CBU symphony orchestra to present inaugural performance Nov. 27

Ruth Noemy Wheeler conducts the new CBU symphony orchestra as it rehearses for its first performance on Nov. 27. (Story and photo by Grace Ferrell)

RIVERSIDE (Nov. 26, 2012)--California Baptist University's Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music will showcase the first performance of its new symphony orchestra Nov. 27.

The performance will be held in the JoAnn Hawkins Building in room 101 at 7 p.m.

The orchestra, conducted by violin instructor Ruth Noemy Wheeler, will perform Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Johannes Brahms, Bolero by Maurice Ravel, selections of Carmen Suite No.1 by Georges Bizet and a Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson.

"Our principal goal is use our talents in music that God has given us for His glory by performing outstanding music and giving our best to Him — Colossians 3:23," Wheeler said. "At the same time, in this group, we will be developing a professional character and competence in an environment of excellence, discipline and integrity."

The orchestra's performance of symphonic repertoire will broaden CBU students' musical experience, said Dr. Glenn Pickett, assistant professor of music.

"(The symphony) is going to lift the entire sophistication of the university," Pickett said, "because now we are dealing in both the popular arts and the sophisticated arts and that is really important."

-30-