The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is performing for the Tohono O'Odham Nation this Saturday, May 1, in Sells.
The TSO, believed to be the first major arts group in Southern Arizona to perform for the tribe, offers a string quartet recital, a Just for Kids program and the final Classic Series program of the 2009-'10 season.
Performances are the result of collaboration among the Tohono O'odham Nation Cultural Center and Museum, the TSO, the Tohono O'odham Senior Services Department, the Sells Recreation Center (Tohono O'odham Nation Education Department), the Archie Hendricks Senior Skilled Nursing Facility and the Indian Oasis-Baboquivari Unified School District.
It introduces "live classical music to a community that might not otherwise have the experience, due to geographic location, cultural habits and financial obstacles," a release said. TSO is providing education packets complete with information about the instruments of the orchestra, musicians and a CD.
The TSO String Quartet plays an hour-long recital at the Archie Hendricks Senior Skilled Nursing Facility.
The TSO Wind Quintet performs a "Just for Kids" concert including Peter and the Wolf for very young children and their parents.
George Hanson, TSO music director and conductor, leads the TSO in a two-hour performance of works by Mozart and Dvorák at the Sells Recreation Center. The performance will follow a community potluck and blessing ceremony.
