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Sunday concert features Beethoven and Mozart

Nov. 3, 2005

KALAMAZOO--The Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert of Classical-era masterworks at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

The program begins with the Overture to "Fidelio," Beethoven's only known opera. The Orchestra will collaborate with School of Music faculty members Michael Miller (oboe), Bradley Wong (clarinet), Wendy Rose (bassoon), and Margaret Hamilton (horn) in the "Symphonia Concertante in E-flat Major" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although there is some speculation about the authenticity of this work, the music is charming and very typical of Mozart's irresistible style.

The final work on the program will be the monumental "Symphony No. 5 in C Minor," Op. 67, by Ludwig van Beethoven. Conductor Bruce Uchimura says, "This is truly one of the best loved and well known of Beethoven's symphonies; It is a great example of his compositional genius. Essentially, the famous first four notes and rhythm are the motive for the entire first movement. The thrilling Finale is said to have been Beethoven's tribute to the battle victories of Napolean Bonaparte."

Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu

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