Texas A&M International University

Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra Performs Final Season Concert at TAMIU Sunday

On Sunday May 16th, at 4 p.m., the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) will perform the last in its four concert series "Laredo Takes on the World" at Texas A&M International University's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

The final concert in this 24th Season is entitled "Lite Classics" and features very popular music of the 17th and 18th century. The program will include music by Handel, Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Jenkens, Rodrigo and Mozart. The featured soloist is Dr. Gilberto Soto, chair, department of fine and performing arts at TAMIU, who will perform the Concerto in D by Antonio Vivaldi and the hugely popular slow movement from the "Concierto de Arajuez" by Joaquin Rodrigo.

"This concert program has something for everyone," said LPO music director Brendan Townsend. All of the music being performed will be familiar to audiences from its use in TV shows, films and commercials.

Concert ticket prices are $20 for adults, $12 for seniors and free to current students at TAMIU and Laredo Community College. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

In September 2002 the LCC and TAMIU administrations entered into an agreement with the board of the LPO to provide a faculty member to serve as music director, as well as providing housing for offices and performances. This resulted in the hiring in August 2003 of Townsend as LPO music director and faculty member at both LCC and TAMIU. Since the, he has built up the orchestras at both campuses and has steered a new course for the LPO in producing a very successful and appealing concert season.

For further information, contact Townsend at (956) 326-3039 or btownsend@tamiu.edu.