From the graceful and unforgettable melodies of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to the swan-inspired theme in Jean Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony, Signature Symphony at TCC blends these two beloved works for an evening of “Legends and Swans” on Feb. 25. The concert showcases how two composers crafted two well-known but very different works with a similar inspiration.

“The Fifth Symphony of Sibelius creates this incredible world of sound transporting us to some of the distant corners of the world we think only exist in our imagination,” said Scott Seaton, Signature Symphony artistic director. “This concert could also be subtitled “Artistic Director’s Choice” as not only do I get to combine my favorite composer, Jean Sibelius, with the sweeping melodic writing of Tchaikovsky and his Swan Lake Suite, but I also get to collaborate with one of my dear friends and colleagues, violinist Andrew Sords.”

Sords, who has been described by Cleveland Classical as a violinist with “…total command of technique, consummate musicianship, and bravura…”, joins Signature Symphony on stage. He will tell the incredible story of the “Légende,” by Henryk Wieniawski, a tale that uses the power of music to win over those opposed to his marriage and will display the technical fireworks of “Zigeunerweisen” by Pablo de Sarasate.

“The evening is a wonderful combination of stories that will be told by the combined forces of the Signature Symphony and the immaculate artistry of violinist Andrew Sords,” said Seaton.

For families wanting to get a behind-the-scenes look, you are invited to attend the Free Open Rehearsals on Thursday, February 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the VanTrease PACE on the Southeast Campus. The free event is great for families and children of all ages to get to know our conductor and musicians through a short Q&A and to see the elements that go into a professional orchestra’s concert.