Webster University Symphony Orchestra Director to Conduct Final Concert

What/Who:

Allen Carl Larson, conductor of the Webster University Symphony Orchestra for 36 seasons, will direct his final concert on Sunday, April 5.
Larson is currently the director of instrumental studies and the BA program in music, conductor of the Webster University Symphony Orchestra and professor of music at Webster University. He received his undergraduate degree at Park University in Kansas City, with his masters and doctoral degrees from Indiana University. Larson has held posts with the St. Joseph Symphony, the St. Joseph Youth Symphony and Nova Choralis, the Indiana University Choral Union and Chamber Singers, the Northland Symphony and the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus. As a guest conductor, he has led performances with the Saint Louis Symphony, the Webster Chamber Winds, the Saint Louis Symphony Chamber Ensemble, the Washington University Wind Ensemble and the Kansas City (KS) Civic Symphony.  He has conducted performances with the Webster Opera Studio and Conservatory Theatre of “The Magic Flute,” “Dido and Aeneas,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Brigadoon,” “Carousel” and others. In 1996, he conducted the world premiere of Andrew York's concerto for two classical guitars and chamber orchestra, “Word,” at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Larson has conducted instrumental and vocal ensemble performances for the KFUO "Live from the Garden" series. He has presented clinics and workshops for high schools, colleges, and churches, and has served as the pre-concert lecturer for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Twice during his tenure at Webster, he has served as chair of the Department of Music. Dr. Larson recently founded a new chorus in Saint Louis, the Sheldon Chorale.

“The Webster University’s Symphony Orchestra has enjoyed 36 years of continuous improvement to the point that we now have the best orchestra in town, next to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra,” said Dr. Larson. “I am now looking forward to my continued professional work with the Sheldon Chorale.”

“Under his [Larson’s] direction, this orchestra has evolved into a model of professional, community and university student artists,” said Dr. Jeffrey Carter, chair of the department of music. “Along the way, Allen has commissioned new works, spotlighted local talent, and given a large number of youngsters a chance to shine with a great orchestra. Allen's legacy also includes work with professional choral ensembles and as a church musician, gigs with other ensembles, and stints as visiting professor at Webster University's international campuses. The personal Allen is smart and funny and charming - all traits that have served him, and this university, well over his decades on our faculty.  Allen is a force of nature; his retirement from this podium leaves a void larger than we can express, but we are delighted that Allen will continue to teach music courses from time to time.”

Repertoire for the maestro’s final concert includes:

Chamberlin: World Premiere Commission for Strings

Rimsky-Korsakov: “Capricco Espagnol”

Debussy: “Petite Suite:

Stavinsky: “Firebird Suite”

The Webster University Symphony Orchestra is a unique ensemble that combines seasoned professionals and dedicated avocational performers with aspiring and talented young musicians.

When:     

Sunday, April 5, 2009, 7 p.m.

Where:           

Community Music School of Webster University
535 Garden Ave

Cost:                      

$10 general public, $5 seniors (over 60) Tickets are purchased at the door. Free to students with current ID

More Info:          

Call the Webster University Orchestra Office at 968-7040 or 968-7128