Des Moines Symphony

 DES MOINES SYMPHONY PERFORMS HOLST'S PLANETS WITH STUNNING NASA FOOTAGE

Presented by EMC Insurance Companies

DES MOINES, IA- Join Maestro Joseph Giunta and the Des Moines Symphony for classical five of the 2007-2008 season ovation! on Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. 

This groundbreaking concert will feature three works: Bach's Toccata in Fugue, D Minor, BWV 565, Symphony No. 2 (Mysterious Mountain) by Hovhaness, and The Planets by Holst featuring the Drake Chorale. The Des Moines Symphony will be illustrating the mystical Planets suite with amazing new footage from the NASA space program.

ABOUT GUSTAV HOLST

Gustav Holst was a British composer who studied at the Royal College of Music in London. Known for his eccentric and unforgettable melodies, Holst did not disappoint with one of his most recognized works, The Planets suite. Completed in 1916, this orchestral suite is still known to be Holst's greatest masterpiece.

ABOUT THE PLANETS SUITE

The Planets is a seven-movement orchestral suite that will be performed by the Des Moines Symphony during the upcoming concert set. Created by Gustav Holst in part for his love of astronomy, The Planets represent the different characteristics that each terrestrial planet displays according to Roman deity. Each movement of the suite contains its own personality which communicates a range of feelings and emotions that are then expressed through intricate measures and solos. Along with the Symphony, the Drake Chorale will be joining in on this supernatural performance by providing vocals for the final movement of the suite, Neptune the Mystic. This will not be the first time that the Drake Chorale has graced our stage, as they have previously sung with the Des Moines Symphony in a performance of the Beethoven Ninth Symphony. Along with Director Barbara Sletto and the amazing program that the Drake Chorale has achieved, the eerie finale of Neptune (performed by two three-part women's choruses) will be sure to create an unforgettable ending that will be out of this world.

CONCERT INFORMATION

Music enthusiast Arlene DeVries will lead an informal lecture about the music one hour before each performance in the Civic Center East Lobby.  Broadcast of the concert may be heard on Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. or Thursday, May 1 at 8 p.m. on WOI-FM 90.1.

Be sure to reserve your seats now for this concert!  Tickets range from $28 to $52, with student discounts at half-price.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.dmsymphony.org, at the Civic Center ticket office, or by calling Ticket Master at (515) 243-1888.  Student rush tickets may be purchased at the Civic Center box office for $10 on the day of the performance with a valid student ID.

 For more information on all Des Moines Symphony concerts and activities visit www.dmsymphony.org or call 515-280-4011