Shoals Symphony brings Haydn to stage

March 3 a mass choir will join the Shoals Symphony at the University of North Alabama to present Hadyn’s “Lord Nelson Mass.”

“Nothing captivates the senses like witnessing over 250 talented musicians all on one stage,” said music director and conductor Dr. Daniel Stevens. “We eagerly await to reign in spring with a Sunday afternoon classics concert.”

Vocalists from UNA Choirs, Calhoun Community College Chorale and Florence Camerata will combine to form the mass choir. With the largest orchestra of the season, more than 250 musicians will fill the Norton Auditorium stage.

Gwen Schajatovic, director of operations for Shoals Symphony Orchestra, said a few of the vocalists in the Florence Camerata hail from Franklin County, as well as select students in the UNA Choirs.

Other highlights of the program are set to include a performance by UNA vocal student Jessica Rice, soprano, and the world premiere of UNA student composer Chase Hampton’s work entitled “Tangent.” Rice and Hampton are this year’s winners of the annual UNA Solo Artist Competition.

Annually, the Shoals Symphony at UNA hosts a Solo Artist Competition for UNA music students. The competition encompasses students from every musical talent. In November, more than 30 students competed in four preliminary divisions judged by UNA music faculty. A handful of finalists moved on to compete in a public finalists’ recital in January. Three prestigious musicians from professional orchestras or nearby universities serve as judges for the final round.

This event will be dedicated to Harriett Edwards, a long-time board member, donor and friend of the orchestra. She will be honored on stage preceding the event.

The concert, titled En Masse, begins at 3 p.m. in Norton Auditorium on the UNA campus. Adult tickets range from $20-30 and are available at shoalssymphony.una.edu; at the Shoals Symphony Office, 409 N. Court St., Suite 100, weekdays from 3-6 p.m.; and at the door. Tickets for students and children 12 and younger are on sale for $10.

Prior to the show will be the brief Pre-concert Lecture with Alan Flowers. The lecture will be held in the UNA Recital Hall at 2:15 p.m.

For more information, visit shoalssymphony.una.edu or call 256-710-1623.