MSO tix price eased as gift to community

BEE STAFF REPORTS

Friends of the late Bette Belle and Jean Smith are providing a gift to the community by subsidizing tickets to the Modesto Symphony Orchestra's Nov. 2-3 performances at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

All remaining tickets will cost only $15-$20, far cheaper than the usual ticket prices, which top out at $89.

The Smiths were devoted supporters of the orchestra. Jean Smith died in September at age 92; Bette Belle Smith died in November 2009 at age 88.

This concert features Beethoven's Symphony No. 4, Rossini's Overture to "La gazza ladra (the thieving magpie)" and Philip Sawyers' Cello Concerto.

David Lockington and Ming Luke will share conducting duties, and Lockington will perform the cello solo.

Lockington, pictured above, began his musical career as a cellist and was principal with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain for two years. After completing his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Cambridge, Lockington came to the United States on scholarship to Yale University, where he earned his master's degree in cello performance and studied conducting. He served as assistant principal cellist for three years with the Denver Symphony Orchestra before turning to conducting.

The Smith family will attend Friday's performance.

WHAT: Modesto Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven Symphony No. 4

WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 2-3

WHERE: Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $15-$20

CALL: (209) 338-2100

ONLINE: www.galloarts.org