2nd Thursday concerts return with Dvořák

Since 1980, the Hugh Hodgson School of Music 2nd Thursday Scholarship Series has offered showcase performances by UGA students and faculty the second Thursday of each month throughout the academic year. Proceeds from individual ticket sales and season subscriptions allow for yearlong academic scholarships and assistantships and present donors the opportunity to sponsor individual students in the music school. What has truly been an innovative link between entertainment for the community and student acheivement continues in September with an all Dvořák program by the UGA Symphomy Orchestra, featuring cellist and professor David Starkweather:

University of Georgia cello professor David Starkweather and the UGA Symphony Orchestra will perform the masterworks of Antonín Dvořák Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center's Hodgson Hall.

Known for the frequent use of folk melodies in his compositions, Dvořák was born in the modern-day Czech Republic in 1841. After spending a majority of his life in Europe, he lived his remaining years as an expatriate in America, assimilating the country's musical styles and using them in his work.

The concert showcases the UGA Symphony Orchestra under the baton of professor Mark Cedel as it performs three of the Dvořák's most beloved compositions: "Carnival Overture," "Symphony No. 8 in G Major" and "Cello Concerto." The concerto will feature Starkweather, a cellist who has been on the faculty of the UGA Hodgson School of Music since 1983.

Tickets are on sale now for this wonderful opportunity to enjoy beautiful music here on the UGA campus. The entire season is full of highlights, as is the wider slate of concerts from large ensemble in the school of music. Season passes are available. Get yours today.