NEWS RELEASE

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

9/22/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- The Natchitoches ­ Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will present its annual pops concert Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. Charles Demuynck will conduct the orchestra. Tickets are $30 per couple or $15 a person.

This year's concert is titled "Musical Louisiana" with the orchestra performing a number of selections with a Louisiana theme, according to Demuynck. The program will include "Three Cents an Acre" with music by NSU Associate Professor of Music Richard Rose and lyrics by former Northwestern faculty member Jim Stacy, "Satchmo" by Ted Ricketts and two spirituals, "Nobody Knows The Troubles I've Seen" and "Songs of The Bayou."

The orchestra will also present a medley of Irving Berlin songs including "God Bless America" and a medley from "West Side Story" featuring Assistant Professor of Music Michael Rorex.

"The concert will be a celebration of different aspects of life in Louisiana, particularly jazz as well as local music and heritage," said Demuynck, who is beginning his second year as conductor. "For a pops concert, our first priority is to pick music people will enjoy. We also want the members of the orchestra to learn from performing quality music that they can enjoy as well, and we think that has been accomplished."

According to Rose, "Three Cents an Acre" was written for the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Opening in Alexandria last year. Eric Engelhardt will provide vocals.

"It's a fun song that is kind of folksy and light-hearted," said Rose.

The concert will also include performances by the NSU Demon Dazzlers and the NSU Dance Ensemble under the direction of Susan Hussey. The Steve Wells Band will also perform dance music after the concert.

For ticket information, contact Linnye Daily at (318) 352-7970.

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