South Dakota Symphony Orchestra to Open 2015-16 Season with Mahler's 'Tragic' Symphony, 10/3

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) opens its 2015-2016 season on October 3rd with Mahler's "Tragic" Symphony. Audiences will be treated to the largest orchestra the SDSO has ever put on the stage, boasting nearly 100 members for the evening.

"One hundred musicians focused like a laser on performing one of the most exciting and challenging pieces of music ever written -- that's a recipe for an exhilarating opening night!" says Delta David Gier, Music Director of the SDSO. "The goal when the SDSO embarked upon its first cycle of Mahler symphonies in 2005 was a transformed orchestra. We only have two Mahler symphonies left, and the SDSO is stronger than ever." The 2015-2016 season marks the 94th for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

The 2015-2016 season also marks the launch of the new Crescendo Program. The Crescendo Program offers $10 tickets to all Classical Series performances to anyone under the age of 35 as well as free tickets for children with the purchase of an adult ticket to any Classical Series concert. In addition, members of the community who have never attended an SDSO performance before can receive a complimentary ticket to their first Classical Series concert.

"An entire family who has never experienced the symphony before can have a free night," says Jake Windish, Marketing Assistant of the SDSO. "When you do that, you're growing the arts within that entire family. They get to experience this for no cost the first time they walk in the door. That's just outstanding."

To participate in the Crescendo Program, call the box office at (605) 367-6000. The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra will be performing Mahler's "Tragic" Symphony Saturday, October 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Pavilion. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sdsymphony.org or by calling the Washington Pavilion box office at (605) 367 - 6000.