CWSO opens 76th season with fundraiser and concert

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT — The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) is set to launch its 76th season with two special events this October.

The festivities begin with a fundraising event, “Rhapsody,” at Great Northern Distillery on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a signature cocktail, food from Purple Basil, and live music by “A Joyful Little Band.” The evening will also include a silent auction featuring handcrafted piano benches painted by local artisans. Guests will receive a complimentary embossed cocktail glass and have an opportunity to meet piano soloist Dr. Nicholas Roth.

Tickets are $40 and are available online at cwso.org or by calling 715-345-7726. Proceeds will support CWSO’s educational and outreach programs.

The season’s opening concert, “Blue with a Splash,” will be held Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sentry Theater. The concert will feature Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” Jennifer Higdon’s “blue cathedral,” Stephanie Berg’s “A Study in Red,” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed by Dr. Nicholas Roth on piano. Tickets are available at cwso.org or at the door.

Dr. Roth, a professor of piano at Drake University, holds degrees from Michigan State University and Indiana University and has recorded for Blue Griffin, Naxos, MSR Classics, and Innova.

The CWSO, composed of 65 musicians from the central Wisconsin region, is celebrating 76 years of enriching the arts in Central Wisconsin. More information about the season is available at cwso.org.