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ASO performs fall concert

Photo by Kaitlin Ryan Dr. Eric Lawson performed on Sunday during the Alpena Symphony Orchestra concert titled “Autumn Serenade.”

ALPENA — On Sunday afternoon, the Alpena Symphony Orchestra held a fall concert titled “Autumn Serenade.”

Held at the First United Methodist Church in Alpena, the concert featured ensembles and soloists performing pieces chosen by the musicians.

The concert included the Sunrise Ringers playing Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” on the bells. On the organ, Marvis McNeil played “The Pilgrims’ Choice” from Tannhauser by Richard Wagner. The Alpena Symphony String Ensemble also gave a beautiful performance as well as others.

Dr. Eric Lawson performed “Meditation” on the violin during the concert. It was a piece he wrote but had not played in Alpena, until Sunday.

As a Violinist, violist, conductor and professor, Lawson’s musical career has taken him all over the world, and he told the audience that music has a way of expressing feelings that are ineffable. Lawson said he wrote “Meditation” after learning of the tsunami that hit southeast Asia in 2004.

“Music goes to a place where words cannot,” Lawson said during his introduction to the piece.

The community can see the Alpena Symphony Orchestra perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 during its holiday concert with the Alpena High School Girls Choir and the Besser Male Chorus at the Alpena High School Beck Auditorium. Adults are $10 while children and students are free. Advance tickets are available at Neiman’s Market.

The Sunrise Ringers will hold a free concert at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 201 North Second Street in Harrisville.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or at 358-5693.

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