CONWAY, ARK. (Sept. 22, 2009) – The inaugural concert of the Conway Symphony Orchestra’s Silver Anniversary season culminates four days of performances, exhibits and contests during ArtsFest 2009 in Conway. Featuring a guest chorus from UCA and Hendrix College, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus.
Tickets are available beginning Sept. 28 at the Reynolds Box Office, by phone at 450-3265 or toll free at 1-866-810-0012, and at www.uca.edu/tickets. Prices range from $5 to $35, with significant discounts for children, students and the UCA community. The concert is underwritten by Acxiom and guest artist sponsor is Smith Ford, Inc.
A 159-member chorus from UCA, Hendrix College and the community joins the Conway Symphony for the performance of Alexander Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances.” It is a rare treat to hear this famous portion of Borodin’s opera Prince Igor played in concert with the chorus.
“The voices add a richness of sound that enhances the experience,” said CSO Music Director and Conductor Israel Getzov. “Audience members who are familiar with the musical Kismet and its love theme, ‘Strangers in Paradise’ will notice the tunes are based on music from Prince Igor.”
In contrast to the Borodin, the CSO performs Joseph Haydn’s 104th and final symphony. “The last movement’s main theme has almost a folk song quality,” said Getzov. “Many of Haydn’s symphonies have nicknames, and this one is called ‘London’ because he wrote and premiered it during one of his trips there in the 1790s.”
“Russian Sailors’ Dance” by Reinhold Gliere rounds out the program with a deep, dark, powerful melodic voice. “This piece has a bold, masculine, athletic character. Its melody captures the spirit of the Russian people,” said Getzov.
The CSO’s program of great classical music is the finale to ArtsFest 2009’s dance and musical performances, community jam sessions, Art and Music Walk, and diverse art exhibits. A 30-ft inflatable sculpture, Pittsburgh’s Painted Pachyderm, will greet concertgoers, and an exhibit of Painted Pachyderm Un-coloring Pages of children’s art will be displayed in the lobby. For a full ArtsFest 2009 schedule, visit www.artsinconway.com.
In its 25th Anniversary season, the Conway Symphony Orchestra exists to create meaningful experiences through performances and education. The 2009-2010 CSO roster is composed of both professional and pre-professional musicians performing seven concerts, plus classroom educational programs. Through the support of corporate and individual donors, the CSO makes the enjoyment of classical and popular music available to the entire community.
