The West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra will close its 2011-2012 season on April 19 with a program of vibrant, exciting dance music.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre of the Creative Arts Center.

The performance will feature dance-inspired music from Mexico, Russia, Spain, France and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

WVU’s rock cello group “Trio” is featured on the program.

“Trio” consists of three undergraduate cellists, Rayce Leib, Nathan Lavender and Chris Jones. Together they compose, arrange, play, and sing their own music, in addition to performing some covers.

“I am thrilled to program WVU’s very own rock cello ensemble “Trio” with our orchestra. They have been burning up their strings since they formed,” said conductor Mitchell Arnold, who is director of orchestral studies at WVU. “Their passionate intensity is evident from first note to last.”

The program also features “Polovtsian Dances” by Alexander Borodin, Maurice Ravel’s exquisite “Pavane” and “Three Spanish Dances” by Enrique Granados. The stunning finale features Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas’s “Sensemay�,” an intense, rhythmic work depicting an ancient snake killing ritual.

Arnold received a doctorate in conducting from Northwestern University and has an extensive background in new music. Before coming to WVU, he was director of orchestras at Northern Illinois University and assistant director of orchestras at Northwestern University. He has also served on the faculties at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music.

For concert tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW.

Check out the WVU Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook page and their website at http://wvuso.weebly.com/.

-WVU-

lb 4/13/12

CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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