The Lee University Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Leonardo Rosario, will present its annual spring concert on Monday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall.   
 
The performance will feature Carlos Gomes’s “Il Guarany Overture,” Bedřich Smetana’s “The Moldau,” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major.” 
 
“‘Il Guarany’ is a hallmark of Brazilian Romanticism and sets a vibrant tone for the concert, introducing the Indigenous hero, Peri,” said Rosario. “From there, ‘The Moldau’ carries the audience through vivid scenes along the river, and we conclude with Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 4,’ which begins with a sense of mystery before ultimately radiating joy.” 
 
The concert will also feature student presenters who will provide research related to the musical program, as well as a time of recognition for the senior students in the orchestra.  
 
The Lee University Symphony Orchestra is composed of select instrumentalists and performs a range of major works including operatic, choral, and large-scale symphonic repertoire.   
 
“The evening will be so much more than a concert,” said Rosario, assistant professor of strings. “I look forward to all we have in store for our audience, especially this year’s new addition to the program – announcing next year’s season. This is an important step toward giving our students experiences that align with professional orchestral life. We hope it will also energize our guests, encouraging them to return, spread the word, and help our concert community continue to grow.” 
 
In addition to directing the Symphony Orchestra, Rosario serves as assistant professor of strings in Lee’s School of Music, where he teaches applied violin and viola. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Music from the Boston Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music from São Paulo State University. An internationally accomplished performer, Rosario has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player in more than 10 countries. In recent years, he has expanded into conducting, working with youth and community ensembles to foster artistic collaboration and growth.   
 
The concert is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. A livestream will also be available at leeu.live.   
 
For more information about the Lee Symphony Orchestra, this performance, or other music events at Lee University, contact the School of Music at (423) 614-8240 or [email protected].