Shepherd's Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra opens Friends of Music concert series

ISSUED: 25 September 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
(Shepherd's Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra opens Friends of Music concert series)

Shepherdstown, WV--Shepherd University's Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra will be presenting a concert of American composers to open the Friends of Music concert series on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. in the Frank Center Theater.

The Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra program will feature Symphonic Triptych by Dr. Guy Frank, professor emeritus of music, who also served as the chair of the Music Department and the Creative Arts Division from 1950-1984. Each of the movements bear a Shepherdstown subtitle including "Shepherdstown Viva," "Potomac Interlude," and "Millbrook Fair."

"The second movement is one of the most beautiful pieces of music written. I can see the sun on the water as I study the score and am thrilled that one of the two rivers of our orchestra's name is so prominently featured here." says Dr. Mark McCoy, current music department chair and Two Rivers conductor. "It is especially dear to me as I have known Dr. Frank for many years, first as his student, then as my mentor, and always as my friend. Dr. Frank has always been known as a fine concert pianist, an accomplished composer and a great teacher. He was the heart and soul of the music department for over thirty years, and the building that houses the current music program at Shepherd bears his name."

Also included in the program are Leonard Bernstein's Candide, and the East Coast premiere of the Awakenings of Joseph Curiale. Closing the program are four dances from Aaron Copland's Rodeo including "Buckaroo Holiday," "Corral Nocturne," "Saturday Night Waltz," and "Hoe-Down."

"The opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra is a fantastic one, since that is what I am planning on doing with my life. To play professionally with my teacher will be a great learning experience," says Chris Garten, senior bassoon major and Friends of Music Fellow.

"The Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra is a great experience for all of us," says McCoy. "Our students, our faculty, our professional musician, and our community. We are thrilled to take the stage on October 17."

The public is invited to lunch with the Friends of Music at the Bavarian Inn on Friday, October 16. The lunch will include a preview and discussion of the concert.

For tickets, subscriptions to the Friends of Music Concert Series, or more about Lunch with Friends of Music, visit www.sufom.org or call the Friends of Music office at 304-876-5765.

-30-YOUNG

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