September 25, 2001

Contact: Kerri Conan, KU School of Fine Arts, 785-864-5567.

KU symphony orchestra opens season with 'pops concert' at the Lied Center

LAWRENCE - The University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra opens what promises to be an exciting performance season for University Concerts at the Lied Center. Under the direction of Brian Priestman, the ensemble features "An International Classical Pops Concert," at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 in the Lied Center. Tickets are $7 general, $5 for students and seniors.

There are only a limited number of opportunities to see Priestman conduct the group as he prepares for retirement, and the 10-year KU professor has planned a variety of performance themes. "The public has to be entertained," he says. "Concerts are the real interface between the university and the community."

The opening KUSO concert program starts with a march entitled "Crown Imperial," a 1936 piece written by William Walton for the coronation of King George VI. "The Little Train of the Caipiras" by Heitor Villa-Lobos follows, featuring some exciting work with Brazilian percussion instruments. "Poem" by Ernest Chausson, which features solo violin, "Marche Slave" by Peter Tchaikowsky, and "Concerto No. 1 in Fmi for Clarinet and Orchestra" by Carl Maria von Weber round out the first act.

After intermission, "Overture: Il Signor Bruschino" by Gioacchino Rossini, famous for his comic operas, John Williams' "Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra" and Gershwin's Symphonic Picture: "Porgy & Bess," conclude the evening.

This fall, other University Concerts at the Lied Center include two days of performances by the University Dance Company, a variety of Jazz instrumental and vocal ensembles, the University Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and of course, Holiday Vespers.

The Second Annual Collage Concert promises to delight and surprise audiences. Combining a multi-media exhibition with a series of live performances, students and professors from the entire School of Fine Arts, as well as distinguished alumni share their work with the community at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11 .

Admission to most KU Concerts at The Lied Center are $7 general, $5 students and seniors. All tickets for Holiday Vespers are the only exception with $10 general admission. Tickets are available at KU Box Offices: Lied Center, 785-864-ARTS; Murphy Hall, 785-864-3982; and SUA, 785-864-3477.

For more information, contact the KU Department of Music & Dance at 785-864-3436.

KU CONCERTS AT THE LIED CENTER - FALL 2001

Friday, September 28, 2001
University Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Monday, October 1, 2001
Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Thursday, October 11, 2001
2nd Annual Collage Concert
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Wednesday, October 17, 2001
Jazz Ensembles I and II
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Tuesday, October 30, 2001
Jazz Singers and Jazz Combo I
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Friday, November 2, 2001
University Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Thursday and Friday, November 15 and 16, 2001
University Dance Company
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Monday, November 19, 2001
KU Jazz Ensemble II and Jazz Combo II
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Friday, November 30, 2001
Jazz Ensemble I with guest composer Bob Washut
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Sunday, December 2, 2001
University Symphony Orchestra
2:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Monday, December 3, 2001
University Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble
7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $7 general, $5 students/seniors

Sunday, December 9, 2001
Holiday Vespers
2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Lied Center, $10 general