HOUGHTON -- The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra is the oldest orchestral ensemble in the Upper Peninsula.
It started on Michigan Tech's campus in 1971, and the orchestra is offering its very first concert tour with a musical performance titled "From Russia with Love."
"We start with a piece by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, one of the most famous Russian composers, 'Sleeping Beauty' suite and then a piece by Rimsky-Korsakov called 'Antar Symphony,' and then we end with a great masterwork by Dimitri Shostakovich called 'Symphony No 9,'" said Joel Neves, musical director of the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra.
One thing that makes the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra unique is that it's not just made up of Michigan Tech students. It's also made up of community members.
Maddie Kim is a junior at Houghton High School, and it's her first season performing with the ensemble.
"I love it actually. I never really enjoyed playing violin as much. I did lots of orchestras in middle school, but this is a whole new level, and it's just awesome," said Kim.
Bassoon player and Michigan Tech Professor David Olson has been a part of the symphony for over 16 years.
"Playing in an orchestra is fun for a bassoon because you get a chance to play a small amount of solos, and then you have to play a lot of ensemble playing," said Olson.
With the combined talent of over 60 musicians, the musical director says the goal of "From Russia with Love" is to tell a story.
"'Sleeping Beauty,' 'Antar Symphony,' the Shostakovich Symphony, the fascinating history of the mockery of the Stalin regime through a symphony. It's a compelling program and a compelling educational program and its musical merit is very compelling," Neves said.
The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra performances:
Norway-Vulcan Performing Arts Center Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $10 and $5 for students
Marquette's Kaufman Auditorium Saturday, October 27 at 7 p.m.
Tickets $12 for adults and $5 for students
Escanaba’s William Oliver Auditorium Sunday, October 28 at 2 p.m.
Tickets $10 adults $5 for students
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