SFA Symphony Orchestra to perform ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” will be the highlight at a concert of the Stephen F. Austin State University Symphony Orchestra when the ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Conducting the SFA Symphony Orchestra is Dr. Gregory Grabowski, director of orchestral activities for the university. He describes “Pictures at an Exhibition” as “a wonderful suite that takes the listener on a journey through an exhibition of different pieces of art.”

“The piece was originally a piano solo that was later orchestrated by a number of brilliant orchestrators,” Grabowski said. “The most common one, and the one performed on this program, was by the genius orchestrator Maurice Ravel.

“With the combination of wonderful themes by Mussorgsky paired with the brilliant orchestration vision of Ravel, it’s no wonder this is one of the most performed pieces in orchestral literature,” he added.

Also on the program is Dmitri Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 featuring Dr. Evgeni Raychev, School of Music adjunct faculty, as guest soloist.

“This is a powerful and exciting piece that’s a staple in solo cello literature,” Grabowski said.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. To purchase tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit finearts.sfasu.edu. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.

The concert will be rebroadcast at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, on the SFA Symphony Orchestra YouTube channel.