April 08, 2016
Concert choir to perform with Paducah Symphony
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Concert Choir will perform with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra on April 16 at a concert featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Luther F. Carson Center for the Performing Arts in Paducah. Go here to order tickets; prices are $19, $36 or $46. Raffaele Ponti of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra conducts.
The concert also includes choirs from Murray State University and the Paducah Symphony Chorus. David Dillard, associate professor of voice at SIU, has a bass voice solo during the performance. Other SIU School of Music faculty members performing for the evening are: Michael Barta, professor of violin, who will be assistant concertmaster; Eric Lenz, associate professor of cello, as principal cello; Jennifer Presar, lecturer in horn as principal horn; Metiney Suwanawongse, lecturer in viola, and Christopher Butler, lecturer in percussion. Paula Melton, assistant instructor of violin, is a Paducah Symphony Orchesrtra member.
“This is the second year we’ve been asked to sing with the Paducah Symphony,” Susan Davenport, director of choral activities and assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said. “We’re glad to be considered part of the singing ‘team’ for the Paducah Symphony Orchestra.”
Davenport said the School of Music has been hard at work forging new connections in Paducah, partly to strengthen already existing musical friendships and also for recruiting. A musical showcase last November was part of the bridge-building that contributed to SIU participation in the upcoming concert.
She emphasized that this concert provides an opportunity for SIU to shine in choral, solo voice and instrumental areas.
“From an educational standpoint, this is an amazing opportunity for our students,” Davenport said. “The Carson Center is one of the finest performing facilities in the entire region.”