SYMPHONY CONCERTS MAY 25, JUNE 1 AT ODU

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform two outdoor concerts on the campus of Old Dominion University at 7 p.m. Wednesdays -- May 25 and June 1 -- on Kaufman Mall in front of Webb Center.

Robert Shoup will conduct the May 25 concert, titled "Victory at Sea: A Celebration of America," featuring Ives/Schuman's Variations on "America," Barber's Adagio for Strings, Gould's "American Salute," Chadwick's "Jubilee," Ungar's "Ashokan Farewell" and Rodgers' "Victory at Sea." Mezzosoprano Lisa Relaford Coston will perform Copland's "Old American Songs" and David Alan of WVEC-TV will narrate the composer's "Lincoln Portrait."

Shizuo Kuwahara will conduct and violinist Elizabeth Coulter will be featured during the June 1 concert, titled "Music Without Boundaries," a preview of the symphony's 2005-06 season.

The symphony will perform "Celebration (1975)" by ODU faculty member Adolphus Hailstork, as well as Wagner's "Lohengrin Prelude to Act 3," Mozart's Impressario Overture, Bach's Air from Suite No. 3 in D Major, Vivaldi's "Spring" from the Four Seasons, Schuman's Finale from Overture, Scherzo and Finale, Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Mozart's 1st Movement from Symphony No. 40 and Dvorak's 4th Movement from Symphony No. 9.

The concerts are free and open to the public. Those attending are reminded to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket and enjoy the evening breeze and symphonic sounds. Parking is available in lots 20 and 27 off 49th Street.

For further concert details, including rain site information, patrons may contact the Virginia Symphony Box Office at (757) 892-6366 or visit their Web site at http://www.virginiasymphony.org.