The Romantic music of Peter Tchaikovsky, the internationally-known Russian composer, will fill the Rexburg Tabernacle with the members of the Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra performing his memorable music, Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rexburg Tabernacle Civic Center, 51 N. Center Street in Rexburg.

The program, conducted by Mark Seare, will include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams” and the overture-fantasy, Romeo and Juliet.

“The musical love themes of Romeo and Juliet have been used in so many movies and TV shows to the point that most people could hum along,” says Dan North, French horn player with the community ensemble.

“It is some of the best love music ever written,” adds Millie Wessel, first violinist.

Tchaikovsky was only 29 years old when he composed this work and was among other prominent nineteenth century composers of the time choosing to use characters and stories from Shakespeare.

Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams” was said to have cost Tchaikovsky more labor and suffering than any of his other later works, according to his brother Modest. However, Peter Tchaikovsky maintained that this work “fundamentally has more substance and is better than any of my other more mature works.” One music commentator describes this symphony to have the presence of Mendelssohn’s style of grace, lightness and pace throughout the work.

This all-volunteer community orchestra has been functioning for 20 years and is made up of professional musicians, public school music educators, highly-trained and skilled students and deeply dedicated musicians from the Upper Valley who are willing to share their talents with those who come to be nourished by excellent music. There are three free concerts per season, which are sponsored by the City of Rexburg, but donations are greatly appreciated to maintain this ensemble and the historic 100-year old Tabernacle.