Shubert’s last is just the beginning for the East Texas Community Philharmonic Orchestra Friday night.
The Studio Kilgore’s Shannon Roberts was in the midst of working on a key goal, finishing her Masters, when the idea struck last semester.
“One of the pieces I had been studying was Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony,” she said. “It just gave me the idea to look at some of the other famous ‘Lasts’ other composers have done.”
It’ll be the first Spring concert for the local orchestra members when they take the Van Cliburn Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. May in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center at Kilgore College. Admission’s free for all ages.
Launched in Fall 2024 at The Studio, the group now rehearses Monday evenings at Kilgore College. The community orchestra has grown to about 35 performers under Roberts’ baton and KC’s partnership.
“The concert is going to feature Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and a couple of other famous last works by great composers,” Roberts said. For example, “We’re going to do one of the themes from Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, ‘March Triumphant.'”
In addition to the night’s musical selections, the KC Visuals Program’s Student Spring Show is on display right now through May 9. The Juried Exhibition opened April 21 and visitors are welcome 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday with free admission.
Friday’s performance is produced in coordination with Kilgore College Dean of Music Peter Cunningham, Roberts said. He’s been instrumental in supporting the orchestra effort along with Derek Logozo, who facilitates the grassroots group’s use of the KC Band Hall and equipment.
Another key component to the orchestra’s growth, Roberts added, is KC Foundation’s Merlyn Holmes, who cultivated the orchestra’s essential relationship with KC.
“She set everything in motion,” Roberts praised, “helping us grow beyond The Studio Kilgore downtown and form such a good partnership with Kilgore College.”
Next week, the Studio will host its Spring Fine Arts Showcase, spotlighting achievements by its student artists. Set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, the free and open-to-the-public event will feature performance by the downtown arts education center’s ballet classes, youth orchestras, Treble Choir and artwork by students under Micaela Loomis.
For more information about the East Texas Community Orchestra and other local arts outreaches, log on to TheStudioKilgore.com.
