On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to welcome you to the 45th Season of the Western Piedmont Symphony!  This promises to be another year of timeless music performed by one of the best symphonies in the region.  In addition to the five masterworks performances, the concert season will also include five performances in the Friends of the Quartet Chamber Classic Series and two performances by the Youth Symphony.

For this year's Masterwork Series he has selected works from the giants of music: Wagner, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Chopin, Elgar, accented by less familiar pieces and works by contemporary composers. The programs are sure to excite both the seasoned listener and the newcomer to classical music alike. Each concert will feature a guest performer, a virtuoso to dazzle the ear and punctuate the brilliance of our symphony. 

Each Masterwork Concert will start with a pre-concert dinner.  In addition to excellent food and company, these dinners offer a special opportunity to learn from our Conductor and guest artists about the music to be enjoyed that evening, heightening the appreciation of the music.  These dinners and lectures are treats not commonly offered by larger philharmonics.  I welcome you to partake in these wonderful meals to be held at Lenoir-Rhyne University, in the P.E. Monroe Auditorium, our new concert venue.

The Chamber Classics Series features five accomplished Quartets, including the return of the popular La Catrina, who will also be performing a Masterworks Concert.  La Catrina progressed from their residency in Hickory to a tenure track position at New Mexico State University, a testament to the value of this residency.  Now in its tenth year, it provides a solid foundation for aspiring musicians who wish to create a career in classical music.  It also allows these musicians a chance to become a part of our community and bring their music into our schools. The Jasper, Kontras, Hausman, and Hyperion Quartets will delight us with their performances. One of these will follow in La Catrina's footsteps to a musical residency here in Hickory.

The WPS Youth Symphony is a group of more than 80 local student musicians also under the direction of Maestro John Gordon Ross.  These young performers are the future of classical music in our culture.  Help us foster these promising artists by attending their performances.

Be sure to mark your calenders for the Festival of Trees to be held this year on November 14.  This will be a special evening of wonderful food, company, and elegant decorations that portray the spirit of the festive holiday season. Surely not to be missed!

We are so fortunate to have these musical treasures to enrich our lives here in the Unifour and I am grateful that our community has sustained them in these troubling economic times.  I would like to extend a special thank you to the Concert and First Chair Sponsors, Contributors, the local businesses who advertise in our Concert Program Book, Board and Guild members, Volunteers, Season Ticket Holders, and especially the Musicians who make this wonderful gift of music possible. 

I hope to see you at future concerts.  On behalf of everyone who works for or values the Western Piedmont Symphony, thank you for your continued support.  Enjoy!