Free performance of Bryon Symphony today

And a concert overture that has reigned supreme for well over 100 years, the “1812 Overture” of Russian composer Tchaikovsky, is also on the playbill, along with such perennial crowd-pleasers as Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “An Artist’s Life” by Johann Strauss, Jr, nicknamed the Waltz King.

“In lieu of live cannon fire or pyrotechnics, the use of which would be restricted by law, we’re importing some special sound effects for the grand climax of the “1812 Overture,” said Dan Allcott, Byran Symphony music director and conductor. “We think the total effect with the orchestra will be very exciting, a concert the audience will not soon forget,” he added.

The annual free concert is made possible by a major gift from Sam and Diane Glasgow in honor and in memory of their parents, according to Gail Luna, BSO executive director. Additional support is provided by Self-Defined Forest Services of Cookeville and the Community Bank of the Cumberlands, also headquartered in Cookeville.

“A large part of our mission is to make fine music accessible to the entire public and to showcase the exceptional quality of our orchestra,” Mrs Luna commented. “The generous financial support from these benefactors makes events such as this possible, and we and the whole community are very grateful for their continuing commitment to that mission.”

This evening’s program serves as the season opener for the Bryan Symphony, the resident orchestra at Tennessee Tech University. Mahler’s Symphony No 1, “The Titan,” and Mozart’s Divertimento for Strings are slated for the first installment in the subscription concert series, Sunday afternoon, Oct. 21, in the Bryan Fine Arts.

Season tickets are available by calling 931.372.6088. A very limited number of individual concert tickets may be available at the door prior to the 3 p.m. programs, but persons interested in single admissions should call in advance.