The public is invited to Southwest Symphony Society’s orchestra concert, “An American Original” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Showcase Theater on the Seward County Community College campus. Admission is a free-will donation at the door and refreshments will be served.

“Our local musicians volunteer their time and talents,” said Conductor Josiah Smiddy, “and they have been working several months now to put together a concert featuring some of our outstanding American composers and some of our most beloved American music. One of the things that we are doing different this concert is that we are including a poetry reading to compliment one of our music selections.” Smiddy has been serving as the conductor for the Southwest Symphony orchestra since August 2017.

“I think our conductor has done a great job of mixing classical and contemporary music to provide some outstanding concerts,” said Kay Burtzloff, Southwest Symphony Society president. “I think people are often surprised at the depth of talent we have in our community.”

The concert will feature the following selections:
· The Star-Spangled Banner – John Stafford Smith, Francis Scott Key
· Rhapsody in Blue – George Gershwin
· Appalachian Morning – Robert Sheldon
· American Portrait – Robert W. Smith
· Oh Shenandoah – Traditional
· The poem, “If You’re Not From the Prairie” – by David Bouchard
· Prairiesong – Carl Strommen
· I Got the Sun in the Mornin’ – Irving Berlin
· Wilderness – Tim Shackelton

Concert personnel include:
· Strings: Bethany Adams, Rebekah Strand, Blinda Massa, Alison Grahe, Nancy Allen
· Woodwinds: Marieka Ford, Alisa Henderson, Shelly Rowson, Derrick Kraft, Liz Heath
· Brass: Sherry Moentmann, Chris Ford, Liz Heath, Noel Delgado, Abishai Castaneda, Alex Goossen
· Soprano – Isabelle Sullenger

The Southwest Symphony Society is a Liberal non-profit organization, established in 1961, dedicated to promoting classical and contemporary music in the community utilizing the talents of local and professional musicians. For more information, call 620- 629-0203 or visit the Southwest Symphony Society’s Facebook page.