Symphony to present intriguing interludes

ORONO – Classic works and operatic movements will be brought to life by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra during its fifth classical concert of the season.

Join Maestro Xiao-Lu Li as he conducts the BSO at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the Maine Center for the Arts.

The University of Maine Singers and Oratorio Society will join the orchestra for an afternoon of intriguing interludes.

The program will include “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes” by Carl Maria von Webe; Variations on “America” by Charles Ives; and “The Pines of Rome” by Ottorino Respighi.

Symphony officials said the audience would find such compositions inspiring and steeped in the depths of thematic inventiveness.

Joining the Bangor Symphony will be the University of Maine Singers and Oratorio Society, performing opera choruses of Ruggero Leoncavallo, Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.

Leoncavallo’s “Bell Chorus” from Pagliacci; Puccini’s “Humming Chorus” from Madama Butterfly; and Verdi’s “Anvil Chorus” from Il Trovatore, “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco and “Matadors Chorus” from La Traviata will be featured artistic works that will thrill opera enthusiasts.

Tickets range from $12 to $35 for adults; $6 to $18 for youth under 18; with senior and UMaine student discounts. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Bangor Symphony Orchestra box office at 942-5555. More information is available on the Web at bangorsymphony.com.

Following the classical concert, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and UnitedKingfield Bank invite the public to “Good Fortune,” a silent auction, to be held 5-7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Alumni House, University of Maine.

There will be live music by BSO musicians on piano, marimba, flute and classical guitar.

Participants can visit with friends, taste delectable eastern and western hors d’oeuvres and bid on their favorite items, many direct from China. Auction-goers also will have the chance to bid on a 2004 Subaru Outback and a timeshare condominium.

Admission to the auction is $35 per person to benefit the BSO. Make reservations by calling the Bangor Symphony Orchestra office at 942-5555.