A husband and wife combo, both professors of music at Missouri State University, will duel on pianos during the Springfield Symphony’s classical concert on January 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Juanita K. Hammons Hall.

Wei-Han Su and Hye-Jung Hong will be spotlighted with the orchestra during a performance of Francis Poulenc’s quick and exhilarating “Concerto for Two Pianos.”

In addition to the pianists’ performance, the concert will feature the third candidate for the Symphony’s music director and conductor position, Markand Thakar.

Thakar, a native New Yorker, is currently the music director of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra in Minnesota, music director of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra in Maryland and principal conductor of the Duluth Festival Opera.

Thakar said he looks forward to coming to Springfield and auditioning for the music director/ conductor position for a couple of reasons.

“From what I hear, it’s a wonderful orchestra and Springfield is a very culturally rich, vibrant community,” Thakar said.

Audience members in attendance at the concert will receive a conductor evaluation sheet that will allow them to score the auditioning conductor on conducting technique, musicianship, leadership and more.

After the concert, the audience members’ scores will be averaged, and the audience score will be included in the auditioning conductor’s final, composite score. At the end of the season, the conductor with the highest overall score may be offered the podium.

The pieces that will be performed during the concert are Mendelssohn’s “‘Hebrides’ Overture,” Poulenc’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” and Tchaikovksy’s “Symphony No. 5.”

Tickets are currently on sale at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall box office, and can be purchased by calling 417-836-7678, or online at www.missouristatetix.com. Ticket prices range from $15 – $30, and discounts are available for students and seniors.

The concert is being sponsored by RMMC Certified Public Accountants, Independent Printing and Mediacom.