Free Valentine’s Day Concert to be held in Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT - The Southeast Iowa Symphony will host a free Valentine’s Day Concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Mt. Pleasant Chapel Auditorium.

The hour-long event will mix classical favorites with contemporary pop hits. Selections will range from Carmen, the opera by Georges Bizet, to tunes made popular by Nat King Cole, and even music from the musical-turned-movie Wicked.

“You don’t need to know classical music in order to enjoy it,” said Ming Vierra, Marketing Director for the SEISO. “The music will make you dance. You won’t be able to help yourself.”

This event features the Symphony’s Children’s Choir, as well as two guests. W. Mark Akin, a classical guitarist from St. Louis, will be accompanied by the Symphony in several performances. According to Akin’s website, he has won prizes at myriad events, from Tennessee to Arizona. In June 2022, Mark was a Featured Artist for the Missouri Arts Council.

Also appearing is Kelsey Madsen, a prolific singer from the Cedar Rapids area. Teaching at Vinton Shellsburg Elementary as well as the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, Madsen’s love for music is evident in her performances. In 2010, while participating in American Idol auditions, Madsen was one of the few contestants to receive the coveted “Hollywood Golden Ticket,” the invitation to the second round of auditions.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com