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The Hays Symphony will present "Western Hemisphere," its opening gala concert featuring works from American composers of the 20th century at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in the Fort Hays State University Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
The ensemble is under the direction Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.
The program features "The Canyon" by Phillip Glass, "Mysterious Mountain (Symphony No. 2)" by Alan Hovhaness, and "The Western Hemisphere (Symphony No. 5)" by William Grant Still.
Conductor Buckstead has programmed an evening of music that will lead the audience on a wonderful journey inspired by the beautiful landscapes in our natural world.
"The Canyon" opens with a single pitch echoed throughout the instruments of the orchestra inviting the listener to imagine plateaus hanging above a canyon below. The opening theme of "Mysterious Mountain" leads the listener up the side of a mountain through magnificent ascending musical lines. "The Western Hemisphere Symphony" invites the audience to imagine through music the vigorous natural beauty, nervous energy and overshadowing spirit of kindness we all experience living in the Western Hemisphere.
A reception sponsored by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation will follow the concert.
All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.