The Hugh Hodson School of Music closes its 2022 season of the Thursday Scholarship Series with a concert featuring the University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Hodgson Hall. The concert is part of the Performing Arts Center’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Under the direction of Mark Cedel, UGASO will kick off the program with a new piece entitled “Fizzle, Sweep, Crash” by DMA composition student Daniel Karcher, winner of the Composers-in-Residence Competition for Large Ensembles. The different sections are organized in an “arc shape”, in that each part is heard once before being repeated backwards.

The UGASO musicians were delighted to perform the new piece and provided Karcher with helpful support throughout his residency. Being able to work closely with musicians on specific aspects of their parts has provided him with valuable feedback.

“Writing and performing an orchestral piece is always a huge investment of work and effort for everyone involved, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the time and dedication the musicians put into my piece,” said Karcher said. “The residency was an exceptionally rewarding experience for me, and I’m very excited for the premiere.”

The famous “Symphony no. 5” concludes the second half of the program. He wrote the symphony in 1901-02. At this time, Verdi died in Milan, Picasso’s first exhibition opened in Paris, and Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio signal. For Mahler, however, a symphony was truly a fantastical and variable universe of shifting moods, colors and emotions.

“I have the incredible opportunity to play the role of principal and obligatory horn for Mahler’s Fifth. I’ve listened to a Chicago Symphony recording playing this piece under Solti too many times to count, and it was a dream of mine to play this piece and this part. The orchestra sounds great, and it was a pleasure to work with Mr. Cedel and the orchestra musicians to put together such an incredible piece of music. Performing this piece at Hodgson Hall will be one of the highlights of my musical career so far,” said Anthony Parrish, principal horn and soloist.

The origins of the University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra date back to 1941, when Hugh Hodgson conducted the University’s Little Symphony Orchestra. Hodgson led this ensemble until 1950. Mark Cedel brings a wealth of professional experience to his position as Director of Orchestral Activities. This year marks his 28th year at UGA. UGASO has given more than 200 concerts at Hodgson Hall.

Tickets are $20 for non-students and $3 for students. They can be purchased through the Performing Arts Center online or by calling 706-542-4400. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support scholarships.