The Akron Symphony’s Knight-funded production of  the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess took the stage last Friday and Saturday April 15-16, 2011. The shows were nearly sold out and reviews overwhelmingly positive. The330.com calls Porgy and Bess a “rare treat,” noting that seeing the show on opening night “felt like history in the making.”

“The massive, two-night production, which included 250 singers, musicians and crew members, was a glorious presentation of George Gershwin’s masterpiece,” writes Kerry Clawson of the Beacon Journal. “[The production] seamlessly melding local and out-of-town talent to create the both beautiful and devastating world of the folks from Catfish Row.” Click here to read the entire review.

Cleveland Classical also raved about the show, saying: “If there’s ever been a finer Porgy and Bess ensemble than the Akron Symphony auditioned and trained, we’d like to hear it.” Click here to read the entire review.