NORTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: ?American Impressions? Concert

The “American Impressions” concert of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra on November 16 at 7:30 p.m. features the sounds of both American and European composers.  Guest artist and mandolinist Jeff Midkiff of Virginia performs the regional premiere of his acclaimed, folk-inspired Concerto for Mandolin “From the Blue Ridge” – a fascinating reflection of bluegrass-based themes that combine with sophisticated orchestral sounds, a touch of swing and jazz and some foot-stomping, toe-tapping rhythms that are just great fun to hear.

A mandolinist and fiddler raised on bluegrass and a professional clarinetist, Midkiff has been a member of top bluegrass groups such as the New Grass Revue and the Lonesome River Band, and has also appeared with professional symphonies across the nation. Another delight at the November concert will be the NFSO performing Charles Ives’ Central Park in the Dark, a kaleidoscope of sounds heard while on an evening stroll in 1906 New York City, and Antonin Dvořák’s famous New World Symphony.

Tickets to NFSO concerts are $22.50 each for adults, and $16 each for Active Duty Military and youth age 18 and younger. NFSO season packages are available for a discount over single ticket prices for $115 each for a package of the five regular season concerts.  The NFSO performs in the mainstage theater at the magnificent Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, where a custom orchestra shell ensures the finest in acoustics for symphony patrons.  The center is located at 100 College Blvd. East, Niceville, Fl. Call or click for tickets from the center’s Box Office at (850)729-6000 or www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.   Box Office phone and in-person hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. See NFSO season information on the symphony website at www.nfsymphony.org. There is a $2 per ticket Box Office processing fee.