Las Vegas Philharmonic Only 11 years old and just finishing its second season under the direction of conductor David Itkin, the Las Vegas Philharmonic consistently delivers a high-quality and varied product. This year, while still programming the classical staples, Itkin freshened up the repertoire by adding accessible contemporary pieces, less-performed works by popular composers and a new Pops series. With the new Smith Center scheduled to open in early 2012, expectations are high for local performing-arts groups. The Phil is clearly up to the challenge.

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