First series concert of 2011 will have international flavor

The first concert of the 2011 Columbia County Music Series will bring a lively show to the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center this weekend.

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The Symphony Orchestra Augusta event on Saturday will feature a performance by double bassist Milton Masciadri, a music professor at the University of Georgia.

"It's upbeat," said Sandra Self, executive director of the symphony. "It's going to be fun."

Masciadri, a native of Uruguay, serves as the principal double bassist of the symphony. He also travels throughout the world performing and instructing.

Masciadri will be accompanied by Brazilian pianist and music professor Ana Flavia Frazao.

"(Masciadri) introduced her to us last year," Self said.

"They have been working together for a number of years, and that makes such a differ-ence. ... It's real fun to watch them."

Other players of the ensemble include violinist Micah Gangwer, violist Arthur Ross and cellist Norbert Lewandowski.

Symphony Orchestra Augusta Maestro Shizuo "Z" Kuwahara will present the musicians at the start of the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Saturday program will consist of Grand Duo Concertante by Giovanni Bottesini, Piano Quintet in C Minor by Vaughan Williams and Caratingue by Edmundo Villani-Cortes.

The 2011 music series, continuing in February and March, will focus primarily on chamber selections, Self said.

"It's really exciting this year as far as the offerings of the three concerts," she said.

Admission to the event costs $20 for adults and $7 for military personnel and students with identification.

Tickets for all three Columbia County Music Series concerts can be purchased for $50.

For information or to purchase tickets, go to www.soaugusta.org.