Manchester Symphony Orchestra soars to new heights in 80th year
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Manchester Symphony Orchestra launches its 80th season with a trip into the cosmos.
The Universe at an Exhibition: A Science and Symphony Event is 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 in Cordier Auditorium.
This evening features a 30-minute film with images of stars, galaxies and planets, accompanied by a live performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition by the orchestra. The orchestra will also perform Star Trek music.
Astronomer and visual artist José Francisco Salgado, Ph.D., collaborates with orchestras around the world, using his own photos and images as a catalyst. He will speak about the intersection between science and art.
General admission is $15. Admission is free for students 18 and younger, and Manchester University students, faculty and staff.
Pre-concert activities begin at 6 p.m. and include guided viewing in the Charles M. Morris Observatory by Manchester University Physics Professor Christer Watson, liquid nitrogen ice cream by Associate Professor of Chemistry Terrie Salupo-Bryant, student displays and a Starlab planetarium tent.
As part of the symphony’s outreach program, more than 400 sixth-graders and high school students from Manchester, Wabash and Huntington schools will visit the MU campus earlier in the day to take in some of the same activities.
The orchestra and University have a long history together. Residents of Wabash County and what was then Manchester College founded the symphony in 1939. That partnership continues today, with a carefully crafted collaboration of professional and community musicians, along with selected faculty, staff and student musicians. Scott Humphries, an assistant professor at Manchester University, conducts the symphony.
This performance is part of the Values, Ideas and The Arts series at the University.
With about 6,000 residents, the northeast Indiana town of North Manchester is among the smallest communities in the nation with its own symphony orchestra.
This concert is sponsored by Webb’s Family Pharmacy and is supported by a grant received by Arts United, Indiana Arts Commission, Art Works and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The 80th season also includes:
- Sunday, Dec. 9 – Holiday Pops at 3 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium. The orchestra and Wabash Valley Dance Theater will treat patrons to pieces from The Nutcracker.
- Sunday, March 10 – Eighty! at 3 p.m. in the Honeywell Center. In honor of all music educators, the orchestra will perform Sibelius’ Finlandia, Op. 26 and Schumann’s Piano Concerto, Op. 54. Note: If you are doing the math, 26 + 54 = 80. The guest pianist will be Wabash native and Manchester University Professor Pamela Haynes. A patron appreciation reception will follow.
- Sunday, May 5 – 1812 at 3 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium. The program includes a concerto for two bassoons and orchestra, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. An instrument petting zoo will be in the lobby, courtesy of Quinlan & Fabish Music Co.
For tickets or more information: http://www.manchestersymphonyorchestra.com/
About Manchester
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., is a northeast Indiana leader in health science education. It offers more than 60 areas of academic study to nearly 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu .
October 2018