Bringing the "Old World, New World" season of the Minot Symphony Orchestra to a close on Saturday, conductor Dennis Simons presents "The Long Way Home."
"I basically designed this concert around our senior honors winner, (percussionist) Justin Goetz," he said. "We haven't done this marimba number before. It's very jazzy."
Opening the concert is "Finlandia," by Jean Sibelius "Such a wonderful way to start an 'Old World, New World' program," Simons said in a nod to his heritage.
This is followed by "Gabriel's Oboe" from the Oscar-nominated score of "The Mission" by Ennio Morricone.
"This is set in South America, and has one of the most sublime melodies," Simons said. "Kari Files does a wonderful job on this. After this is the Marimba Concerto by Rosauro and Justin is just an astonishing player to listen to."
In honor of English composer John Barry, who died in January, the Minot Symphony Orchestra is playing the "Dances with Wolves Concert Suite" from the movie of the same name.
"It's a thoughtful sort of score," Simons said. "He received an Oscar for it. Then we have the 'Gadfly Suite,' taking it back to the old world with Shostakovich. He produces a sound very like an old-fashioned merry-go-round. I absolutely love it."
After the intermission, Simons keeps it in the Old World with "Boccaccio: Overture" by Franz von Suppe, which he said is a super piece, with all the glitter of Old Vienna and Old Paris about it.
The next selection, Bob Mintzer's "Rhythm of the Americas," brings it back to the New World with an Afro-Caribbean influence. The Assembly Saxophone Quartet -- which can be enjoyed apart from the orchestra in concerts Friday and Sunday -- will be featured on this number.
Staying with the cinematic undertone, Simons has scheduled "Highlights from Jurassic Park" -- "how Old World can you get?" he asked. "This puts closure on the Old World, New World theme for me."
The final two are patriotic classics -- the "Armed Forces Salute" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
"I hear the audiences applauding the veterans and active duty military members as each branch of the service is acknowledged during the salute, and I'm very happy to be able to support them in this way," he said.
Cost for admission is $5 to $25 based on seating choice. Reservations can be made by calling 858-4228.
Lecture
Prior to the concert, patrons are invited to join Minot Symphony Orchestra's Erik Anderson and special guests for a brief lecture beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Nelson Hall. These presentations will include an inside look at the symphony program for that evening, and what to listen for during the performance.
Admission to the pre-concert lecture is free with a season ticket or $5 per person, $10 per family without season tickets. MSU faculty, staff and students are admitted free.