Jan 24, 2020

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


Dr. Clara Christian, associate professor of music
Dr. Clara Christian, associate professor of music at College of the Ozarks

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.