ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- The Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony invites you to join us for an extravaganza concert, entitled “Starburst”—showcasing the talents of more than a hundred people on stage. Dr. Christopher Stanichar, Director of the AUCS, leads the orchestra for this final concert of the season.

The concert takes place on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the NSU Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater. There will be a Pre-Concert Conversation scheduled for 6:45-7:15 p.m. in the Berggren Recital Hall.

This performance is a “Starburst” of new music heard for the first time in Aberdeen. The concert includes the regional premiere of “Starburst” by African-American composer, Jessie Montgomery.

NSU Concerto-Aria winners will also appear with the orchestra: Dylan Rausch, tenor (class of 2022 from Yankton); and Lucas Frederick, euphonium (class of 2022 from Westport). Also on the program is Kodály’s “Háry János Suite”: a popular Hungarian work that features NSU student, Matěj Číp (class of 2022 from Czech Republic) on cimbalom. Cimbalom is an unusual Eastern European instrument that consists of a series of strings that is hit with soft hammers.

For the second half of the concert, the AUCS is joined by the NSU Choirs (Dr. Timothy Woods, Conductor), in a performance of Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria.” This is a bright and lively piece of music with Latin text written by the French composer in 1960. Dr. Darci Bultema will also sing with the orchestra in this amazing work.

Celebrating its 102nd season, AUCS is the oldest continuous orchestra in South Dakota, attracting musicians from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and the surrounding area. Stanichar, Assistant Professor of Music at NSU, is the 17th conductor of the orchestra.

All tickets to the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony are general admission and will be available at the door. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and NSU faculty/staff. Students will be admitted for free. Payment will be cash or check only; debit or credit cards will not be accepted. There will be no advance or online ticket sales.

For more information, contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.