Friday deadline for symphony subscriptions

Friday is the last day to reserve tickets for the Southeast Missouri Symphony Subscription Series.

The orchestra will perform five concerts during the series. The cost of subscription tickets ranges from $27 to $54. The cost for students is $23.

Among the highlights are: A performance by Mark Sparks, principal flute for the St. Louis Symphony, on Nov. 16; "The Messiah" in December; Russian masterworks in March; concluding with "Feel the Spirit," a concert including African-American spirituals and a piece by the first great African-American composer, William Grant Still.

The season begins Oct. 21 when the Southeast Symphony Orchestra performs a concert titled "Family Favorites." The concert will feature Central High School senior Bonan Wang playing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1.

The concert also will feature young string students from the Southeast Music Academy's Suzuki program.

The concert will include the world premiere of "What's an Orchestra? A Brief History of the Symphony Orchestra," written by Southeast professor Robert Fruehwald.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in Academic Auditorium. Tickets are specially priced at $4 for anyone under age 18. Admission ranges from $5 to $12 for everyone else.

Phone 651-2265 for subscription or individual ticket information.

Subscription ticket holders receive priority seating in Academic Hall and Old St. Vincent's Church, guaranteed admission and a 10 percent discount on ticket prices.