On Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. the Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra will hold a special benefit concert featuring Joplin High School’s orchestra at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. This concert is free and open to the public, and donations are encouraged to support the Joplin High School and its orchestra to help it recover from the destruction of the school after the tornado on May 22.

For over ten years, the University Symphony Orchestra has hosted concerts featuring talented high school string orchestras from the area. Dr. Robert Quebbeman, professor of music and conductor of the symphony, says that this is the first time the concert has been a fundraising activity, but explains that this event is special due to the circumstances. This year’s program will include three pieces performed by the Joplin High School string orchestra, three by the University Symphony Orchestra, and will end with two pieces performed by both groups. You may contact Dr. Quebbeman at RobertQuebbeman@missouristate.edu or (417) 836-5729 for more information about the concert.

The following is the finalized program for the performance:

Joplin String Orchestra: “Alla Tchaikovsky” (a potpourri of 22 Tchaikovsky melodies), “Adagio Cantabile” (from “Pathetique”), “Lady Gaga Hit Mix” (a medley of songs by pop artist Lady Gaga)

Missouri State Symphony Orchestra: “Polonaise from Eugene Onegin” (Tchaikovsky), “Two Elegaic Melodies” (Grieg), “Rienzi Overture” (Wagner)

Combined groups:“Into the Storm” (Robert W. Smith), “Russian Sailors Dance” (Gliere)

 KY3 News has also covered the benefit concert. Embedded below is Jay Scherder’s report, which aired on the station: