The final concert of the Wartburg Community Symphony’s season begins at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11. Soloist Ashu performs for most of the program on both the soprano and alto saxophones. The concert takes place in Neumann Auditorium on the Wartburg College Campus in Waverly.

Ashu has defied convention by using the saxophone to win awards traditionally won by pianists and violinists. Described as dynamic and captivating, he has performed around the world and is based in Chicago.

He will begin performing with the orchestra on alto saxophone. “Rhapsody for Saxophone and Orchestra” is by early 20^th century composer, Claude Debussy, who shocked his professors with his impressionist style of music.

Next is a fantasy by Jules Demersseman, written just 14 years after the saxophone was invented. Demersseman’s style demands extreme virtuosity from the performer.

Ashu orchestrated that piece, and arranged and orchestrated the final two works by Astor Piazzolla, a 20^th century composer with Argentinean roots, who created a “new tango” style. Ashu will switch to soprano saxophone for “Tanti Anni Prima” (Ave Maria) and “Libertango.”

The program also includes Bizet’s “Suite from Carmen.”

This will be the last concert directed by Dr. Daniel Kaplunas, music director and conductor since 2011. Kaplunas recently announced his resignation, and Jon Tehven, president of the Wartburg Community Symphony Association, said a replacement has not yet been named.

The evening begins at 7:10 p.m. with pre-concert music by the Wartburg String Quartet. A reception concludes the evening.

A grant from the Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation helps sponsor the Waverly concert.

Concert tickets can be purchased from the Wartburg Ticket Office during business hours by phoning 800-772-2085, ext. 8691. They may also be ordered online at www.wartburg.edu/symphony. Ticket price is $16.50 for an adult and $6.50 for a student. At-the-door tickets are sold starting at 6:45 p.m. Wartburg College students with identification are admitted without charge.

A Wartburg Community Symphony Association membership for the upcoming season, which begins at $150, is available. Association membership can include two adult and two student tickets for each of the symphony’s four 2015-16 concerts: Oct. 3, Dec. 13, Feb. 13 and April 9.

The Wartburg Community Symphony enhances Iowa’s cultural vitality through symphonic music concerts and educational programming. The orchestra numbers 44 community members, high school students, and Wartburg College instructors and students.

For information, call 319-352-8200.