WSU Symphony Orchestra to present Dec. 1 concert WSU Symphony Orchestra to present Dec. 1 concert

Faculty artists Andrea Banke, oboe, and Dean Roush, composition, highlight the upcoming concert by the Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the CAC Theater. The program will be conducted by Mark Laycock. Tickets ($7 for general admission with discounts available) may be purchased through the Fine Arts Box Office 978-3233 on online at http://www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice.

The orchestra will also present the world premiere of "Ars Poetica" by Dean Roush. Inspired by a short verse by poet Tom Andrews (1961-2001), the dramatic, colorful work features a series of variations based upon an introductory motive. Director of Musicology-Composition at WSU, Roush recently won the William D. Revelli Memorial Band Composition Contest for his piece "Illuminations."

Brahms' Symphony No. 3 in F Major will also be performed. Composed in 1883, the Third Symphony is the most concentrated and, arguably, most cohesive of the four, owing to the presence of a recurring motto. Outlining the interval of a third, the notes F-A-F represent "frei aber froh" ("free but happy"), Brahms' personal declaration of convivial independence. The symphony is replete with the composer's trademark characteristics: lush harmonies, arching melodies, rhythmic vitality and glorious culminations.