The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is returning to Inlet on Friday at 7:30 p.m., for a performance at Arrowhead Park, with admission tickets being available through performance time.
Tickets are also available for the special pre-concert Cocktail Party at the nearby Woods Inn, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Cocktail Party tickets include all beverages, a “sumptuous buffet,” and performance admission with preferred seating.
The Woods Inn is within walking distance of the concert’s special tent venue, but shuttle service will be available also.
The concert is presented annually by the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, and Friday’s concert is shaping up to be another fine event, said Jerry Dupuis, a FCLPAC board member.
“I think it’s going to be a banner year. Everything has gone tremendously well,” he said.
Planning for Friday’s event started when last year’s event finished, with major leg work beginning in January, according to Dupuis.
“We are getting indications that we could have record attendance for both the tent performance and the Woods Inn cocktail party,” he said.
Pre-event ticket sales have been very strong this year, according to Dupuis.
“The RPO performance is a great event for the area, and I couldn’t be happier for the town, the local communities that support us, and the businesses that get to share their offerings with visiting musicians and concert-goers,” he said.
And the economic ripple effect is nice, according to Dupuis.
“The Inlet Visitor Information Center is reporting that lodging establishments are substantially full for the weekend and overflow is being directed to Old Forge,” he said.
“These are visitors who have booked for the weekend—the RPO being the reason they are here.”
Dupuis said the weather forecast also looks superb.
“We’re looking at 73 degress with clear skies and no wind,” he said.
Though Dupuis and his fellow board members will have steered 16 orchestral events to fruition, pulling them off is always more art than science, he said.
“There are so many variables. You can play the piano and hit a flat when there’s a sharp… But so far, this year, we don’t seem to have done that. From the outstanding musicianship to the musical selections RPO has planned, this is looking to be a wonderful event.”
General admission tickets are $30. Lawn space is available for $10 (listeners should bring their own chairs). Teen tickets up to ages 19 are $15.
Performance and Cocktail Party tickets are available at the Visitor Information Offices in Old Forge and Inlet.
Additional information is available in Inlet by calling (315) 357-5501, and in Old Forge at 369-6983.