With the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s season in full swing, the organization is putting the spotlight on Classical Masterpieces during its performance on Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m. The performance will be held in Reeves Auditorium on the campus of Methodist University.

The fourth performance in the orchestrat’s five concert season, will feature works from three well-known composers: Antonio Vivaldi, Franz Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven. Under the direction of Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, the symphony has a unique performance in store for its audience.

Showcasing the talents of Dr. Timothy Atlman and Dr. Larry Wells, Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets will be one of the highlights of the performance. Concertos for two trumpets were quite popular during the Baroque.The Republic of Venice had long tradition of ceremonial music for brass instruments, especially the trumpet. The instrument in Vivaldi’s time was technically primitive compared to today’s instrument, having no valves or keys to permit the full range of chromatic notes. The composition is bright in character and was probably written for some festive event. It was unknown until its discovery in the 1920s, but it follows the composer’s usual three movement fast-slow-fast format. 

The symphony will also present Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in B fl at Major. It is also a festive composition that

Haydn’s Symphony No. 88 in G Major is a well-respected piece, and served to give Haydn recognition as one of the most innovative and creative minds of his time. Unlike the other two featured performances, Haydn’s work is initially somber in nature; however, the development becomes increasingly dramatic in mood, and the recapitulation is a re-orchestration of the original material, including a charming flute solo.

If you want to attend the show, there will be free shuttle rides from Highland Presbyterian Church to Methodist University. Tickets for Classical Masterpieces are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and members of the military, $8 for students and Methodist University ID holders are free with their student ID.

On March 7, the symphony will host a special performance at Highland Country Club to announce its next season. The event is open to the public.

For more information on the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, call (910) 433-4690 or visit the Web site at www.fayettevillesymphony.org.