EAU CLAIRE -- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire University Symphony Orchestra will begin its first concert of the 1997-98 academic year at 4 p.m. Nov. 2 in Gantner Concert Hall of the Fine Arts Center.

Performances include "The Third Symphony in F Major," op. 90 by Johannes Brahms, and "Death and Transfiguration," op. 24 by Richard Strauss. Both composers lived through the Romantic period.

"'The Third Symphony by Brahms' reveals his mastery of orchestration combined with powerful and sentimental expression," said Nobuyoshi Yasuda, conductor. "'Death and Transfiguration' is a romantic tone poem, which tells of a man fighting for life on his deathbed. And in delirium he recalls his past and finds spiritual release-transfiguration in death."

Yasuda, who also conducts the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, said both compositions are challenging. However, the members of the University Symphony Orchestra accept the challenge and are excited to perform them on Nov. 2, he said.

The cost is $5 for the public; $4 for ages 17 and under, 62 and over, and faculty and staff; or $1.50 for students with a UW-Eau Claire ID.

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KH/JB

Updated: Oct. 24, 1997