The Parker Arts, Culture and Events (PACE) Center is delighted to announce its Artistic Partners for the inaugural season. The 2011-2012 Artistic Partners are Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre, Colorado Wind Ensemble, Parker Chorale and Parker Symphony Orchestra (also known as the South Suburban Community Orchestra).
PACE Center staff created the Artistic Partners program in order to foster arts and culture in an innovative and collaborative way. Artistic Partners commit to working with the PACE Center for one year to make an impact on the community while furthering their own art at the same time. Artistic Partners will coordinate with the PACE Center in fulfilling the goals of the program: education, community outreach and performances.
“This innovative program allows us to work closely with artistic groups in our community and bring more local and regional talent to our stage, as well as enhance arts education through performances and classes,” said Jeannene Bragg, Cultural Director of the PACE Center.
The four organizations were selected based on several factors including artistic merit and community outreach. The Artistic Partners range in size and artistic discipline, but all four groups are excited about the program.
"We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the growing artistic community in Douglas County,” said Alicia Pope, Chairman of the Parker Chorale. “Our participation as a PACE Center Artistic Partner really lets us be a true community choir; being involved in the community, not just performing for it.”
Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, David Reuille, also looks forward to being an Artistic Partner during the PACE Center’s first season. “The Parker Arts, Culture and Events Department is a cultural gem and Apex is pleased to offer support for their mission, praise for their many accomplishments and personal gratitude for their place in the community,” said Reuille.
Performance dates will be announced in the next few months, with ticket sales beginning this summer. The PACE Center is set to open in historic downtown Parker this fall.
About each Artistic Partner
Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre is a professional dance company dedicated to producing innovative dance concerts that entertain, engage and inspire. Co-founded by David Reuille and Heidi Nichter in 2008 and headquartered in Parker, the company also offers ongoing classes and educational outreach productions for schools in Colorado.
The Colorado Wind Ensemble’s mission is to provide opportunities for musicians to create, and audiences to experience, exceptional live performances of wind ensemble music. As the only wind ensemble in the Denver Metro area outside of academia, the Colorado Wind Ensemble performs music from all eras. The group is in its 29th season and is led by Conductor and Musical Director Matthew J. Roeder, DMA.
The Parker Chorale was formed in 2010 as a community group dedicated to fostering the arts and supporting music education in the Town of Parker and Douglas County. Lead by John Polinski, Artistic Director and Conductor, this adult chorus is devoted to sharing the gift of song through music performance.
The Parker Symphony Orchestra, also known as the South Suburban Community Orchestra, was founded in 1994 and is led by Director René Knetch. The Orchestra provides opportunities for musical expression to many who would otherwise not have that chance.
About PACE
Located in historic downtown Parker, the PACE Center will be home to a 500-seat theater, 250-seat amphitheater, art gallery, event room, dance studio, culinary kitchen and several classrooms. PACE will provide a wide variety of local, regional and national cultural, arts, scientific and educational programming to the region and serve as a rental venue for community, business and social events.
For more information about the PACE Center, visit www.PACEcenteronline.org.