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American Idol Finalists to Perform

American Idol Finalists to Perform
Three top 10 American Idol finalists are heading to the DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, and WMU alumnus Matt Giraud (BA '07, Organizational Communication) is one of them.

The finalists will be joining the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra for a variety concert March 21-23. Associate Conductor John Varineau leads vocalists Giraud, LaKisha Jones, and Haley Scarnato in this Fox Motors Pops Series concert, featuring the best of R&B, pop, disco, rock and Broadway.

Giraud, a favorite of the judges during season eight of American Idol, grew up in Ypsilanti, eventually attending and graduating from Western Michigan University. While at Western, Giraud was a member of Gold Company. Giraud recently released an EP titled “Live at River City,” which was recorded at Grand Rapids’ River City Studios, Ltd.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Michigan and playing with this awesome symphony that I have been a fan of for years,” said Giraud. “I hope to see a lot of familiar faces from my Michigan days.”

The three American Idol veterans, join the orchestra for a concert of musical variety, highlighting their impressive vocal agility. Audiences will hear selections including “My Heart Will Go On,” “Proud Mary,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Don’t Stop Believin,’” and more.

"We've performed this classy show all over the country in places like Phoenix, Arizona; Anchorage, Alaska; and even internationally in Canada," said Giraud. "This one will be quite special for me as I will be coming home to Michigan! I can't wait to step out on the stage and see my West Michigan fans. I hope to see many of my fellow WMU Broncos out there in the audience!"

Go check him out! For 30% off full ticket prices,  please click here and follow the directions listed on the coupon.

About the Grand Rapids Symphony

The Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is nationally recognized for the quality of its concerts and educational programs. Led by Music Director David Lockington, nine concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony’s Affiliated Organizations include the Grand Rapids Bach Festival, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, and Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses. The Symphony also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.

This activity is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets

Tickets start at $18 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616/454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Child pricing is available for the Sunday matinee performance. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800/982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Markets, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee. This is a MySymphony360 eligible concert.