Orchestra plays opera music
The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra presents an orchestral concert of operatic drama with Dan Hege conducting at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 7 and 8, at the Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., downtown. California-born cellist Julie Albers will be spotlighted in the Schumann Cello Concerto.
The program also includes J. Strauss’s “Overture to Die Fledermaus,” Beethoven’s “Overture to Leonore No. 3” and R. Strauss’s “Suite from Der Rosenkavalier.”
“This is a superb concert for hearing some of the greatest music from opera in a purely symphonic setting,” said SSO Music Director Dan Hege. “It includes great melodies and waltzes in J. Strauss’s ‘Die Fledermaus Overture’ and sumptuous orchestral colors and waltzes of R. Strauss’s ‘Der Rosenkavalier Suite.'”
Tickets cost $15, $25 and $40. Student tickets are available for $5 with ID; a shortened version of the program will be presented as an SSO “Coffee Concert” at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7; $15; 424-8200 or visit SyracuseSymphony.org.
High-speed finger-picking
On Oct. 8 acoustic guitarist Loren Barrigar stole the show at the Syracuse Area Music Awards with a short set of high-speed finger-picking and relaxed tenor vocals.
He’ll play a full concert at 8 p.m. Saturday Jan. 8 at the Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave., at the corner of Westcott Street, on the city’s East Side.
Barrigar’s exceptionally clean technique, reminiscent of the late Chet Atkins, is complemented by sensitive timing and fluid phrasing. On stage, he seamlessly strings together rock songs, standards and original tunes.
In 2009, Barrigar released his first solo CD, “Dance With Me,” which won a SAMMY award for best album of the year. Last year saw the release of his second CD, “Chillaxin,” featuring eight of his own compositions and his vocal debut.
Admission to Saturday’s concert costs $15, $12 for WCC members, or $5 students with ID; 478-8634.
Three bands ramble Saturday
Bill Knowlton’s “Bluegrass Ramble,” Central New York’s only all-bluegrass and old-time acoustic country music radio show marks its 38th birthday on Saturday Jan 8 with a free concert. From 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday Knowlton will recreate an old-time radio barn dance complete with a studio audience and three bands, at the studios of WCNY-FM, 506 Old Liverpool Road, in Galeville.
Saturday’s barn dance will feature Ovid’s Rebecca Colleen & The Chore Lads, Syracuse folk musician Larry Hoyt & His Good Acoustics, and a gathering of local bluegrass veterans will appear as Lost Time.
The radio “Ramble” is free; no tickets or reservations are required for this family-oriented musical afternoon; 457-6100.
“Bluegrass Ramble,” airs from 9 p.m. to midnight every Sunday over WCNY-FM 91.3.
Humor and food in focus
Yvonne Conte thinks you need a good sense of humor to get through life.
The WSEN radio personality who works as a stress-management consultant will discuss her newest book “Cry, Laugh, Cook!” at 7 p.m. Thursday Jan. 13 at Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St. at the corner of Second Street, in Liverpool.
Conte’s presentation is part of the library’s Recipe for a Better Life series.
“Cry, Laugh, Cook!” is a collection of funny stories, family recipes and tips demonstrating the health benefits of positive thinking and laughter. If you’re more interested in food than fun, recipes from Conte’s book will be prepared and served at the library.
