The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts has announced its 2024-2025 SCORE Music Appreciation Concert series, which will kick off with world-renowned pianist Julian Gargiulo, on Tues., Sept. 10, at 7pm. Gargiulo is a classical pianist, composer, and humorist who performs all over the world, from prestigious venues from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Singapore’s Symphony Stage and beyond. He has been featured on radio and TV stations in North America, Europe, and Asia, and most recently on BBC Radio 3 in London. Gargiulo was named a Steinway Artist in 2014.

The SCORE program is made possible through a National Endowment for the Arts grant and a matching sponsorship from Dan and Carolyn Coleman, of Valdosta. The 2024-2025 SCORE season features two student performances in the morning and an adult concert in the evening, each day of the scheduled concert. This program provides the opportunity for fifth-grade students to expand their outlook on the arts. Students participate in an immersive classical music performance followed by a tour of the galleries at the Turner Center.

“Through this partnership with the Valdosta City Schools System and the grants received, the Turner Center brings all fifth-graders in the Valdosta City Schools through the galleries to view professional classical music performances,” said Turner Center Executive Director Dr. Sementha Mathews. “Youth are also exposed to art gallery and concert etiquette and are led through an engaging tour of the exhibits currently on display. 

The concerts will take place within the Turner Center art galleries, located at 527 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta. Concert dates for the 2024-2025 season are on Tuesdays: Sept. 10 - Julian Gargiulo, piano; Nov. 19 - BACH to the Future, electric ensemble; Feb. 11, 2025 - Angelica Hairston, harp; and March 4, 2025 - Camerata South, string quartet.

Season passes, available through Sept. 10, are $80/ea and is for one admission to each concert; individual tickets are $25/ea. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online at turnercenter.org or by calling 229.247.2787. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the performance. For more information, call 229.247.2787 or visit turnercenter.org. Patrons who need special assistance may contact the Center to make arrangements.