Family Fun at LPO's 'Silvery Shadows' Performance at TAMIU, Nov. 7

Celebrate an afternoon of family fun, learn how the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra works and enjoy music set to conjure images of grisly specters at "Silvery Shadows," Sunday, November 7 at 4 p.m. in Texas A&M International University's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

Brendan Townsend, LPO music director and conductor, said "Silvery Shadows" takes on the seasonal theme of "Spooks, Phantoms, Dreams and More."

"The first part of the concert features a comic piece for the orchestra and a group of local actors called "Phantom of the Orchestra." In the musical play, the Phantom grows tired of hearing the orchestra's rehearsals and decides to sabotage the orchestra to try to make them play badly. Then the audience will cancel their subscriptions and he will finally get some peace and quiet.

"It's an educational family program, but the play provides the audience with a fun lesson on the different instruments used in an orchestra and how an orchestra works," Townsend explained.

The eclectic mix of music includes: Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," "Mediation from Thais" and Bach's "Air on a G String." The musical play "Phantom of the Orchestra" was written by Justin Locke and features a group of local actors whose comedic personalities are sure to delight all ages.

The second half of the concert features spooky music including "Dance of the Blessed Spirits" by Gluck, the ever-popular "Danse Macabre" of Saint-Saens, and "Night on Bald Mountain" by Mussorgsky which tells the tale of spirits rising to dance on the evening of St. John's Day.

Tickets are $20 per adult and $12 for senior citizens. All TAMIU and LCC students receive free admission with student ID. All local high school and elementary school students will also receive free admission.

Tickets are available at LCC and TAMIU business offices, Elmo Lopez Music Company, The Jardiniere, Foster's, Piccirillos and Starbucks at the corner of Del Mar and McPherson.

The remaining LPO season is as follows:

Sunday, February 27 at 4 p.m. - LCC

"From the Stage and Silver Screen," featuring music made popular on the opera stage and through movies.

Sunday, April 17 at 4 p.m. - TAMIU

"Golden Ages" brings forth beautiful works from the "Golden Ages" of music from baroque to modern. The concert will feature the brilliant young pianist Adam Jackson from Fort Worth, winner of the 2004 Young Texas Artists Competition.

In addition to the season, the LPO plans to collaborate with the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale and United High School Choir to perform Beethoven's "9th Symphony" in January 2005 to celebrate the organization's 25th Silver Anniversary Season and the City of Laredo's 250th Anniversary.

For additional information, please contact Townsend at 326.3039. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.