West Texas Symphony to showcase Sibelius, Symphony No. 2

The West Texas Symphony will present Sibelius, Symphony No. 2, at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The event is part of the Symphony’s 60th season “Diamond Anniversary.”

The evening starts with Fanfare for Amazing Grace, composed in 2011 by famed composer Adolphus Cunningham, whose work “draws inspiration from John Newton’s famous hymn Amazing Grace,” according to the Symphony.

Next up is Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 featuring violinist Fiona Shea, a Lubbock native. Shea is the recipient of the 2022 Dorothy DeLay Fellowship and is currently pursuing her education at the Colburn Conservatory.

The evening finishes with the 1901 Symphony No 2 in D major, Op. 43 by Finland’s great composer Jean Sibelius. The piece consists of four movements and constantly changes from cheerful to moody leading up to its triumphant finale, according to the Symphony.

“Given Sibelius’ Finnish heritage and fame, I often like to imagine the beautiful and picturesque winter landscapes of Northern Europe with each of his compositions,” said Ethan Wills, executive director of the Symphony. “The tonal and lush harmonies of his work, and all selections on this concert, are a fantastic way to usher in the change in seasons and welcome the Thanksgiving holiday.”

The Symphony’s orchestra hasn’t performed this music in a very long time, Wills added.

“As we continue to grow and expand, Maestro [Gary] Lewis wants to present music that is more diverse, challenging, and interesting,” he said. “This music is so beautiful and will appeal to many audiences.”

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

Don’t go to the show hungry! Patrons are also invited to experience Symphony SoundBites, a pre-concert supper held before the performance in the Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall  at Wagner Noël. Enjoy dining and fellowship as Maestro Lewis provides an insider’s view of the evening’s program. 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, Octo. 28.

Sibelius, Symphony No. 2 is ponsored by Pamela McQuillen & Eric Pokky.