LPO Bows 'Wanders in Europe' Jan. 31 at LCC

Laredoans will have an opportunity to take a musical journey to Europe on Saturday, Jan. 31, as the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra presents its concert "Wanders in Europe" at 7:30 p.m.in the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center at Laredo Community College.

The second in the LPO's 24th season, the concert will feature piano soloist Dr. Fritz Gechter and will include selections from Tchaikovsky, Addinsell, Brahms, Smetena, Dvorak and Tourina. Dr. Gechter, associate professor of piano at Texas A&M International University, will perform Addinsell's demanding "Warsaw Concerto."

Tickets are $20 at the door and $12 for seniors. They can also be reserved in advance by calling 326.3078 or by visiting the LCC Business Office, located in LCC's University Hall, room 121. Persons interested in buying season tickets for the remaining 3 concerts can do so for $50 per ticket .

Music director Brendan Townsend said the season's musical travels approach is designed to offer concert-goers a unique musical experience and bring the world's music home to Laredo.

"Throughout the season, we're visiting the great musical capitals. Each concert brings to life the sounds and spirit of different cultures and countries, and is sure to delight audiences of every taste," Townsend said.

The LPO is enjoying a revival of interest fueled in part by an innovative collaboration between both LCC and TAMIU that is enabling it to reach larger audiences. The collaboration provides the LPO with management assistance and performance venues as well as strengthening educational opportunities for students and community members at large.

LPO Board president Theresa Nimchan agreed the collaboration has already enabled the LPO to reach a larger audience.

"Thanks to the collaboration between LCC and TAMIU, the LPO can truly reach everyone with an interest in music and the arts on both sides of our border, enriching our communities and our shared lives.Through this innovative collaboration, we can continue to strive for excellence as we educate and entertain all age groups, and incorporate all aspects of the arts in our communities," she explained.

Remaining performances in the LPO's 24th Season are as follows:
 
Sunday, April 4 - "Springtime" at the LCC Martinez Fine Arts Center.
 
Sunday, May 16 - "Lite Classics" at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.