UW Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Fund Recital April 11

Orchestra audiences are used to this ritual: The houselights dim, out walks the concertmaster, who tunes the orchestra, and then the concert begins. But, unless the orchestra plays something with concertmaster solos, the audience seldom gets to hear them alone. That is about to change.

The University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (UWSO) will continue its tradition of presenting talented concertmasters as soloists during the fourth annual Concertmaster Fund Recital at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall. A reception for ticket holders and the performers will top off the evening.

"It will be your opportunity to chat with the soloists and other supporters of classical music," says UW Department of Music Professor Michael Griffith, director of orchestral activities. "Wonderful music, wonderful food, wonderful company. What more can you ask?"

Tickets for the special fundraising event are $40. A nominal processing fee will be charged for each ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing Arts box office, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984.

Seating in the Performing Arts recital hall is limited, and Griffith urges audience members to purchase tickets early.

During the performance, UWSO Concertmaster Giovanna Volpi, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, will be joined by pianist Augusto Barbieri, from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, in works by Debussy, Ravel and de Falla. Cellist Jaxon Cox, violist Bryce Allen and violinist Michael Vitanza will join Volpi in Schumann's String Quartet No. 3. The quartet recently played the piece on the UWSO's tour concerts in France and Spain during spring break.

The UWSO's Concertmaster Fund Recital is designed to strengthen the endowment that funds the Moore Concertmaster Fellowship.

"Musically, this will show you the very best UW has to offer and is an incredibly good cause as well," Griffith says. "We sincerely hope many of you can attend."

For more information, email Griffith at [email protected].