The Richmond Symphony will perform at Longwood University on Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Jarman Auditorium, as stated in a press release by Communications and Media Relations Director Matthew McWilliams.
Many students and professors at Longwood are greatly influenced by the symphony, including Dr. Charles Kinzer, who is a professor of music history and provides music lessons for the clarinet and saxophone at Longwood.
"A significant addition to the cultural life at Longwood University," said Kinzer. “(The audience will be partaking) in a tradition by seeing it.”
He said listening to the Richmond Symphony perform is very unique and distinct from music that students and professors regularly listen to, such as pop music from the radio. He attended one of the symphony's performances last year.
Kinzer listened to the Richmond Symphony perform "Manfred Symphony" by the classical music composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which was a piece he had never heard before until then. He was captivated by the performance and described it as a wonderful piece that told the story of Manfred from English literature.
"They played it really well," Kinzer said. "Their (the symphony) music can carry you away like a movie or novel."
The concert will include pieces by Rossini, Beethoven and Dan Visconti, and will feature Grammy Award-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux, according to the press release.
Kinzer pointed out that many students, not just those who are majoring in music, annually enjoy their performances. He said seeing the symphony performance can give students, especially those who play musical instruments, a chance to see professionals "in action."
It was also mentioned by Kinzer that many students make personal connections with the Richmond Symphony as well as students having the ability to incorporate their listening and observational skills throughout the performances.
Kinzer stated that many students show support for the symphony and consider listening to their performaces "a new experience."
Tickets are on sale for $20 as of Jan. 18 located at the Longwood Box Office and may be reserved by phone at (434) 395-2474, or purchased online (http://www.longwoodtickets.com) or in person, according to the press release.
The first 200 Longwood students to reserve tickets will be admitted for free, according to the press release.
The Richmond Symphony will continue its annual performances in Farmville, returnng to Longwood on Feb. 3.
