May Concerts Conclude '23-24 Season

Lee County Community Orchestra’s 36th season performing free concerts for the public concludes this weekend with “Horizons: Scenes of Old & New” on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 19 at 3:00 pm at the Mann Center.

LCCO to wrap up its 36th season of performances.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May and the “Horizons” concerts open with the Armed Forces Salute, a collection of songs representing each branch of the military. Veteran and current military personnel are invited to stand during the playing of their branch’s anthem.

The program transitions to the world premiere of a piece of music commissioned by LCCO. Convergence was written by composer, musician, and educator Ash Stemke. His music explores self-similarity, teleology, and transformation. Works by Stemke have been performed by yMusic, the Riverside Symphony, the Boston New Music Initiative, and musicians of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. Stemke is Assistant Professor of Music at Murray State (Ky.) University where he teaches courses in music theory, aural skills, composition, and digital music. He earned his BA in Music from the Univ. of North Carolina, his Masters from UNC-Greensboro and his doctorate from Florida State.

The concerts close with the majestic Symphony No. 1 by Russian composer Vasily Kalinnikov. Composed during the late 19th century, the symphony is celebrated for its rich melodic invention and emotional depth. The lush orchestration and themes were influenced by melodies from Russian folk music.

LCCO concerts are FREE and open to the public. Door prizes by Big Bloomers Flower Farm.

The "Horizons" Program

The Star-Spangled Banner - John Stafford Smith (1750-1836)

Armed Forces Salute arr. Bob Lowden (1920-99)

Army —The Caisson Song

Coast Guard —Semper Paratus

Marines —Marine’s Hymn

Air Force —The U.S. Air Force

Navy —Anchors Aweigh

(Veteran and active personnel are invited to stand to be recognized during the playing of their anthem)

Convergence - Ash Stemke (b. 1991)

(Commissioned by LCCO - World Premiere Performance)

Symphony No. 1 in G minor - Vasily Kalinnikov (1886-1901)

Allegro moderato

Andante commodamente

Scherzo: Allegro non troppo

Finale: Allegro moderato