The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

This February marks the fiftieth anniversary of The Beatles first American television appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where 73 million people tuned in for a history making performance.

As a tribute to celebrate this momentous occasion, the Symphony of Southeast Texas invites fans and newcomers alike to join us for our Pops concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Julie Rogers Theatre, where we will take off on a “Classical Mystery Tour.” The concert features the best of The Beatles like it has never been heard before: performed live exactly as it was written and with your Symphony of Southeast Texas.

The four musicians in “Classical Mystery Tour” look and sound just like The Beatles, but the performance is more than just a rock concert. The show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes, from early music through the solo years, performed exactly as they were originally recorded (the orchestra charts were transcribed note-for-note from The Beatles recordings). Guests will have the opportunity to hear “Penny Lane” with a live trumpet section, experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and enjoy the classical/rock blend on “I Am the Walrus.” Many fans have said this is the best show the Beatles never did!

Since its initial show at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in 1996, “Classical Mystery Tour” has performed with more than 100 orchestras across the United States and around the world, receiving accolades from fans and the media. The Los Angeles Times called the show “more than just an incredible simulation...the swelling strings and soaring French horn lines gave the live performance a high goose-bump quotient...the crowd stood and bellowed for more.”

Single ticket prices range from $17 to $41; senior, student and group discounts are available. To purchase tickets or get more information, visit www.sost.org or contact the Symphony office at (409) 892-2257.

The Symphony Pops concert is sponsored by Capital One Bank; “Classical Mystery Tour’s” appearance made possible in part by Mason Construction, Ltd.

The Symphony of Southeast Texas continues its mission of presenting educational, entertaining, and culturally enriching programs of the highest artistic quality and, as always, promises to be “Good to the last note!”