Lima Symphony to begin season

10/1/2004

Every night this week a cadre of BGSU's best string players has packed up its instruments and headed south to Lima. There, teamed with similarly well-traveled musicians from Michigan, Indiana, and across Ohio, they have been rehearsing for tomorrow's season-opening concert by the Lima Symphony.

"People come so far to play because they really enjoy it," says music director Crafton Beck. "Lima is a small town, but it has a rich tradition of culture and schools. It's remarkable for a town of this size to have such a good orchestra."

Beck leads the Lima Symphony Orchestra in music of Dvorak and Beethoven at 8:15 p.m. tomorrow in Crouse Performance Hall of the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Lima.

The concert marks the opening of the orchestra's 51st season.

"Much of our success has come from the fact that this orchestra is the pride and joy of the community. We do a lot for the town, especially in the schools. They support us in return."

Now in his eighth season in Lima, Beck also conducts the Jackson-based Mississippi Symphony.

"Last year was our 50th anniversary, a year of tradition. We see this season as a departure, the beginning of the next 50 years, with a lot of new ideas and challenges," he said.

Scheduled during the season are Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra (Feb. 19) and a concert version of Franz Lehar's operetta The Merry Widow (March 19)

Violinist Pip Clarke joins conductor Crafton Beck and the Lima Symphony Orchestra in music of Dvorak and Beethoven at 8:15 p.m. tomorrow in Crouse Performance Hall of the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Lima. Tickets are $22 and $28, $11 and $14 for students. Information: 419-222-5701.

Contact Steven Cornelius at:

scornelius@theblade.com

or 419-724-6152