LINDSBORG - There's a new music ensemble in Lindsborg.
Bethany College recently announced the formation of the Chamber Orchestra of the Smoky Valley.
The ensemble is scheduled to perform its first concert at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Swedish Pavilion of the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. The concert will feature works by Richard Wagner, Frank Bridge, and Ludwig Beethoven. The concert is open to the public at no charge, however, donations are welcomed and encouraged.
Supported by one of Bethany College's Presidential Strategic Grants and further supported by the Lindsborg Arts Council, the chamber orchestra is an auditioned, regional ensemble of professional musicians that includes not only some Bethany faculty members, but musicians from Wichita, Salina, and Hutchinson as well. Seeking to educate and engage audience members through the performance of orchestral masterworks, the ensemble will be under the musical direction of Dr. Keith Dodson, assistant professor of music and director of instrumental studies, and led by Concertmaster Ann Samuelson, instructor of upper strings.
While there are many symphonic orchestras in the central Kansas area, this ensemble is unique in terms of its smaller size. The size allows the group to create a level of intimacy in their performance and venues that creates a different concert experience from the large halls of symphonic orchestras.
You can get reminders of upcoming events by following the group on its Facebook page.