‘Grieg and Bizet’: UF Orchestra to Present Stories of Melodrama and Redemption

The University of Findlay Orchestra will present “Grieg & Bizet” on Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in Winebrenner Theological Seminary’s TLB Auditorium.
Directed by Soojin Lee, the program includes Edward Grieg’s most popular work, “Peer Gynt Suite”; and two of Georges Bizet’s most popular compositions, “L’arlesienne Suite” and “Les Toreadors” from the opera Carmen.
“Peer Gynt Suite” by Grieg was originally composed for the drama Peer Gynt, written by Henrik Ibsen. It is the story of the downfall and subsequent redemption of a Norwegian peasant anti-hero. A concert hall favorite, “L’arlesienne Suite” by Bizet was composed for a melodrama about the young peasant Federi’s love for a girl from Arles. These pieces, including Carmen, are incidental music that will tell you the stories through their beautiful composition.
The University of Findlay Orchestra is comprised of more than 50 students, staff and community string players. This year, about 20 woodwind and brass players were included in order to perform as a full orchestra.
The performance will be free, but tickets are required. They can be reserved by calling the Marathon Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 419-423-2787. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the concert.