Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra to present ‘En Français’

For the Metro Wire

The CWSO continues its 69th season on February 17 and 18 with “En Français.”

Under the direction of Dr. Patrick Miles, and in partnership with the Wisconsin Trumpet Guild, the CWSO welcomes Marc Geujon, solo trumpet with the Paris Opera, who will perform Robert Planel’s “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra.”

A celebration of the ‘top brass,’ the concert will open with Verdi’s “Overture to Aida” and Richard Wagner’s “Rienzi: Overture.” “Pictures at an Exhibition” was composed by Modest Mussorgsky in a 20-day period in 1874 and was inspired by a commemorative exhibition of artwork and architecture in St. Petersburg.

Last performed by the CWSO in 2006, local artist Mark Brueggeman created paintings for each of the movements of the work, with the exception of the “Promenade.”

Brueggeman will complete the series at the concerts, where the artist will be on stage with the orchestra, painting in real time. The finished artwork will then be on display in the CWSO offices at the Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum and auctioned on-line until April 20.

The winner of the auction will be announced at the April 21 and 22 concerts. The winner of the 2017-18 “So You Think You Can Conduct” contest, Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, will take his turn on the podium, leading the CWSO in a surprise program offering.

The concerts will take place at Sentry Theater, 1800 Northpoint Drive, Stevens Point. Performances are Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 4 PM. Tickets are available on-line at cwso.org/tickets, the CWSO office, located in the Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum, 800 Main St., or at the door.

For more information about the CWSO, call 715-345-7726 or visit www.cwso.org.