Texas A&M International University

Fresh Season, Fresh Music with 'Springtime' Concert Sunday

Spring has sprung and the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra is offering a field of fresh notes with "Springtime," the latest offering in its 24th Concert Season Sunday, April 4 at 4:00 p.m. at the Laredo Community College Martinez Fine Arts Building.

Among the music to be presented will be the ever-popular "William Tell" Overture, the "Idylle Printemps" of Frederich Delius, and the "Voices of Spring Waltz " of Johann Strauss II.

In the program's second half, the orchestra will be joined by the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale and soloists Suzanne Ramo (Soprano), Billy Craven (Tenor) and Dr. Joseph Crabtree (Baritone), for a performance of the very moving "Seven Last Words of Christ" by Theodore Dubois.

Brendan Townsend, the new LPO music director and conductor, said that the afternoon's program will help to usher in Laredo's Spring.

"This is perhaps one of our most joyous programs, rich with allusions to how the season is presented by various composers from different countries as we continue to our 24th Season, 'Take on the World.' We encourage our audience to join us in this musical celebration of the season," Townsend said.

"I am thrilled to be working so closely with my colleagues - Suzanne and Joe -and of course the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale who have brought much wonderful choral music to the ears of the community for a long time,"he added.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for seniors and are available at the business offices at Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University or by phone reservation at (956) 326-3078.

Of additional interest is a special "Conversations with the Conductor" offering on Friday, April 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at Espuma's Coffee Shop.

Conductor Townsend will engage in conversations with audience and some musicians about the music being presented at the April 4 concert and discuss the music, composers and experience that concert-goers can anticipate.

The remaining Season Schedule is as follows:

Sunday, May 16, "Lite Classics at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

For additional information, please contact Brendan Townsend at 326-3039 / 721-5258 or by e-mail at btownsend@laredophilharmonic.org.