Southern Georgia Symphony presents Bach, Barber, and Strauss Feb. 17 and 18

February 6, 2007

The Southern Georgia Symphony, under the direction of Cheung Chau, continues its 2006-2007 season with ‘An Appointment with Bach, Barber and Strauss,” featuring two special guests, soprano Heidi Bindhammer and flutist Anna Thibeault. The concerts will be held in Savannah on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. in the Lucas Theatre, and in Statesboro on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

‘An Appointment with Bach, Barber and Strauss” will include Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3; Barber’s Adagio; Strauss’ Pizzicato Polka; Bach’s Orchestral Suite no.2 in b minor, featuring Anna Thibeault on flute; Barber’s Knoxville Summer, featuring Heidi Bindhammer, soprano; Strauss’ Radetzky March; and Bach’s Coffee Cantata. The ‘Rest of the Season” tickets for 2006-2007, and individual tickets, can be purchased by contacting the Performing Arts Center Box Office in Statesboro, 912-486-7999, and in Savannah, the SCAD Box Office at 912-525-5050. For more information, visit the Southern Georgia Symphony Web site at www.SouthernGeorgiaSymphony.org

Music Director and Conductor Cheung Chau shared his thoughts about this performance. ‘Bach is the patriarch of music and represents the epitome of the Baroque ideals of classical music,” said Chau. He continued, ‘Barber really loved the music of Bach and his pieces are very rich and somber his compositions go right to the heart and are very deep. Barber is also a favorite among American composers.”

Chau continued, ‘Strauss, on the other hand, is very light and easily accessible, providing a good contrast with Barber and Bach. This concert has something for everyone and I look forward to seeing many music lovers and new patrons in the audience. ”

Upcoming Southern Georgia Symphony Performances include: East Georgia Medical Center’s ‘Music in Memoriam,” to be performed in Statesboro on Monday, April 9, and Memorial Health’s ‘Music in Memoriam,” to be performed in Savannah on Tuesday, April 10. The season concludes with the Statesboro Herald and Statesboro Connect Pops Concert in Statesboro on Sunday, April 29, and the COMCAST Pops Concert in Savannah on Tuesday, May 1. ‘Mercer and the Movies,” showcasing the timeless classics of Savannah’s own Johnny Mercer, will be presented during both Pops Concert performances.

The Southern Georgia Symphony is a partnership between Georgia Southern University and other organizations committed to bringing a high-quality symphonic series to the Coastal Georgia region, including WTOC-TV, Clear Channel Radio Savannah, Savannah Morning News, Belford’s, The River 98.7, East Georgia Regional Medical Center, Comcast, Bank South, Memorial Health, The Statesboro Herald, Connect Savannah, Connect Statesboro, Northland Cable, Sea Island Bank and Smack Dab Studios. The Southern Georgia Symphony is proud to serve the artistic needs of the broad and diverse community of Coastal Georgia. The Southern Georgia Symphony has expanded its reach, visibility and influence within the region so it may substantially contribute to the wealth of cultural life in the area, enhance the musical education of young audiences, contribute to economic growth and build strong ties with each community.