Dr. Guy Frank, founder of Shepherd University's Music Department

Shepherd University’s Friends of Music will open a much anticipated 2009-10 season this Saturday, Oct. 17, with a concert by the renowned Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. The curtain goes up at 8 p.m. at the Frank Center.

Now in its third season, the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra has gained wide critical acclaim throughout the region. The Oct. 17 performance will be a salute to great American composers including Dr. Guy Frank, the founder of the Shepherd University’s music program. In addition to Dr. Frank’s Symphonic Triptych, the orchestra will perform the east coast premier of Joseph Curiale’s “Awakening,” Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, and Aaron Copland’s Four Dances from Rodeo.”

“On Saturday evening The Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra will be celebrating the musical excellence of American composers,” said Dr. Rob Northrup, president of the Friends board.

“Our own Guy Frank is among those most outstanding American composers, and his Symphonic Triptych captures the beauty that is West Virginia. The concert promises to be the most memorable of this season in all three states and The District of Columbia.”

Major sponsors for the concert series are BB&T of Martinsburg, Jefferson Security Bank of Shepherdstown, Helen and Jack Saum of Shepherdstown, and Kinexum and Exsulin, “partners in the fight against diabetes” of Harpers Ferry.

FOM 2009 – 2010 concert schedule:

Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Saturday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m.

Acclaimed pianist, Awadagin Pratt, Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m.

The Mozart Requiem by the Masterworks Chorale and orchestra, Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m.

Annual Holiday Gala and Reception, Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.

Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, Friday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m.

Jazz Festival Concert with Chris Vadala, Saturday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m.

Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Saturday, March 13, at 8 p.m.

Chopin Concert, Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m. Bonus event for subscribers

REBEL Baroque, Wednesday, March 31, at 8 p.m.

Masterworks Chorale, Sunday, May 2, at 8 p.m.

On Friday the public is cordially invited to the “Lunch with Friends” at the Bavarian Inn, Shepherdstown. Dr. Mark McCoy, chairman of the SU Dept. of Music and conductor of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, will present highlights of the upcoming concert.

– For ticket, lunch and concert information, visit www.sufom.org or call (304) 876-5765.