Mesmerizing circus artists choreographed to classical masterpieces bring magic to the Koger stage

Gymnasts, aerialists, jugglers and acrobats from Cirque de la Symphonie join the musicians for two performances on April 1. A 10:00 a.m. performance for school groups and parents with children is offered in addition to the regular evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

The international performers from Cirque perform on and above the stage, while the orchestra plays great classical pieces. Cirque de la Symphonie has performed with the Baltimore Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony and many other orchestras large and small.

“We felt this was an opportunity to bring something really different to the classical music community that would attract new audiences while maintaining a high level of musical performance,” said Dr. Donald Portnoy, orchestra music director.

The world-class acrobats and gymnasts from Russia, Mongolia and Moldova perform elegant and often breathtaking feats while the orchestra plays the music of Bizet, Chabrier, Smetana, Rimsky-Korsakov and others providing a full visual and aural experience.

A Baltimore Sun review stated, “There's always a lot of talk about the need to break down barriers in classical music, to rethink the concert format and put a fresh spin on the experience. This imaginative concert actually did that …It was cool to hear collective ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ rise from the crowd.”

Tickets for the evening performance are $30 for the general public, $25 for USC faculty and staff and seniors, and $8 for students. Admission to the morning show is $5 for children, their parents and chaperones. Purchase tickets online at Capitol Tickets, call (803) 251-2222 or at the Koger Box Office (corner of Park and Greene).