College of the Ozarks professor to perform with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — Dr. Clara Christian, associate professor of music at College of the Ozarks, will be featured as a piano soloist with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra, also known as the Drury Civic Orchestra. The performance will take place at Springfield’s Hammons Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for students, and free for students with a Drury ID and children 11 and under.

Christian will be performing a 20-minute work by Beethoven called Choral Fantasy Op. 80, which includes thematic material that Beethoven uses later in his famous ninth symphony, Ode to Joy. The Choral Fantasy is a unique work which features virtuosic piano solos as well as great orchestral writing. A choir and vocal soloists will come in at the end to bring the piece to a grand finale.

“I have been enjoying the rehearsal process immensely and can’t wait to perform with this fantastic orchestra and guest conductor Jim Davidson,” Christian said. “It is a wonderful piece of music and one all audience members will enjoy.”

Founded in 2005, the Springfield-Drury Civic Orchestra is southwest Missouri’s regional civic orchestra. Comprising more than 100 talented professionals, students, and enthusiasts, the SDCO presents a yearly concert season of orchestral masterworks.