Rhode Island Philharmonic Pairs Mozart and Mahler Tonight

East Providence, RI -- With Music Director LARRY RACHLEFF on the podium, theRHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA will pair MOZART'S beloved overture to THE MAGIC FLUTE with MAHLER'S majestic FIFTH SYMPHONY. The concert takes place tonight, February 22 at 8:00pm at The Vets in Providence.

The concert is sponsored by Marie Langlois and John Loerke. WPRO News Talk 630 is the media sponsor. Tickets (starting at $15) are available atriphil.org/tickets, by phone at 401.248.7000, and in person at the RIPO box office, 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence.

"In February's concert, we'll hear such an interesting pairing: Mozart and Mahler, two Austro-German Viennese composers," said Larry Rachleff, music director. "Could there have been a Mahler without a Mozart? We'll hear the overture to The Magic Flute, one of the most popular of Mozart's operas, and then Mahler's towering masterpiece, his Fifth Symphony." Rachleff continued: "We concluded last season with Mahler's Second, and his Fifth is no less a voyage into the human condition. It takes us through the depths of the human soul, through pain and anguish, from loss to love - the famousAdagietto to his dear Alma - and the last movement brings us to paradise. With over 100 musicians on stage, this concert will be another major musical event."

The Philharmonic's season features eight Classical concerts on Saturday nights at The Vets. Four are preceded by Amica Rush Hour concerts on Friday, and four have Friday Open Rehearsals. The Amica Rush Hour Series offers an early start time - 6:30pm - on remaining Fridays March 21 and April 11. These shorter, informal, accessible concerts feature full performances of select repertoire from theSaturday Classical concerts. Open Rehearsals, on remaining Fridays February 21 and May 9 at 5:30pm, offer insight into the collaboration between the conductor, guest artists and orchestra musicians as they prepare for the upcoming classical concert. Subscriptions are on sale now. Please call the Philharmonic box office at 401.248.7000, or visit www.riphil.org/tickets.

AT A GLANCE: Mozart & Mahler

Larry Rachleff, conductor

MOZART The Magic Flute: Overture

MAHLER Symphony No.5, C-sharp minor

Saturday February 22 at 8:00pm Open Rehearsal: Friday February 21 at 5:30pm

TICKETS: starting at $15, with discounts for students and groups in select sections

online: www.riphil.org/tickets, 24/7

by phone: Philharmonic box office: 401.248.7000; Monday-Friday 9?4:30

in person: Philharmonic box office, Carter Center, 667 Waterman Street, East Providence, Monday-Friday 9?4:30 OR

Vets box office, Avenue of the Arts, Providence, concert Friday 2?5:30pm; concertSaturday 3:30?8pm