Symphony Presents All-American Lineup Jan. 21

The Springfield Symphony’s first concert of the new year will feature an All-American lineup of music and Missouri State professor of music and Springfield Symphony principal cellist, Michael Murray, as soloist.

Springfield Symphony music director and conductor, Ron Spigelman, will lead the orchestra in performing works by four different and contrasting American composers – Aaron Copland, Howard Hanson, André Previn and Marc Mellits – at the concert on Jan. 21 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

The Symphony will perform Copland’s “The Red Pony,” which was composed for a 1950’s film and represents an optimistic adventure across the plains. In contrast, the Symphony will perform Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2: Romantic,” which has a broader, flowing, and classic sound.

The concert will showcase one of the Symphony’s own musicians, Michael Murray, as soloist. He will be highlighted in the performances of Mellit’s 2011 piece “Cheese,” and Previn’s “Vocalise,” which will also feature soprano Dawn Zahralban.

Murray, who has been principal cellist for the Springfield Symphony for 27 years, has had a varied career as a performer and teacher, dividing his activity between teaching courses atMissouri State University and making regular appearances throughout the United States, Europe and Japan as a soloist and participant in chamber and orchestral settings.

Tickets for the concert are currently on sale at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall box office, and can be purchased by calling 417-836-7678, or online at www.missouristatetix.com. Ticket prices range from $15 - $30, and discounts are available for students and seniors.

The concert is being sponsored by Don Wessel Honda, RMCC Certified Public Accountants and Mediacom.

For more information on the Springfield Symphony Orchestra visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org or facebook.com/springfieldsymphony.