West Texas Symphony set to present ‘Rachmaninoff’

West Texas Symphony will present Rachmaninoff at the world-class Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Renowned pianist Caroline Hong will perform one of the most popular symphonic works for a solo instrument, Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2.” The piece composed around 1900 is one of the most beloved symphony works with audiences today.

Dr. Hong is a teacher, concert performer, masterclass instructor and competition adjudicator who is professor and area head of piano at the Ohio State University School of Music. Dr. Hong holds special interest in contemporary piano music, and in the legacy of Franz Liszt. After one of her performances of John Corigliano’s challenging Etude Fantasy, the Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winning composer praised her as “one of the greatest pianists I have ever heard.”

Also featured, about 25 students from middle school through college will join the orchestra on stage for the ever popular and energetic “Festive Overture” by Dmitri Shostakovich.

“We are beyond ecstatic to bring a fresh approach to the side-by-side performance,” said West Texas Symphony Executive Director Ethan Wills. “Through the coordination of Maestro Lewis and UTPB Orchestra Director Dr. Jean Gómez, we are bringing some of the best student musicians in the Permian Basin on stage with us. This is a once in a lifetime experience for many of them, and we are so excited to make it all work! We look forward to sustaining these in future seasons as we continue to expand our reach and increase our impact in West Texas.”

Audiences will also enjoy Rimsky-Korsakov’s masterpiece Capriccio Espagnol – a five movement work based on a Spanish theme, beaming with lively and colorful sounds.

Tickets start at just $11 and can be purchased at WTXS. ORG or by calling 800-514-3849. All student tickets are $8 with a paying adult or valid college ID.

Patrons are also invited to experience Symphony SoundBites, a pre-concert dinner held before the performance in the Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall at the Wagner Noël PAC. By purchasing a ticket to this tasty event, patrons will enjoy dining with friends as Maestro Gary Lewis provides an insider’s view of the evening’s program. Bring your friends and make new ones as you enhance your symphony experience! Seating is limited and based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets may be purchased for $26 each by calling the Wagner Noël Box Officeat 432-552-4437. Deadline to purchase SoundBites tickets is Friday, April 7.

Rachmaninoff  is generously sponsored by Diann & John McKee, and Martha & Paul Crump.