The University of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, directed by Robert Mueller, presents a cheerful and brilliantly evolving "Mastery" spring concert with two grand compositions featuring Romantic giants Richard Wagner and Antonin Dvorák.

The orchestra will begin this vivid performance with Wagner's Prelude to "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" (1868). Coming from a composer who is known for creating seriously passionate and dramatic operas and other musical works, the prelude is a surprisingly uplifting and light-hearted, yet the strength of Wagner is still inevitably present.

Dvorák's Symphony #8 in G Major, Op. 88 (1889) is another delightful piece, which the composer wrote during an optimistic time while vacationing at a resort and embracing nature in Bohemia. Each of the four movements is structured in its own unique way while adhering to Bohemian-style folk music themes. Dvorak's melodic brilliance, skillful orchestration, and captivating harmonic language all add to the appeal of this timeless work.

A pre-concert lecture will be presented at 6:30 p.m. by UAMusic professors Chalon Ragsdale and Theresa Delaplain with Nicole Cotton, director of the Faulkner Performing Arts Center. 

Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 7:30pm
Faulkner Performing Arts Center
$10 general admission; $5 students, faculty, seniors