Adam Zobel

The SDSU-Civic Symphony Pops Concert warmed the hearts of its audience Saturday evening in the Performing Arts Center as its “A Concert in the Park” took minds away from the harsh, bitter coldness of winter in favor of the warm summer weather that accompanies outdoor band concerts.

The concert was co-conducted by SDSU-Civic Symphony Director Dr. John E. Brawand and Professor Emeritus John F. Colson, the former director of the SDSU-Civic Symphony. Colson, who was at SDSU for over 30 years before retiring a few years ago, was invited by Brawand to conduct the first portion of the concert.

The performance began with three lively numbers: Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band,” Franz von Suppe’s “Light Cavalry Overture,” and Rafael Mendez’s “La Virgen de la Macarena [The Bullfighter’s Song].” Colson had the privilege to conduct Mendez in 1959; the work by the famous trumpeter featured a trumpet solo by junior Kent Foss.

“Forgotten Dreams” symbolized the dreams of Colson, who had wished for a grand facility for music in before the completion of the Performing Arts Center last fall. Colson had conducted his many concerts in Peterson Recital Hall or Pugsley Center’s forgettable Christy Ballroom.

The highlight and finale of the first section of the program was a symphonic selection from the classic musical The Music Man. Colson holds the distinction of marching in a band led by Willson that helped celebrate the 1962 film premiere of The Music Man in Mason City, Iowa.

The guest conductor was quite pleased with the evening’s music.

“It was enjoyable for the audience,” Colson said. “We have a wonderful following.”

The second segment of the concert began with an orchestral arrangement by Robert Russell Bennett from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s legendary work The Sound of Music.

The concert concluded with “Radetzky March, Op. 228” by Johann Strauss, Sr. with Brawand encouraging the audience to participate by clapping along with the orchestra.

The final two pieces were dedicated by Brawand to his family.

#1.887297:2596461418.jpg:CivicSymphanyPopsConcert.jpg:The SDSU-Civic Symphony, conducted by John Brawand, performed its pops concert on Saturday.: