Kentucky Symphony Offers Inventive Season

For the five-concert series, Cassidy has drawn inspiration from streetcars, the planets, horn bands and more, offering typically fresh programming for their fans throughout the Tri-state. (Look carefully and you will note that nothing was composed before 1900.)

The season opens Oct. 11 at Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion in Florence, Kentucky with the 1928 Harold Lloyd silent film comedy “Speedy,” accompanied by Carl Davis’ jazzy, 1920s-style score (penned in 1992). It’s the story of an electric streetcar competing with a horse-drawn trolley through the streets of New York (and even has a cameo appearance by Babe Ruth). Also on the program will be musical hits from the period and a silent film short.

In November, the KSO will check in with some of the classical music favorites it has somehow missed during its 22 years – don’t miss John Cage’s iconic 4’33.” In March, it will feature composers who took inspiration from their predecessors, such as Maurice Ravel with his “Tombeau de Couperin.” On that same program, 18-year-old flutist Annie Wu will make her regional debut in Lukas Foss’ “Renaissance Concerto” and perform her YouTube hit “Three Beats for Beat-box Flute.”

Gustav Holts’ blockbuster “The Planets” accompanied by NASA photos will be the centerpiece of the KSO program in April, where the orchestra will collaborate with the Cincinnati Observatory to offer telescopic views of Jupiter and Mars at intermission and after the concert. Finally, the KSO will present “Two Cities, Two Bands” in May, a salute to the legendary bands Blood Sweat & Tears (founded in New York) and Chicago.

Details:

“Speedy”

Oct. 11, 8 p.m. Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion, Florence, Kentucky. Harold Lloyd, 1928 silent film comedy “Speedy” with score by Carl Davis (1992).

“KSO 20^th Century Premieres”

Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion, Florence, Kentucky. Jean Sibelius, “Finlandia.” John Cage, 4’33” Maurice Ravel, “La Valse.” Igor Stravinsky, “Petroushka.”

“Rearview Mirror”

March 14, 8 p.m. March 15, 3 p.m. Notre Dame Academy, Park Hills, Kentucky. Annie Wu, flute. Sergei Prokofiev, “Classical Symphony.” Maurice Ravel, “Tombeau de Couperin.” Ottorino Respighi, “Ancient Airs and Dances,” Suite No. 1. Lukas Foss, “Renaissance Concerto” for Flute and Orchestra. Greg Pattillo, “Three Pieces for Beat-box Flute.” William Walton, selections from “The Wise Virgins” Ballet after J.S. Bach. Guest artist, Annie Wu, flute.

“The Planets Meet the Third Rock”

April 11, 8 p.m. Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion, Florence, Kentucky. Gustav Holst, “The Planets.” Karel Husa, “Apotheosis of the Earth.” Telescopic viewing of Jupiter and Mars at intermission and following the concert.

“Two Cities, Two Bands”

May 7-9, 8 p.m. The Carnegie, Covington, Kentucky. KSO Boogie Band with vocals. Hits of Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago, including “Spinning Wheel,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Just You and Me,” “And When I Die” and “You’re the Inspiration.”

Subscriptions are available in two series of five concerts each: 1 Thursday or Friday, 1 Sunday and 3 Saturdays, or 5 Saturdays and range from $85-$160 for adults, $45-$95 for children. Flex-pack vouchers, available in sets of six and good for any six admissions, are $112-$208. Single tickets are $35, $27 and $19 (children 5-18, 50% off). Call (859) 431-6216, or order online at www.kyso.org/tickets.