SFA's Orchestra of the Pines to present 'Memorable Melodies'

From left to right: Flora Wall and Juwan Blanton

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Orchestra of the Pines in concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

The orchestra will present "Memorable Melodies," a program that ranges from "the extremely familiar to the nearly obscure," according to Gene H. Moon, director of orchestras at SFA.

"Nonetheless, those who join us will leave with a number of memorable melodies to hum on the way home," Moon said.

Guest artists for the evening are senior voice student Flora Wall, soprano from Humble, and senior percussion student Juwan Blanton of Lufkin, who will play the snare drum.

Among the most familiar pieces to be performed is Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which is known for its opening four-note motive, "fate knocking at the door." Orchestra of the Pines last performed this famous work seven years ago, Moon said.

"This is one of Beethoven's most thrilling works, if not in the entire orchestral oeuvre," Moon said.

The orchestra will also perform Maurice Ravel's Pavane pour une infante défunte, whose opening melody played on the horn is "wistfully mesmerizing," Moon said. Joining the guest soloists will be guest conductor and graduate conducting student, Jeff Leung from Hong Kong.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.