The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra will present a free, public concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Shryock Auditorium.
Under the direction of Rossana Cauti, assistant professor of practice in the SIU School of Music and music director of the symphony and youth orchestras, the evening will feature three contrasting masterworks that span the classical and 20th century repertoires. The works are Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 10 in D Major, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, K. 364, and Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, Op. 4.
Haydn’s piece is “an early gem that reflects the wit and elegance of the composer’s youthful style,” Cauti said. “Haydn’s early symphonies embody the grace and balance of the classical era. They set the perfect tone for an evening dedicated to the evolution of orchestral expression.”
Mozart’s luminous Sinfonia Concertante, written for violin and viola soloists, will spotlight Andrej Kurti (violin) and Sofia Tchetchelashvili (viola) as featured performers.
“The Sinfonia Concertante is one of Mozart’s most sublime creations,” Cauti said. “It blends the intimacy of chamber music with the grandeur of symphonic writing, and our soloists bring both virtuosity and expressive depth to this dialogue between the two instruments.”
The program concludes with Britten’s spirited Simple Symphony, a youthful yet sophisticated work that transforms the composer’s early musical sketches into vibrant orchestral textures.
“Britten’s piece radiates charm and rhythmic vitality,” Cauti said. “It’s a celebration of melody, humor and energy — a perfect contrast to the elegance of Mozart and Haydn.”
Cauti said the performance “showcases the collaborative spirit of the SIU Symphony and Youth Orchestras, uniting faculty, students and regional musicians into one artistic community. Each concert reflects our shared commitment to artistic excellence and to making orchestral music accessible to everyone in Southern Illinois.”
For more information, contact the SIU School of Music at music@siu.edu or Cauti directly at rossana.cauti@siu.edu.
