The Auburn Symphony Orchestra concludes its 2008-09 season at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 p.m. April 26 with Spring Rhapsody at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. The orchestra will be joined by piano soloist Mark Salman who has been hailed by Seattle’s “The Stranger” as a “heroic virtuoso.”

The program will open with the popular overture to Wagner’s Tannhauser, the story of a 13th century knight who is torn between sensuality and pure love for the saintly Elizabeth, who finally shows him the road to salvation. Mark Salman will take the stage for Prokoviev’s Piano Concerto No 3. This concerto is renowned for highlighting the ability of the soloist and the orchestra to produce the widest palette of instrumental colors available. Inspired by the sounds of spring and his love for Clara, Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 will provide audiences with a sense of optimism and renewal as they welcome the signs of spring.

Each performance in-cludes a pre-concert lecture 45 minutes prior to curtain. Reserved seats are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. Bus transportation from the Enumclaw senior center, 1350 Cole St., is available for the April 26 concert. Departure time is 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person/round trip.

For information, call 253-939-8509 or purchase tickets on-line at www.auburnsymphony.org.

Founded in 1996 the fully-professional Auburn Symphony Orchestra is led by Stewart Kershaw, internationally-renowned conductor and music director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra. This concert is generously supported by the city of Auburn. For more information, please visit www.auburnsymphony.org.