Dakota Valley Symphony: An Afternoon at Pops—A Salute to John Williams

The Burnsville Performing Arts Center welcomes resident company The Dakota Valley Symphony for its 27th season.

The first concert of the season is a tip of the hat to John Williams on the occasion of his 80th birthday. He is the creator of film scores for Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Jurassic Park, Jaws and a whole host of other movies—over 90 in total. With a career that spans six decades, Williams’ has become the standard by which all film scores are measured. From 1980-1993 Williams’ succeeded Arthur Fiedler as music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra. The concert also presents a few light classics in Boston Pops style: Sarasate’s: Carmen Fantasy, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.

Director Stephen Ramsey says “John Williams’ music is so passionately picturesque it inspires our imagination and brings the films he accompanies to life*. Really that is what this concert is all about. Whether it’s the music of John Williams, Beethoven, Anderson, or Sarasate… we celebrate the images music brings to mind.

*Watch the Shark Cage scene from Jaws some time without the music – it’s all foam, teeth, and steel bars – the drama is in the music.

 We are so proud to feature our concertmaster, Dr. Angela Waterman-Hanson as our soloist for this concert. Based on familiar themes from the Bizet’s famous opera, the Carmen Fantasy is a virtuosic masterpiece from the pen of Spanish violin virtuoso and composer Pablo Sarasate. He was known for his dazzling technique and warm rich tone. Qualities Dr. Hanson brings to the stage with great élan!

The concert is Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.  More information can be found at www.DakotaValleySymphony.org.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors 62+ and $5 for students of any age. Tickets are available in person at the Burnsville Performing Arts CenterBox Office, via Ticketmaster by calling 800-982-2787 or through ticketmaster.com. Season ticket packages can be purchased in person at the BPAC box office or by calling 952-895-4680.