University Symphony Orchestra Premieres Violin Concerto With Selim Giray

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Dr. Selim Giray

The University Symphony will feature guest violinist Selim Giray in its season opener concert on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Giray and the University Symphony, conducted by Robert Mueller, will give the North American premiere of Charles Horsley's Violin Concerto in D minor. Although Horsley, a student of Mendelssohn, wrote the concerto in the 19th century, it was only recently discovered and published. Also on the program will be "Totenfeier" (Funeral Rites), a symphonic poem by Gustav Mahler.

Turkish-born violinist Selim Giray is director of orchestral studies at the University of Mississippi. Previously, he served as assistant professor of music education and violin pedagogy at Wichita State University School of Music (2012-2015). Between 2007 and 2015, he served as concertmaster of the Ohio Light Opera, where he performed for 20,000 patrons each season and has been featured on eight CD's for Albany Records. Giray served as associate professor of violin, viola and artistic director and conductor of PSU Chamber Orchestra and Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra at Pittsburg State University between 2002-2012. Between the years of 2000 and 2003, Giray taught at Interlochen Arts Camp. As a violinist, Giray has performed extensively in four continents, and has appeared frequently on the radio and television, including the NPR. He has performed as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. In 2010, Giray was appointed field editor for the Edwin Mellen Press.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students, faculty, and seniors.