The South Kansas Symphony will present its first concert of the season on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 3 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium on the Southwestern College campus.
 
The program begins with “The Moldau” by Bedrich Smetana and a movement from Edvard Grieg’s Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 for Piano and Orchestra. The final work on the program is Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals,” which will be interpreted with dancers from Dance Camp studio, the JINX Dance Team, and students from the college’s dance classes and original choreography created by Susan Camp, Erika Lamas, Mariah Potts, Alicia White, and Yazmin Wood. Costumes for the performance have been created by Yvonne Marcotte.

Also featured on the program are pianists Reid Alexander and Jo Ellen DeVilbiss. Alexander, a professor of piano at the University of Illinois and an accomplished performer, presenter, writer, and educator, will present the first movement, “Allegro molto moderato” of the Grieg concerto.  DeVilbiss is a piano faculty member and executive and artistic director of The Conservatory of Central Illinois.  She and Alexander will perform side-by-side on the Saint-Saëns.

“We are fortunate to have this pair of skilled musicians come to Kansas,” says executive director and conductor Daniel Stevens. “Rae Lynne Baker, sister of Jo Ellen DeVilbiss, plays flute for the symphony and is an advisory board member. She put us in contact with them. Having visiting musicians perform with the South Kansas Symphony is a treat to our loyal audience, giving them fresh experiences. It also encourages us to be at the top of our game, to represent the fine musical work being done in Kansas.”

As a part of their visit, DeVilbiss and Alexander will present a masterclass on Friday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. in the rehearsal hall of Darbeth Performing Arts Center. Their presentation is open to the public.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students.  For more information, call (620) 229-6272.