WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
APRIL 18-25, 2018 UCW 9
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's 2017-18 season,
"Gone to Carolina," ends in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
"We began on the coast in October, and we end in
the mountains in April," said FSO president and CEO
Christine Kastner. The final concert, "Appalachian
Spring," takes place Saturday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m.
This season, new music director Stefan Sanders
led the FSO in a series of concerts that celebrated
and explored the geography, history and culture of
the Carolinas.
"Our final program is not to be missed," Sand-
ers said. "Aaron Copland's 'Appalachian Spring'
performed live is an unforgettable experience. The
piece encapsulates in music what it means to be
American and is perhaps the single greatest piece
of American music ever written."
While Copland's composition is the centerpiece of
the concert, many other works that evoke springtime
and the majesty of the Carolina mountain ranges
will also be played. These include two favorites by
the renowned romantic Finnish composer Jean Si-
belius: "Valse Triste," which Sanders calls "achingly
beautiful," and the ever-popular "Finlandia."
Guest soloist Alex Jokippi, Sanders' previous
colleague and principal trumpet of the Buffalo
Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform a new con-
certo composed for him by Finnish violinist and
composer Jaako Kuusisto.
"2018 also marks the 100th Anniversary of
Leonard Bernstein's birth, and to commemorate
his incredible legacy, we will perform his vivacious
and lovable overture to 'Candide,'" Sanders said.
Attendees can also look forward to the an-
nouncement of FSO's 2018-19 season plans. Bro-
chures will be available. Kastner has kept a tight lid
on her and Sanders' ideas, but she did let one big
teaser loose: "Star Wars" fans will be pleased with
one of the season's concerts.
For those who couldn't wait until April 21 or who
will not be able to attend the season's last concert,
FSO held a Season Announcement Party downtown
at Park View on Tuesday, April 17, from 5-6:30 p.m.
"We think there is something for everyone in next
season," Kastner said. "We have thoroughly enjoyed
our Carolina-themed season, especially as a way
to help Stefan get to know our community and our
state, but we are also excited about next season,
which will have variety from start to finish."
"Appalachian Spring" takes place Saturday, April
21, at 7:30 p.m., at Fayetteville State University's
Seabrook Auditorium. A Pre-Concert Talk will oc-
cur at 6:45 p.m., offering audience members the op-
portunity to learn more about the music they will
hear that evening.
To purchase tickets, which range from $11-$26,
visit w w w.fayettevillesymphony.org.
FSO brings Appalachian springtime to the Sandhills
by LESLIE PYO
EVENTS
LESLIE PYO, Assistant Editor.
COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom-
ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200.
The concert will feature guest soloist trumpeter Alex
Jokippi of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Artwork by Rose Kennedy.
