NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/8/2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society has started its annual membership drive. The Symphony Society promotes and supports the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, which has been a part of the community since 1966.

During the 2006-2007 season, the orchestra will perform five concerts under conductor Dr. Douglas Bakenhus in addition to the annual Christmas Gala.

"The Symphony Society has worked closely with Dr. Bakenhus to create another outstanding program of concerts that will appeal to the community," said Symphony Society President Dr. Steven Horton. "We are fortunate to have an excellent symphony orchestra in this community that contributes to the quality of life and enhances the university. All of this is possible because of the contributions made by supporters of the Symphony Society."

A wine and cheese reception will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Gahagan Jr. to preview the upcoming season and encourage area residents to support the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society.

Membership levels begin at $50 for the sponsor level, which includes two season tickets. A donation of at least $100 includes three season tickets at the patron level. A benefactor level donation of at least $250 includes four season tickets.

For a donation of at least $500, supporters of the Symphony Society are designated as Gold Underwriters and receive four season tickets, four table tickets for the annual Pops Concert, two tickets to any musical or gala and an one-eighth page ad in the concert program.

Platinum Underwriters make a donation of at least $1,000 and receive six season tickets, eight table tickets for the annual Pops Concert, two tickets to any musical or gala and a quarter page ad in the concert program.

The concert season will begin Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall with a program featuring two internationally renowned members of Northwestern State's faculty, pianist Nikita Fitenko and flutist Denette McDermott. The concert will celebrate the centennial of Dmitri Shostakovich with his Festive Overture and Concerto for Piano No. 2 performed by Fitenko. McDermott will perform Bach's Orchestral Suite in B minor.

The annual Pops Concert will include two performances on Nov. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The concert theme will be "Broadway Tonight." Individual seating will be available on Nov. 1, and table seating (by reservation) will be available Nov. 2.

The annual Christmas Gala will be Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. This year's Gala will include a sing-along, a "Sleigh Ride" and Christmas songs from around the world.

Winners of the annual NSU Concerto Competition will be featured in a concert on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.

Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, The New World Symphony, will be featured in a concert on Thursday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.

The season will conclude with Mozart's Requiem performed by the orchestra and the NSU combined choirs on Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.

For more information on membership, contact Steve Horton at 352-7492 or Anne Stevens at 354-0572.

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