June 10, 2009 -- On Monday, June 15 at 4:00 p.m. in the Laurel Lake Community Room, 200 Laurel Lake Drive in Hudson, classical pianist and Akron Symphony Orchestra Associate Conductor Christopher Lees will offer a free concert, the latest in the "Arts at Laurel Lake" performance series.

ABOUT THE PERFORMER -- Christopher Lees became Associate Conductor of the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director for the Akron Youth Symphony in 2007.

In 2006, he was only the second American conductor chosen for the Zander Fellowship with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, where he assisted and traveled with Music Director Benjamin Zander. A dedicated advocate of contemporary American music, he has premiered numerous new works, and served for a season as Associate Music Director for the Boston-based Juventas New Music Ensemble.

In 2007, Christopher was awarded a Conducting Fellowship at the Festival Internacional de Inverno de Campos do Jordao in Brazil. Last year, Christopher was a finalist in the American Conducting Fellows Program, sponsored by the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Baltimore Symphony Conducting Fellowship Program, and the London Philharmonic’s International Young Conductors Academy. In 2003, Christopher was awarded first prize in the National Undergraduate Conducting Competition in New York City sponsored by the ACDA.

While attending the University of Michigan, Christopher received degrees in Performance and Music Education (BM), and studied Orchestral Conducting (MM) with Kenneth Kiesler. He was the Music Director of the University of Michigan Pops Orchestra for four consecutive seasons and founded Philharmonia 125, an orchestra whose programs of American music celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance. Christopher has participated in numerous conducting workshops, led by Lorin Maazel, Gustav Meier, Jorma Panula, Larry Rachleff and Roberto Minczuk, among others.

For information about future events, or to inquire about scheduling a performance date at Laurel Lake, contact Susan Busko at 330-655-1411 or e-mail: Susan_Busko@hmis.org.