Orchestra member will debut piece at opener

When Symphony Orchestra Augusta kicks off the Columbia County Music Series on Saturday, it will feature a piece composed by one of its own musicians.

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The concert will begin with violist Carl Purdy's work, Fandango .

"The piece that I wrote is very upbeat," said Purdy, who joined the symphony in 1987. "I kind of adopted some of the Latin American sounds and rhythms in my composition."

The symphony's string quartet, along with clarinetist Taylor Massey, will take the stage at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans at 7:30 p.m.

Purdy will be accompanied by violinists Laura Tomlin and Eliza Hesse and cellist Yanghee Lee.

"I think it's going to be really fine, good quality music," said Sandra Self, the symphony's executive director. "It shows off the talents of our principal musicians. All classically trained musicians really love the small ensemble work because it's far more demanding."

Musical compositions by Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms will be performed after Purdy's piece.

The first half of the program will highlight fun, upbeat musical arrangements, Purdy said.

After intermission, the music will take a more serious turn with Brahms' music from the 1800s.

"It's going to be, I think, like something they've never heard from the symphony ensembles," Self said. "That's what we're out to do, to really give at least one goose bump at each concert."

She said the symphony's new music director, Shizou "Z" Kuwahara, will introduce the musicians and programming at each concert.

"It's going to be so exciting in that respect," she said.

Purdy said he is anxiously awaiting the premiere of his new work.

"There's a little extra bit of anxiety on my part," he said. "Not only do I have to perform, but I have to perform my piece. It's kind of a little extra flood of emotions when that happens."

Each concert will feature principal musicians from the symphony, Self said. Dates for future concerts are Nov. 7, Jan. 9 and March 6.

Last season's music series drew an average of 250 patrons to each concert, Self said.

"It's a 300-seat hall, so we're hoping we'll have at least that, she said.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased at www.soaugusta.org or by calling (706) 826-4705. Patrons also can buy tickets at the door.