ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra is set to present a special performance at Popejoy Hall on the UNM campus on Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m.

According to the event details, the orchestra, comprised of top music students in New Mexico, will be under the direction of U.S. Army Col. Jim Keene, a distinguished UNM alumni retiring from a 30-year career in the U.S. Army, notably leading the Grammy Award-winning U.S. Army Field Band.

One of the highlights of the concert will be a performance by UNM horn professor Michael Walker of composer Dana Wilson’s Concerto for Horn. Additionally, the orchestra will showcase the music of Indian-American composer Reena Esmail with her piece titled Black Iris, dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in light of the #metoo movement.

The evening will commence with the Carmen Suite (number 1) featuring themes from George Bizet's renowned opera. Closing the concert will be a rendition of The Magnificent Seven, a classic movie score evoking the essence of the American West.

Established for over 50 years, the UNM Symphony Orchestra program stands as a vital cultural student organization at the University of New Mexico, welcoming students from all academic majors to participate.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased at the box office or online at unmtickets.com, with prices set at $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and UNM employees, and $5 for students. Importantly, the concert is included in the Student Concert Series Pass offering.