Release Date: December 22,2025
Akron Symphony Orchestra to Debut University of Akron Student Piece as Part of January 17th Beethoven Concert
December 22, 2025, Akron, OH – The Akron Symphony Orchestra celebrates two iconic works that define musical motion and vitality. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, described by Richard Wagner as the “apotheosis of the dance,” delivers unstoppable rhythmic drive and joyful brilliance. Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story brings the concert to a thrilling close with its jazzy energy, bold rhythms, and Broadway sparkle.
The story of the evening, however, is driven by a showcase of incredible local talent on both sides of the music score. Beloved and celebrated University of Akron Professor Chris Coles opens up the second half of the concert on saxophone, taking on Duke Ellington’s “Martin Luther King” from Three Black Kings. It’s a jazzy infusion full of soul and passion, perfect for rounding out an evening designed to make you dance and feel.
The true hidden gem programmed for the evening is a local debut, kicking off the night. University of Akron student Sarah Hegenderfer’s piece Clearing of Snow was presented to Maestro Christopher Wilkins last year, culminating in full orchestration and now a world premiere. This work takes advantage of the full range of the orchestra and truly showcases the local talent developing in Northeast Ohio and Akron.
Maestro Christopher Wilkins, Saxophone Soloist Chris Coles, and University of Akron and Clearing of Snow composer Sarah Hagenderfer are all available for interview in support of this concert. Outreach, additional information, or scheduling is available by contacting Akron Symphony Orchestra Director of Marketing, James Buckey.
About Akron Symphony Orchestra
The Akron Symphony Orchestra has been an integral part of Northeast Ohio’s cultural landscape for over 70 years. Committed to fostering artistic excellence and community engagement, the ASO presents diverse and beloved programming that inspires, entertains, and connects. With a passion for education and collaboration, the ASO continues to be a driving force in bringing world-class performances and regional pride to Akron.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.akronsymphony.org or contact buckey@akronsymphony.org.
About Sarah Hegenderfer
Sarah Hegenderfer is a composer, classical guitarist, trumpeter, and writer based in Akron, Ohio. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Composition at the University of Akron, where she studies with Dr. James Wilding. Her work draws on images from nature, literature, and personal reflection, often focusing on clarity of texture and emotional honesty.
Hegenderfer writes for a wide range of ensembles, with a growing catalog of chamber music, orchestral works, and pieces for wind band. She has worked closely with student and faculty performers at the University of Akron, and her music has been featured on departmental concerts and recitals. As a performer, she is active on both classical guitar and trumpet, appearing in local concerts and community events, and she enjoys exploring the intersections between performing and composing.
About Chris Coles
Christopher J. Coles graduated from Cleveland South High School in 2004 while studying with the renowned educator and saxophonist Kenneth Lee Grand. In 2009 Coles received his bachelor's degree in Saxophone Performance from Youngstown State University where he studied with educators such as: Dr. James C. Umble (saxophone), Dr. Kent Englehardt (saxophone), and Dr. David Morgan (bass). Amid developing his own style and sound, Coles went on to receive his master's degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Akron in 2012.
Coles has performed with highly respected jazz musicians such as the Grammy Award-winning Slide Hampton, Sean Jones, Dan Wilson, Dominick Farinacci, Eddie Baccus Sr., Melvin Burks, Kenny Davis, Glenn Holmes, Bill Ransom, Cecil Rucker, Ralph Lalama, and Allen Vizzutti to name a few. Coles was invited to perform in Italy with the Ohio Youth Jazz Orchestra where he performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra’s lead alto saxophonist, Wessell Anderson.
Coles has also played at the North American Saxophone Alliance Regional Festival in West Virginia at the International Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C. to premiere a commissioned work by John Hollenbeck, which he later recorded on Hollenbeck’s 2009 LP Rainbow Jimmies. Coles was invited to The Banff Workshop for Jazz and Creative music in Alberta, Canada where he was granted the distinct honor of studying with some of the great jazz pioneers such as: Tia Fuller, Somi, Vijay Iyer, Billy Hart, Mark Turner, Imani Izuri, Ingrid Jensen, Zakir Hussain, Yosvany Terry, and Miles Okazaki to name a few. In 2017 Chris was an awardee of the Knight Arts Challenge in Akron, Ohio which catapulted him to receive grant funding from GAR Foundation and the Cleveland Foundation for his multimedia tribute to the victims of the 2015 mass church shooting in South Carolina appropriately titled “Nine Lives”, which premiered in 2019. Chris is a Yamaha Performing Artist currently based out of Akron, Ohio and serves on the faculty at Oberlin Conservatory, The University of Akron and The Tri-C Creative Arts JazzFest Academy where he takes pride in bridging the gap to help the next generation of jazz giants.
Don’t Miss This Extraordinary Event Tickets are now available for this must-see performance. Secure your seats by visiting https://akronsymphony.org/event/beethoven7/, calling 330-535-8131, or visiting the E.J. Thomas Hall box office.