The Jackson Symphony Orchestra will play their final concert of the 2015/2016 season on Saturday, April 30th at Jackson College’s Potter Center. The orchestra will be led by Music Director, Stephen Osmond for the 7:30 p.m. concert which is generously sponsored by Spring Arbor University.

In a season dedicated to the emotional and immense power of music it is most fitting that we conclude with Tchaikovsky’s sixth and final symphony the “Pathétique,” a title provided by his brother. This is an example of Tchaikovsky’s enormous emotional range. Written only a year after his enchanting and life- affirming ballet, The Nutcracker, he confirms his ability to express in his music every human emotion imaginable. While the first and last movement explore the darker sides of life experience, the second and third movements are playful and victorious.

A symphonic season would not be complete without a major work of Beethoven and to that end, pianist and Jackson native, Christopher Atzinger will perform Beethoven’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra #4 continuing our “Bring Them Home” series. Mr. Atzinger enjoys an expanding career and reputation for excellence throughout the United States, Canada, Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy, Malta and Spain. He has received medals from the Cincinnati, New Orleans, San Antonio, Shreveport and Seattle International Piano Competitions and was first place winner of the 2005 National Federation of Music Clubs Artist Competition, the gold medalist of the 15th annual Nina Plant Wideman International Piano Competition, and winner of the Simone Belsky Piano Competition. Christopher has been praised by critics for his “personal interpretive vision” and “virtuoso aplomb”.

The program will begin with another Russian masterpiece – Glinka’s Overture to Russlan und Ludmilla, an energetic lively romp.