Symphony, Chorale to perform concerts

The all-volunteer, 40-piece Yuba-Sutter Symphony Orchestra — part of the Yuba-Sutter Oratorio Society — will present its annual Fall Classics Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. As always at the symphony's concerts, admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit Pink October.

"We are teaming up with Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation, and all donations collected at the concert will go to benefit this local foundation," said conductor Corey Kersting.

"So we are hoping to have a good turnout, not only to show support for the symphony but also for what Pink October is doing for our community as well," he added.

"We will be playing some standard orchestra repertoire that I think the audience will be familiar with," Kersting said.

The program includes "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius — "Most people will recognize it because there is a hymn that came out of it called 'Be Still, My Soul,'" Kersting said.

"Then we are playing Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition,' which is a pretty famous work, and I believe people will recognize some of the movements in it."

Kersting said the orchestra will also feature solioist Rebekah Hood on cello in "Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra" by Tchaikovsky.

"So there is some really high-quality music on this program. The rehearsals have been going very well, and we are looking forward to a great performance on Saturday," Kersting said.

He added that the orchestra is focused on bringing quality music to local audiences and also being an integral part of community events.

Kersting said whether people are regular attendees or have never heard the symphony before, "this is an excellent opportunity to come out and hear us — not only for the good music that we are going to be performing but also to support the benefit that we are doing for Pink October.

"I know people in the audience will really enjoy the music, and it's a good opportunity as well to give a little back to the community through the benefit," Kersting said.

Also this weekend, the Yuba-Sutter Master Chorale will hold its annual pops concert series. Directed by Kathryn Donovan, "Thanks for the Memories" is set for 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at First Lutheran Church, 850 Cooper Ave., Yuba City.

A spaghetti dinner and silent auction follow Sunday's performance. Admission to the events is free, with donations accepted.

CONTACT Susan Benitez at sbenitez@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4773. Find her on Facebook at /ADFeatures or on Twitter at @adfeatures.