250 Briefs—Oct. 17, 2007

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From staff reports / News Virginian
Published: October 16, 2007

Orchestra welcomes new music director, announces concert dates

The Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra (WSO) invites classical music lovers of all ages to join in welcoming its new music director and conductor, Peter Wilson, when the orchestra opens its 11th season at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 in Waynesboro at First Presbyterian Church and 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 in Staunton at Mary Baldwin's Francis Auditorium. The orchestra will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven and Korngold, as well as Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor featuring Mary Baldwin professor and Music Department Head Lise Keiter-Brotzman as piano soloist. Admission is free.

Wilson looks forward to taking the podium in his debut with the WSO particularly in light of the repertoire to be performed.

"We have chosen to commemorate some milestones in music for our season opening program," Wilson said. "As I lead the WSO for the first time and join their wonderful history of more than a decade, we will feature Beethoven's 'Coriolan' Overture, which was composed just 200 years ago, along with works by Grieg, who passed away 100 years ago, and Korngold who passed away 50 years ago. Of course, we only missed Mozart's 250th birthday by a year, but one rarely needs an excuse to perform works of this great master. On a personal note, I have been inspired by the WSO musicians and how they have embraced this program with such enthusiasm. It has been a joy to work with everyone, and these concerts are sure to be quite exciting."

According to WSO Board Chairman Charles Salembier, "Peter Wilson understands music and brings passion to every performance." Wilson, who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in orchestral studies from the Catholic University of America, is a Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and serves with "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band. He has made regular appearances at the White House since 1990 performing as a violin soloist and section principal in the Marine Orchestra. He also makes frequent appearances as Guest Conductor with the National Gallery Orchestra of Washington, D.C., and throughout the United States as a conductor, violin soloist and performance clinician. Wilson replaces Jean Mont-s, who recently accepted a teaching position out of state.

The Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra is comprised of local musicians dedicated to bringing classical music to the community. The WSO welcomes new musicians. All contributions are tax deductible. For further information, please visit the group's Web site at http://www.waynesborosymphonyorchestra.org.

Third Fridays hosts Boogie Kings

Third Fridays returns to Waynesboro on Friday with the return of The Boogie Kings and two shows instead of one.

The Boogie Kings will serve as the headliner of the evening with shows beginning at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. In addition to the Kings, the River City Radio Hour returns with jazz singer Llyn Walker, comedian Marsha Howard and a "special appearance" by Elvis.

The free concert series and music hour will take place in Willow Oak Plaza on Broad Street, beside the Artisans Center of Virginia.

The Boogie Kings perform music of the decades - with the songs of Scott Joplin, Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Ray Charles. The ensemble features Richard Adams on a number of instruments, including the trumpet, saxophone, banjo and tuba; William Hayes, a virtuoso on piano and accordion; and J.T. Fauber, known for his versatility on all percussion instruments.

The Third Fridays concert series and music hour is presented by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. and the Wayne Theatre Alliance.

For more information on the Third Fridays event, call (540) 943-9999 or visit http://www.waynesboroculture.com.

Bridgewater to host 'Macbeth'

Theatre at Bridgewater College will present William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" on Nov. 1-4 on the Cole Hall stage as part of Family Weekend.

Curtain time for "Macbeth" is 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for non-BC students, children and senior citizens. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (540) 828-8000.

The play, directed by Dr. Scott Cole, assistant professor of theater, is Shakespeare's shortest and darkest tragedy, yet still retains its ability to shock. A timeless play about power, ambition, guilt, insecurity, humanity and superstition, "Macbeth" never forgets that the demons we conjure ourselves are the ones we should fear the most.

A talkback with the cast and production crew will be held in Cole Hall immediately following the Friday evening performance and is open to the public.

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