Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts will present Sejong, a 14-member chamber orchestra, as part of the 2007-2008 University Series, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

The chamber string ensemble, under the direction of Hyo Kang, professor of violin at the Juilliard School and Yale University, is composed of individually distinguished solo and chamber musicians from eight different countries: Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States.

"We are excited about bringing to Nacogdoches this collection of talent renowned for its cohesiveness, beautiful sound and refreshing musical style," said John W. Goodall, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts who is responsible for booking the University Series' guest artists.

The ensemble will perform works by Michael Haydn, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Dmitri Shostakovich, Edward Elgar and Astor Piazzolla.

Since its formation in 1995, the New York-based ensemble has performed concerts in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall in London, Salle Cortot in Paris, Suntory Hall in Japan, Seoul Arts Center in Korea and the National Arts Theatre in Taiwan.

In addition, the group has had residencies at the Aspen Music Festival and the Great Mountains International Music Festival & School in Korea, where it has been the host ensemble since the festival's inception in 2004.

Sejong has been selected to perform in honor of some of the world's premier sporting events, such as the 2002 World Cup in Seoul, Korea, and at the Olympic Torch Ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters, as part of the 2004 Olympic Torch relay.

Prior to the concert, Gene H. Moon, director of orchestral activities at SFA, will give a brief informative talk at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from W.M. Turner Auditorium. Audience members are also invited to a post-performance reception in the gallery to meet the artists and honor the event's corporate sponsor, BancorpSouth of Nacogdoches.

Adult tickets range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, please visit www.sfasu.edu/finearts or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.