SOST announces 62nd season

Prepare to be entertained and amazed this season as you discover “It’s your Symphony… with a Twist!” The Symphony of Southeast Texas’ (SOST) 62nd season promises to be filled with excitement and intrigue as they perform well-known classics, but then twist it up with something new or unique that might not be expected.

“We have planned a little bit of something for everyone this season,” said SOST Music Director Chelsea Tipton, II. “Whether you love the traditional performances of the classics or are looking for a new interpretation of what a symphony can be, you will enjoy our concerts. Come see how we take your Symphony to the next level!”

The season begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 with the Classics Series, Concert 1 “Appalachian Arabian Nights” featuring one of the most unique string instruments that is rarely heard with a symphony orchestra – the mandolin. Virtuoso mandolinist, Jeff Midkiff will perform his concerto “From the Blue Ridge.” Midkiff, a mandolinist and fiddler raised on bluegrass in Roanoke, Va. is also a professional clarinetist. The orchestra begins the evening with Hérold’s “Zampa Overture and will conclude with the classic Rimsky-Korsakov beautiful, symphonic poem “Scheherazade.”

“Appalachian Arabian Nights” is sponsored by Goodyear Beaumont Chemical.

At 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25 “The British are Coming” in Classics Series, Concert 2 to offer the opportunity to hear some of the best English melodies ever written -- Boyce’s Symphony No. 5, Vaughn-Williams’ “Fantasia on Greensleeves” and Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks.” We twist it up with a non-British master – Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto” featuring the SOST’s principal clarinetist Ronald White.

“The British are Coming” is sponsored in part by Entergy; guest artist Ronald White’s appearance made possible by Total.

The SOST takes guests “Home for the Holidays” at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7 for the annual Holiday Concert, a joyful celebration of the season featuring popular holiday songs performed in grand style by the orchestra and a festive carol sing-a-long. “Home for the Holidays” is a great way to begin the yuletide season with family and friends. Our concert features “Sleigh Ride,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” and more favorites that will get you in the holiday spirit. You’ll leave the concert ready to begin your family’s festivities cherished but once a year. The Calder Baptist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church choirs will join us in this joyous performance.

*This concert is not part of the season subscription package. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

Guests will enjoy a story time classic set to music at Classics Series, Concert 3 -- “Musical ‘Tails’ Remixed” at 7:30 p.m.

on Saturday, Jan. 24, which includes a time-honoured presentation of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 and is juxtaposed with a unique, visually translated performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.”Prokofiev’s timeless musical tale comes roaring to life with the SOST and a vaudeville-inspired performance by actor Michael Boudewyns from theater ensemble “Really Inventive Stuff.” The orchestra portrays each character with different instruments -- flutes flutter like a bird, clarinets stalk like a cat, and horns glare like a big hungry wolf.

This performance is guaranteed to engage and inspire imaginations of all ages.

Mr. Boudewyns’ appearance made possible in part by Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

The “SOST Goes to the Movies” for the Symphony Pops Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and will take guests on a magical trip to the movies with favorite film music including “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Star Trek,” “Titanic,” “SpiderMan,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” beloved favorites by Henry Mancini, James Horner, and of course, John Williams. "This will be a wonderful trip down memory lane for guests as they hear melodies from those movies they love,” said Maestro Tipton. “This is a rare opportunity to hear those themes performed by a live orchestra, as well.”

The Pops concert is sponsored by Capital One Bank; visual multimedia made possible in part by Mason Construction, Ltd.

Guests will “Rach’ On!” at Classics Series, Concert 4 - the grand finale concert of the season begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 as the orchestra is joined by the SOST Chorus and local favorite, guest pianist Philippe Bianconi for performances not to be missed. Bianconi returns to the Julie Rogers Theatre stage to dazzle the audience with his artistry and amazing command of the piano. The unique twist for this concert is that he will perform two works: Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a rare feat for any pianist.

“Rach’ On!” is sponsored by Rosine McFaddin Wilson; Mr. Bianconi’s appearance made possible in part by the Beaumont Music Commission Charlene L. Kiker Guest Artist Endowment; Symphony Chorus’ appearance made possible in part by Christus-St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Maestro Tipton will also host a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. before each of the Classics Series concerts on Sept. 20; Oct. 25; Jan. 24, and April 11, featuring special guests.

All performances are held at the Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl St. in Beaumont.

Season tickets are available with prices ranging from $77 to $153. Single ticket prices range from $17 to $41; senior, student and group discounts are available. To purchase tickets or get more information, go to www.sost.org or contact the Symphony office at (409) 892-2257.

The Symphony of Southeast Texas continues its mission of presenting educational, entertaining, and culturally enriching programs of the highest artistic quality and, as always, promises to be “Good to the last note!”