The South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the longest performing symphony orchestra in Arkansas, will kick off its 68th season this month with a concerto featuring a nationally renowned violinist and composer.
A performance of The Rose of Sonora is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 14 in the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 W. Eighth.
The Rose of Sonora is a five-scene concerto that was arranged by film and television composer George S. Clinton.
Clinton has written scores for several films. His work is perhaps the most recognizable in the Austin Powers' film franchise, including the flagship movie, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
He also scored the martial arts fantasy Mortal Kombat and its sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation; the Showtime series Red Shoe Diaries; and two films featuring comedic duo Cheech and Chong -- Cheech and Chong's Still Smokin and Cheech and Chong's The Corsican Brothers.
The Tennessee native has been nominated for several awards, including a Grammy, Emmy and BMI Film Music Awards.
During the 2007 BMI Film and TV Awards ceremony, Clinton received the Richard Kirk Award, which is presented each year to a composer who has made significant contributions to film and television music.
The Rose of Sonora is a Western adventure that centers on a love story that evokes the spirit of Bonnie and Clyde.
Other themes include tragedy and vengeance that is exacted by eponymous heroine, Rose.
The story is laid out in five scenes, or movements, and will be narrated by Clinton during the performance on Sept. 14.
Serving as the voice of Rose will be solo violinist Holly Mulcahy, who has held concert master positions in symphonic orchestras across the country, while balancing a career as a sought-after solo artist.
Mulcahy is concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the orchestra's "Partner for Audience Engagement, a position that is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with audiences by breaking down stereotypical barriers."
For The Rose of Sonora, Mulcahy merges traditional fiddle technique with classic violin to capture the voice of the concerto's heroine.
Performances of the piece have repotedly received critical acclaim all over the U.S.
Clinton is said to have been inspired by the true stories of women who helped to pioneer the Old West, prompting Clinton to create his own heroine and call on Mulcahy to bring the character to life through music.
"The Rose of Sonora is first and foremost a violin concerto. One of the most significant aspects of it to both Holly and me is that it be accessible to and engaging for today's audience," Clinton has said.
SASO officials said the audience for the El Dorado performance will be in for another treat, noting that the night will include other recognizable names and titles from the Old West and that Kermit Poling, who has served as SASO music director for 30 years, will preside over the show.
According to a press release, "This adventure showcases Kermit Poling leading the orchestra with visions of Billy The Kid, The Magnificent Seven and The Rose of Sonora."
The symphony is also partnering with several organizations to present the show.
On the night of the show, the groups are expected to set up displays in the lobby of the municipal auditorium.
More information about the partnerships is forthcoming, SASO said.
Tickets for The Rose of Sonoma are $30 for general adult admission, $25 for senior citizens and $10 for students who present school-issued identification.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 870-310-2244 or visiting www.SouthArkansasSymphony.com.
A service fee will be charged for online ticket sales.