The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will open its first concert of the season with Cirque de la Symphonie, on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Wichita Falls Memorial Auditorium on 7th and Broad.

“Cirque de la Symphonie will meld together music and acrobatic performances, as well as aerial flyers, jugglers, contortionists, strongmen and more,” Todd Giles, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra board member, said. Cirque‘s performance is going to be seamlessly choreographed with the orchestra.

“We’ll hear music by Shostakovich, Rimsky-Korsakov, Saint-Saens, and others, including John Williams, who composed the music to Harry Potter,” Giles, assistant professor of English, said.

The troupe has performed all over the world, including South Africa, Australia and British Columbia. This year they are performing in cities like Boulder, Albuquerque and Daytona Beach.

Giles said he believes students should attend the symphony, as well as art exhibits and lecture series because cultural events help broaden their views of the world; they teach us to see and hear the world in new and interesting ways.

Clara Latham, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra board member, said the symphony offers a musical experience that cannot be duplicated through radio or television.

“Watching a live performance by a musician is a unique experience and has an emotional impact,” Latham said.

Latham said the symphony encourages young people and families to attend.  There is no dress code and the atmosphere is casual, with the chance to socialize and meet new people during the intermission. Tickets are affordable at just $10 for students.

“Cirque is something one would see only in larger cities, so this is a special opportunity for Wichita Falls and students to experience something new,” Latham said.

Andrew Allen, assistant professor of music, said Cirque de la Symphonie will be entertaining with uplifting music. A part of the college experience is stepping out of comfort zones and discovering new interests and activities.

“I would love to see more students attend the symphony and the concerts offered on campus,” Allen said. “Students should not be afraid to try something new, and these concerts are great cultural experiences,” he added.