Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra begins the 2010-2011 2nd Thursday Scholarship Series on Thursday Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. in Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall at the UGA Performing Arts Center. The symphony orchestra, under the direction of Mark Cedel, will present a program that includes the Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor by Ludwig van Beethoven and the Symphony No. 4 by Gustav Mahler. Tickets for the concert, $15 for the general public and $7 for UGA students with a valid ID, are available through the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 706/542-4400
This is the twelfth consecutive year in which the 80-member, all-student symphony orchestra has opened the 2nd Thursday Scholarship Series. Hodgson School of Music faculty members will serve as soloists for the evening’s repertoire: Martha Thomas for the Beethoven piano concerto, and soprano Stephanie Tingler for the Mahler symphony.
“The Symphony No. 4 is the shortest and most intimate of the Mahler symphonies, and it perfectly complements the stormy, c-minor Beethoven piano concerto,” said Cedel, professor of conducting studies in the school of music. “As the first big concert of the year and so soon after the beginning of classes, there is a great deal of energy and enthusiasm from the students about such challenging repertoire.”
Established in 1980, the 2nd Thursday Scholarship Series offers showcase performances by UGA students and faculty the second Thursday of each month throughout the academic year. Proceeds from individual ticket sales and season subscriptions allow for year-long academic scholarships and assistantships for students and presents donors the opportunity to sponsor individual students of the music school at several levels of giving. In 2010, the 2nd Thursday series provided scholarships to 35 students based on faculty recommendations, academic achievement and performance ability.
For directions to the Performing Arts Center, see www.uga.edu/pac