Symphony Orchestra Features Works by Bloch and Dvorak

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Stephen Gates

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University Symphony Orchestra will present its first concert of the semester at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, in Walton Arts Center’s Baum Walker Concert Hall.

The evening will include works by Swiss-born American composer Ernest Bloch and Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. The performance will feature Stephen Gates, professor of music on cello.

“The students work hard to present very difficult music at a professional level,” said Robert Mueller, conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and professor of composition and theory.

The program will be as follows:

• Schelomo, a Hebrew rhapsody for cello and orchestra, by Ernest Bloch, featuring soloist Stephen Gates, cello
• Symphony No. 9, From the New World, by Antonin Dvorak

The orchestra presents two concerts every semester, performing works from the standard symphonic repertoire. This auditioned student ensemble of approximately 75 musicians is primarily comprised of music majors, but a sizable minority are non-majors.  The students meet three times per week for 50-minute rehearsals to prepare for the concerts.

General admission is $5 and $1 for students. Walton Arts Center is located on Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville. Paid parking is available in lots near Walton Arts Center.