ASU Symphony’s Final Concert 'Supermaximum!' Slated for May 10

SAN ANGELO, TX - The Angelo State University Symphony Orchestra will present its final concert of the spring season on Friday, May 10, at 4 p.m. at Southland Baptist Church, 4300 Meadow Creek Trail.

Titled "Supermaximum!," the concert is free and open to the public. The ASU Symphony Orchestra will be joined by students from the Central and Lake View high school orchestras for a powerful and engaging musical celebration conducted by Dr. Fagner Rocha, ASU director of orchestra, and Dr. Jonathan Alvis, ASU director of bands.

The vibrant musical program will feature performances ranging from Romantic virtuosity to contemporary innovation, including:

• "Dance of the Comedians" from "The Bartered Bride" by Bedrich Smetana
• "Scene de Ballet" by Charles de Beriot, featuring soloist Rocha on violin
• "Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 & 6" by Johannes Brahms
• "Gold" by Franklin Piland
• "Supermaximum" by Kenji Bunch

"Dance of the Comedians" is an energetic and humorous orchestral showpiece filled with Czech folk rhythms and infectious spirit. "Scene de Ballet" is a "dazzling" 19th-century showpiece that blends lyrical elegance with brilliant technical fireworks, exemplifying the Romantic violin tradition, information from the university states. 

Brahms's beloved "Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 & 6" bring a touch of fiery folk-inspired charm to the program. These iconic dances, full of sweeping melodies and dramatic contrasts, remain among his most popular and enduring works.

A special feature is the world premiere of "Gold" by Franklin Piland, an exciting new composition commissioned especially for this concert. Rounding out the program is "Supermaximum" by contemporary composer Kenji Bunch, a gripping and rhythmically intense work that explores bold orchestral textures, according to the university.