Newport, KY (PRWEB) November 11, 2014

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra has performed a mountain of repertoire in its 22 years, yet still hasnt played some of the best-known works in the orchestral repertoire. This seasons All-20th century theme has allowed music director James Cassidy to narrow the focus and add to the orchestras bucket-list of famous works. Keeping with the KSO's flair for truly unique concert experiences, the audience will see the orchestra up-close and personal as several on-stage cameras will offer audience members various shots of the musicians simulcast live on three video screens suspended in the back and above the stage. Cassidy has often described the traditional orchestral setting as a sea of penguins (referring to the conventional black and white concert attire). Allowing everyone to see performers close up offers a different perspective of the teamwork required of 70+ individuals to paint a sonic canvas that we call symphonic music, said Cassidy.

The evening opens with Jean Sibeliuss turn of the century Finlandia. The work written in 1899-1900 features rousing and turbulent music, evoking the national struggle of the Finnish people under Russian oppression. At the end Sibelius writes a calming hymn that was later adopted as the melody to the Christian hymn Be Still My Soul. The Finlandia hymn today remains a popular Finnish national song (much like our America the Beautiful). The general populace may recognize the piece from its prominent use in Bruce Williss 1990 Die Hard 2: Die Harder, or perhaps as the name of a premium vodka.

The 1952 work 433 by John Cage for any instrument or combination of instruments will receive the full orchestral treatment. The work in three movements offers exactly four minutes and 33 seconds of complete silence. The performers turn pages (quietly), but no notes or sounds are emitted. John Cage was an experimental composer and likely took a cue from Theatre of the Absurd (i.e. Beckett, Pinter)." said conductor James Cassidy. Cage studied Zen Buddhism in the late 1940s, and believed that any ambient sounds may constitute music. In a 1982 interview, and on numerous occasions, Cage stated that 433 was, in his opinion, his most important work.

Ithink, for the orchestra, avoiding eye contact with each other and the conductor will be essential to rendering a convincing performance of the work, said Cassidy. It will be a different experience for all.

In 1920 Maurice Ravel conceived La Valse as a choreographed poem and tribute to the waltz form and its champion Johann Strauss II. Originally titled Vienna the work, in one-movement for large orchestra, is often described as a metaphor for the predicament of European civilization following World War I.

Following intermission the KSO crosses Igor Stravinskys 1947 edition of the puppet ballet Petroushka off the Symphonys bucket-list, completing KSO performances of all three of the composers large ballet scores The Firebird (performed in 1999) and The Rite of Spring (1997). Given the variety and one-of-a-kind presentations that have distinguished KSO programming for 22 years, the opportunity to simply perform some of the greatest works in the orchestral repertoire makes a rare and exciting event.

Put on your discerning eyes and ears and enjoy an evening of 20th century classics and KSO premieres 8:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22 at Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion. Tickets are $19, $27, $35 (children 6-18 receive 50% off) and are available online, by phone or at the door. http://www.kyso.org / (859) 431-6216.

About the KSO: The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra takes the phony out of symphony through thematic concerts that culturally enrich, educate and entertain the residents of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. The KSO performs throughout Northern Kentucky performing three series of concerts, for the schools, in the parks and at various indoor venues.

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The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Goes Silent...for 4'33"

Despite the glamour of exquisite hotels and contemporary design, many homeowners still prefer their home to have more warmth than the typical resort.

View this kitchen and bath gallery here.

My client travels the world and stays in the nicest hotels for his business, said designer Susan Rocco of the Kitchenworks, who completed the design of the newly built home. So he loves the same modern style, but he wanted it to be warm. Thats the inspiration for his house.

Set in East Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the home takes advantage of its more tropical locale with an open layout and a connection with the outdoors. The entire back patio a landscaped area complete with a fire pit, hanging swings and lanterns by the pool is open to the kitchen through a nano wall. Made of solid glass, this illusionary wall slides easily away, leaving the kitchen space totally exposed to the outdoors.

I could visualize someone having a great dinner party in this house and enjoying the backyard afterward, said Rocco said. It has that open, resort feel.

Continuing in this style, the homeowner indicated that the design should have clean lines, integrated appliances and seating at the island. He also requested a U-shaped island and no upper wall cabinets. I was reluctant when he said he didnt want any upper wall cabinets, she admitted. I thought, where is he going to put everything?

The problem began solving itself when the team installed a paneled wall system to the right of the kitchen. Behind these glass doors with aluminum banding, floor-to-ceiling, rollout shelving houses all the pantry items in easy reach of the prep area.

Honestly, the key for him being happy there for the next 20 years in this space is that additional pantry storage, said Rocco. Hes got that much extra storage because of that.

The almost-literal work triangle in the U-shaped island holds everything needed for seating, food prep and cleanup. White Caesarstone countertops, chosen for ease of maintenance, host a sink on the left and a stove on the right. The other challenge was that he wanted so many appliances and the fact that he wanted things tall and in groups that very contemporary look, explained Rocco.

Hidden in the tall, back wall cabinets, the refrigerator, freezer, double ovens, microwave and coffee maker accommodate his appliance requirements. Made of cortisone white oak with a horizontal grain, the wood cabinets balance out the clean lines with natural grain and brown undertones.

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Zen and Flow

Words' Worth: Whish-Wilson, Zen Pencils

David Whish-Wilson, author of gritty crime novels Line of Sight (partly inspired by the murder of Perth brothel owner Shirley Finn), Zero at the Bone and the 2014 WA Premier's Book Awards-shortlisted Perth, will talk to The West Australian's books editor William Yeoman about writing Perth noir and tackling local history like a novelist.

The Sunday Authors in Conversation audience is invited to linger and share a cuppa and a chat with Whish-Wilson at the November 30 event being held at City of Vincent library at 2pm-3.30pm. Free entry but bookings essential: phone 9273 6090 or email library@vincent.wa.gov .au. Light refreshments provided.

Gavin Aung Than, aka Zen Pencils, is coming to Boffins Bookshop, 88 William Street, Perth, to celebrate the release of his first Zen Pencils book. Aung Tan left behind a corporate career to follow his lifelong dream of drawing cartoons for a living. His new book features over 170 full-colour pages, an exclusive pull-out poster and is suitable for all ages. Meet the creator of Zen Pencils and get your book signed from 2pm on Saturday, November 29. Tickets are free but please register via Trybooking.com. For more information phone Adelene on 9321 5755 or email events@boffinsbookshop.com.au.

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Words' Worth: Whish-Wilson, Zen Pencils