NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 1998

CHAIRS GOING FAST FOR FIRST
"PLAY WITH THE PROS"
PARTICIPATORY CONCERT

CARY -- With registration drawing to a close next week, local musicians are running out of time to be a part of North Carolina history as the Town of Cary and the North Carolina Symphony proudly present the first-ever "Play with the Pros" participatory concert. The concert, which is free to spectators, will be held at 3:30 PM on Sunday, February 8, in Cary’s Community Center.

"We are thrilled to be hosting this unique event," said Cary’s Cultural Resources Supervisor Sarah Sheffield. "This concert will make dreams come true for many who will participate, and we’re glad to have had a hand in that."

Pre-registered audience members will perform with the Symphony on two pieces, the suite from Bizet’s Carmen and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. This participatory portion of the Symphony’s concert will be preceded by light classical and popular music under the direction of Associate Conductor William Henry Curry.

Moderate to advanced skill level musicians in the 9th grade to adult are invited to participate, and there are still seats remaining with the flutes and oboes as well as with the strings. There are no auditions or rehearsals to play with the NC Symphony in this special "Play with the Pros" format.

Registration materials and music are available at the Cary Community Center at 404 N. Academy Street. The fee is $6, and registration closes on Friday, January 23. Call 460-4965 for more information.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Sarah Sheffield, Cultural Resources Sup., 460-4973

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951