Ashland Symphony Orchestra presenting concerts March 9, one an introduction to instruments

The Ashland Symphony Orchestra will present two concerts Saturday, March 9, at the Robert M. & Janet L. Archer Auditorium at Ashland High School.

The free family concert begins at 4 p.m. The one-hour program prepared by Grammy award winning conductor Michael Repper and Ashland University student Leanna Uselton, is designed to introduce listeners to the instruments in the orchestra, a variety of musical styles and to the composer Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Cellist and teen prodigy Aurelia Faidley-Solars will perform Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations.

The instrument petting zoo and several star-related crafts will be available starting at 3 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be given to each attendee while supplies last. Tickets are not required. The concert is sponsored by a grant from the Ashland County Community Foundation.

At 7:30 p.m. the ASO will present the music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Jessie Montgomery. With a nod toward the solar eclipse, this “Stargazing” concert opens with "Starburst," composed by Montgomery in 2012.

Rising star cellist Aurelia Faidley-Solars will perform Tchaikovsky’s "Rococo Variations." The second half of the program features Beethoven’s "Symphony No.4, "described as cheerful, lighthearted, sunny and youthful, full of invention and unexpected turns.

Faidley-Solars is the daughter of Ashland High School graduate Jonathan Solars and Elizabeth Faidley, and the granddaughter of Mark and Pam Solars of Jeromesville.

Tickets for “Stargazing” are $26 for adults and $23 for seniors and may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. Child and student tickets are free with the purchase of an adult or senior ticket, though they may be purchased for $5 each to benefit the Symphony.

The ASO offers reduced price tickets ($5) to persons receiving Medicaid, EBT, SNAP and WIC. Free and reduced-price tickets are only available by phone or at the door.

For tickets and more information call 419-289-5115 or visit www.ashlandsymphony.org.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland Symphony Orchestra presents 'Stargazing' March 9