Adam Golka and Arie Lipsky (Courtesy)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Mar. 20, 2014)
It’s all about the journey.

That’s what they like to tell you.

And for the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, about to embark on a week of March Madness – two youth concerts (Wednesday) a main stage concert (Saturday evening) and a family concert (Sunday afternoon) – it’s really true.
Journeys – whiplash fast, luxuriantly slow, virtuosic, cosmic, spiritual – await those who choose to come along for the ride at the orchestra’s concerts this week, all of which are led by its music director, Arie Lipsky.

“I’m taking my vitamins,” Lipsky said by phone from snowy Buffalo last week, as he geared up for the concert marathon. He was also facing an important sartorial concert-related decision.

“I’m being challenged to show up in a Darth Vader suit, but I’ve not made up my mind yet,” he said.

Lest Saturday evening patrons begin to fear that a lightsaber will be Lipsky’s baton of choice for the main stage Michigan Theater “Beethoven and Beyond” program, it should be immediately stated that Lipsky will don the costume only – and only perhaps – for the youth and family concerts, in which the theme is “The Planets,” and for which John Williams’ music from “Star Wars” is the finale.

Read the rest at MLIVE !