Westminster College Symphony Orchestra to Present Spring Concert Feb. 26

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Westminster College Symphony Orchestra will present its spring concert Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.  The concert is free to the public.

The program will include: Symphony No. 94 "Surprise" by Haydn; Élégie-Fauré; "Bassoon Concerto in A minor, RV 498" by Vivaldi; and "Dance of the Tumblers" from "The Snowmaiden" by Rimsky-Korsakov.

Forty-three Westminster students will be performing. Two faculty members will be performing as featured soloists: Dr. Daniel Perttu, assistant professor of music theory and composition, will play the bassoon, and Dr. Jason Howard, visiting assistant professor of music theory and composition, will play the cello. Ten regional high school and community guests will also perform.

The orchestra is under the direction of Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, assistant professor of music. She directs the symphony orchestra, teaches the string pedagogy sequence as well as private violin and viola lessons, and supervises the weekly string master class. She joined the Westminster faculty in 2009.  Crawford Perttu earned an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and a master's and doctorate from Ohio State University.

Westminster College offers a broad program in music, open to majors and non-majors alike. The Choral and Instrumental Programs at Westminster College include 350-400 students from all areas of the campus. Students may choose from five large instrumental performing groups on campus.

Contact Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu at (724) 946-7271 or email for additional information.