The first part of the concert, the orchestra performs Strike Up the Band and An American in Paris followed by Rhapsody in Blue. Mayor Pete Buttigieg is making his Symphony debut with a performance on the piano of Rhapsody in Blue. Mayor Pete commented, “I grew up playing piano and always regretted letting it slide after I went to college. Preparing for this performance has provided a great opportunity to recover that skill while supporting the arts in our community.”

The second half of the program features excerpts from Porgy and Bess sung by Tamra Garrett and Lawrence Mitchell- Matthews. Ms. Garrett is studying for her masters in voice at the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend. She is remembered as having one of the most successful senior recitals at Texas Southern University and continues that success with performances as a soloist at IU South Bend. Mr. Mitchell- Matthews, born in Detroit, began his career singing in many church choirs. After graduating from the Detroit School of the Arts in 2008, he went on to perform with the Detroit Symphony, The United Voices of Detroit, with a concert at Carnegie Hall and the Symphonic Choir of South Bend as a soloist.

This concert is a Symphony Valentine tradition. Don’t miss a chance to send a special evening with the ones you love and enjoy the talents of South Bend locals, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Tamra Garrett, Lawrence Mitchell- Matthews and The South Bend Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Tsung Yeh.

This Key Bank POPS series is sponsored by Key Bank. Our guest artists are underwritten by Foegley Landscaping.

The South Bend Symphony celebrates its 80th season with selections reflecting the heritage of South Bend! Don’t miss this season!! Tickets are available at www.southbendsymphony.org or by calling 574-235.9190.