NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
8/28/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present a six-concert schedule during its 2008-09 season which begins Thursday, Sept. 25. The orchestra is conducted by Dr. Douglas Bakenhus.
The opening concert will be on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Cellist Paul Christopher, a faculty member at NSU and graduate student Josue Ramirez on bass will perform Giovanni Bottesini’s “Duo Concertante for Cello and Bass.” Also on the program are Rossini’s “Overture” from “The Barber of Seville” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7.” A post-concert reception will be held honoring Bakenhus and the members of the orchestra.
A concert featuring American composers will be presented on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Faculty member Dr. Christine Allen will perform Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Professor of Flute Dr. Dennette McDermott will perform John Corigliano’s “Voyage.” Also on the program are Charles Ives’ “Symphony No. 3” (The Camp Meeting) and Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” in celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
The orchestra will perform at the annual Christmas Gala on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The annual Pops Concert will be on Feb. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union. The Feb. 18 performance will be theatre style seating. The Feb. 19 concert will be table seating with tickets at $30 per person. Love will be the theme of the concert, which will feature Northwestern faculty Michael Rorex, Terrie Sanders and Chris Gilliam.
Winners of the annual NSU Concerto Competition will perform at a concert on Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.
This season’s final performances on April 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. will feature the combined orchestra and Northwestern choirs performing Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms.”
Season tickets begin at $50 for a pair of tickets at the Sponsor level. A donation of $100 or more at the Patron level is good for three season tickets. Benefactors who contribute at least $250 receive four season tickets. Gold Underwriters who donate $500 or more receive four season tickets, four table tickets for the annual Pops Concert, two tickets for any musical or gala during the season and a 1/8-page ad in the Symphony program. Platinum Underwriters who donate $1,000 or more receive six season tickets, eight table tickets for the annual Pops Concert, two tickets for any musical or gala during the season and a 1/4-page ad in the Symphony program.
Those who hold season tickets or are interested in learning more about the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society can attend a wine and cheese social on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the home of Pat and Joe Cunningham, Sr. at 1830 Williams Ave. in Natchitoches.
For more information on the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, contact Anne Stevens at 354-0572 or Brenda Stamey at 352-4381.
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