Symphony Offers Two Concerts This Weekend

German composers created the most beloved classical masterpieces, and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra offers some of the greatest treasures in two concerts on November 19 and 20. On Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the VBC Concert Hall, Prieto and the orchestra will present the second concert in the Classical Series, with piano soloist Jorge Federico Osorio. After Osorio's acclaimed performance with HSO of Beethoven's “Emperor” Concerto last year, he was immediately re-engaged for two concerts in the 2005-06 season. Concert Sponsor is the Jurenko Foundation. Guest artist sponsor of Jorge Federico Osorio is SOUTHBank.

On Sunday November 20 at 3:00 p.m., also in the VBC Concert Hall, Prieto, Osorio and the HSO will present an all-Beethoven concert. Concert Sponsor is BellSouth and Yellow Pages.

Saturday's Classical concert opens with Overture to The Magic Flute, one of Mozart's most recognized and beloved works. Next, the orchestra performs Mozart's Symphony No. 41, subtitled “The Jupiter.” This work is elegant and exuberant proof of Mozart's complete mastery of the symphonic form. Jorge Federico Osorio joins the orchestra for the the majestic Second Piano Concerto of Johannes Brahms, a work that unfolds with moment after moment of transcendent genius.

For Sunday's Mainly Mozart Concert, Prieto has selected an all-Beethoven program. The young Beethoven openly admired Mozart, building upon the older composer's classical traditions with his signature harmony, humor, and emotional power. Masterful Beethoven interpreter Jorge Federico Osorio collaborates with the HSO in the lyrical First Piano Concerto. The Symphony No. 5, a groundbreaking work, is surely the most famous and unforgettable of all symphonies, with its four opening notes representing fate knocking on the door. Single tickets and packages are available.

Tickets may be purchased by phone at 539-4818, in person at the HSO offices and online at www.hso.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door before each concert—on Saturday beginning at 6:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m..

Single ticket prices for Saturday's Classical concert range from $27 to $58. Single ticket prices to Sunday's Mainly Mozart concert range from $19 to $30. There are student and group rates available, and there is a $5.00 student rush for available seating beginning ten minutes before the concert.

Discounted ticket packages for both concerts are available as are balance of season packages for both the Classical and Mainly Mozart series.

Pre-Concert Conversations with Carlos are thirty-minute informal talks that provide insights into the program, beginning at 6:45 before the Classical concert on Saturday.

“Sneak Preview,” HSO’s final rehearsal at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, is open to the public for a nominal charge of $5.00. Children 5 and under are free. Sponsor is Publix Super Markets Charities and Compass Bank.

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Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

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