Musical Arts Society to show its colors

Friday, Nov. 9, 2001 | 9:03 a.m.

A Veterans Day weekend concert opening the 39th season of the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society has taken on new significance in light of the tragic events of Sept. 11, and President Bush's declaration of war on terrorism.

Plans for the concert were made last spring, with the music to honor military veterans. But given recent events, the director of the Musical Arts Society says the focus has changed.

"This concert is being dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedy," Douglas Peterson said.

The program will feature the Musical Arts Chorus and the Musical Arts Orchestra performing patriotic music, including "Song of Democracy" by Howard Hanson; selections from "Testament of Freedom" by Randall Thompson; "Salute to the Armed Forces," a medley of service songs; "Battle Hymn of the Republic"; and Irving Berlin's "God Bless America."

Also on the program is Franz Schubert's "Mass in A-flat," which will feature soloists Amy Cofield, Deborah Muhlenbruck Flescher, Steve Robinson and Neil Wilson.

The Musical Arts Society was created in 1963 as the Las Vegas Musical Arts Workshop. Peterson has been musical director of the organization for 34 years.

Future performances by the group will include "Christmas with the Musical Arts Society" on Dec. 16 at the Cheyenne campus of the Community College of Southern Nevada; the "All Beethoven Concert" on March 24 at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall; and "Bizet to Broadway" June 8-9 at CCSN's Cheyenne campus.