USC Symphony welcomes National Symphony Orchestra Feb. 12

The USC Symphony Orchestra and the S.C. Arts Commission will host the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at the Koger Center Feb. 12. The full orchestral concert performance will consist of only NSO players conducted by Emil de Cou, an American who joined the NSO conducting staff in 2002. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The NSO leaves its home stage of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the 2008 American Residency in South Carolina. From Feb. 8 to 16, NSO members will participate in five orchestral concerts and in approximately 150 education and performance activities throughout the state. American Residencies are sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Dozens of educational and outreach activities and other events are being planned.

"We are delighted that the National Symphony Orchestra has accepted our invitation to make South Carolina the site for its 2008 American Residency," said S.C. Arts Commission Executive Director Suzette Surkamer. "It is our pleasure to welcome first-class musicians to present great work in communities across our state, and we are grateful that all of the proceeds from each concert will remain in South Carolina to benefit our own arts organizations."

Tickets for the concert are available for advanced purchase at the Carolina Coliseum Box Office or by calling the charge line at 251-2222. Online purchases can be made at www.capitoltickets.com. Tickets also will be made available for purchase in the Koger Center lobby an hour before the performance, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the round ticket kiosk. Tickets are $25 general public; $20 USC faculty and staff and senior citizens; and $8 students. Valet parking will be available for $5. This service is operated by the professional staff of Southern Valet.

For more information, call Rowena Paranal or Charlene Hazin at 7-7500.

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