The Missouri Southern Music Department will present La Musica Italiana tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Directed and conducted by Kexi Liu, music professor and director of Suzuki Violin, the event will feature the 55 piece Southern Symphony Orchestra performing classical music—both operatic and symphonic—originating from Italy as part of the University’s ongoing Italian themed semester.

“On the program, we have two popular opera overtures. One is from the The Barber of Seville by Rossini, and the other one is by Verdi, The Force of Destiny,” said Liu. “We also have a Respighi piece called Ancient Dances and Airs.”

In addition to the Southern Symphony Orchestra, the event will also feature internationally renowned violinist Chin Kim as the guest performer during Niccolo Paganini’s Violin Concerto #1.

“He’s a top prize winner of several major international competitions and a virtuoso,” said Liu. “He’s really good. I’m really excited to perform with him.”

Kim’s performance is sponsored, in part, by the Missouri Southern International Studies Department. Admission for La Musica Italiana is free and open to the public. For more information call Liu at (417) 625-9681.

“I just hope people will come to enjoy this concert and don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear a wonderful violinist,” said Liu.