest in supporting organizations that provide these kinds of arts experiences," says Loudoun Symphony Executive Director Esperanza Alzona.

"The Sheila C. Johnson Foundation's generous grant of $40,000 for the Loudoun Symphony's 2006-2007 season will help offset the artist fees and other expenses associated with presenting Loudoun Symphony performances and programs throughout the year."

The Loudoun Symphony Association is a nonprofit organization committed to making classical music accessible and affordable to the community. It provides many educational opportunities and performance opportunities for individuals of all ages, and promotes cultural outreach and collaboration with other local arts groups.

The Loudoun Symphony presents classical music performances, ranging from full orchestral works to small chamber concerts, providing playing opportunities for a wide range of musicians, from student string players to professional musicians from Loudoun County and the surrounding area.

Under the baton of Maestro Mark Allen McCoy, Loudoun Symphony will present a spectacular sixteenth full concert season, opening in October with Inspiration and internationally renowned pianist Brian Ganz for Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, along with Mozart's Overture to The Marriage of Figaro and Dvorak's Symphony No. 5 in F Major. Polar Express in December will take audiences through a winter wonderland of popular and traditional holiday favorites, and will feature soprano Marlissa Eaton. In March 2007, together with a chorus of select young singers from Loudoun County Public Schools and special guest soloists, the orchestra will present Haydn's monumental work, The Creation. Loudoun Symphony will close its season with American Fanfare in May 2007 showcasing the dazzling music of Bernstein, Copland, Ives and Gershwin.

In addition to the subscription concerts, Loudoun Symphony will present its annual free admission Family Concert featuring Grammy-award winning folk artist John McCutcheon on February 17, 2007, in-school concert programs during March "Music in our Schools Month", and an instrument "petting zoo" in April, as part of ongoing educational outreach efforts.

As a key component of its commitment to educational and performing opportunities, the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra, also under the direction of Maestro McCoy, continues to increase in size, ability and artistry.

For more information about Loudoun Symphony concerts, programs and events, or to receive a season brochure, call the Loudoun Symphony at 703-771-8287 or visit www.loudounsymphony.org.