Eu g e n e Sy m p h o ny o f fe r s s p e c i a l ‘ Fl o re n ce - O n l y ’ co n ce r t SEAcoast Entertainment Association’s sensational season of seven high-caliber performances wraps up on Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m., when the Eugene Symphony returns to present a special Florence-only “Orchestra Showcase.” This unique, one-time concert will include the music of Barber, Haydn, and Beethoven; and feature the Symphony’s principal cellist Anne Ridlington. The Symphony will host a free pre-concert talk at 6:15 p.m. to meet their audience and give insights on the evening’s music. In addition, the Siuslaw High School band will perform in the lobby at 6:45 p.m. According to Lindsey McCarthy, spokesperson for the Eugene Symphony Association, attendees will hear the Eugene Symphony at its very best, from the poignant emotions of the strings in Barber’s Adagio for Strings, to the cello-rich melodies of Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D Major, to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale” that pays tribute to the natural world and our existence within it. Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most solemn and evocative pieces of American music. It begins with a single, sustained note, eventually joined by the elongated melodies and extended suspensions that create a great unresolved harmonic tension. Ridlington will play Haydn’s gracefully athletic Concerto in her fi rst solo spotlight. The piece begins with a long sonata form movement that develops two relaxed and lyrical melodies, and which allows for a long solo cadenza. The middle movement features a songlike melody from the cello, alternating with contrasting material. The concerto ends with high-spirited and fl ashy rondo. The fi rst movement of Beethoven’s “Pastorale” begins with Awakening of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arriving in the Country. The following Scene by the Brook unfolds with aptly fl owing grace. At the very end, Beethoven has woodwinds imitate birds with a fl ute as a nightingale, and oboe as a quail, and a clarinet as a cuckoo. Individual tickets are $30 per adult and $10 for those under 18. Tickets are available online at SEAcoastEA.org or at the Florence Events Center box offi ce, 715 Quince Street; or by phone at 541-997-1994. Artist profi les, video clips, and more information are available at www.SeacoastEA.org. SEAcoast is planning another outstanding season beginning in October with Latin/pop/jazz/classical artists, QUATTROSOUND. Also included in the 2015-2016 line-up are singer Ken Lavigne, guitarist Jesse Cook, Ballet Fantastique, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, SHUFFLE (a group so multitalented they let the audience pick the playlist), and gypsy-jazz artists The New Hot Club of America. Season tickets, which offer a value of seven concerts for the price of fi ve, go on sale later this spring. R h o d ys t o b l o o m at a n n u a l f l owe r s h ow M ay 1 6 a n d 1 7 ‘ Why D o n’t Yo u D o R i g ht ? ’ a n d co m e Ce l e b rate c l a s s i c fe m a l e vo c a l i s t s w i t h Jazz Kings The Jazz Kings close their 19th season with a focus on those great female vocalists who shared the stage with jazz ensembles who never made it to the stardom or mega-stardom enjoyed by Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday. But in fact, these phenomenal vocalists were stars in their own wonderful ways, as this sparkling evening will evidence! The show, set for Saturday, May 9, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will include a few nods to Ella, Billie, and Peggy of course, before turning to exquisite sides by Anita O’Day, Julie London, Helen Ward, Marion Hutton, and Helen Forrest. Listen for “Cry Me A River,” “Hold Tight,” “The Peanut Vendor,” “Goody, Goody,” “Is That All There Is,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “Why Don’t You Do Right?” Jazz Kings crooner Shirley Andress will lead this vocal trip to the past. Page 4 The American Rhododendron Society’s Siuslaw Chapter will host its annual Rhododendron Flower Show May 16 and 17. The fl ower show, which is a judged event, aims to educate and introduce the public to as many varieties of rhododendrons as possible. The show is free and open to the public as soon as judging is completed. The fl ower show is a great place to fi nd what fl owers would look great in your garden and view varieties of both rhododendrons and azaleas from around the world. The Siuslaw Chapter also has an outdoor plant sale both days. Many selections of rhododendrons and azaleas are available for a reasonable price. Doors are open Saturday, May 16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. The Florence Events Center website: www.eventcenter.org