Tech’s Bryan Symphony Orchestra will perform its fourth concert of the 2008-2009 season on Feb. 22. The performance will begin at 3 p.m. in the Wattenbarger Auditorium of the Bryan Fine Arts Building. The concert features the winner of the 2008-2009 Joan Derryberry Memorial Concerto Competition, soloist Ben Elsberry. Pieces to be performed at the concert include Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in g minor,” and the overture to Berlioz’s “Benvenuto Cellini.”
The Joan Derryberry Memorial Concerto Competition offers Tech students a chance to perform for judges in hopes of being able to perform as a soloist in concert.
“This competition was great because it gave Tech students a chance to do what many of them have dreamed of doing someday,” BSO Executive Director Gail Luna said.
Competition winner Ben Elsberry, a senior education major at Tech, chose to perform Pierre Max Dubois’ “Concerto for Alto Saxophone.” Elsberry has been an active member of several Tech organizations including the Symphony Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble.
With great excitement, Symphony Director Dan Allcott chose Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in g minor” to be included in the concert.
“‘Symphony No. 40’ is one of Mozart’s last great statements, and it’s a beauty,” Allcott said.
“When he wrote the first one, Mozart was still travelling and soaking up influences and deciding what kind of composer he wanted to be. This one is from a more mature standpoint.”
A preview of the performance will be given in Room 223 of the Bryan Fine Arts Building prior to the show for those who wish to attend and a post-performance reception will be held in the lobby after the show. Tickets are limited, but can be obtained by contacting the symphony box office at (931)-372-6088.
