The Hope College Symphonette 2002-2003 season opens on Friday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Under the direction of Richard Piippo, the concert will consist of a variety of musical styles, including works by Bizet, Corigliano, Vivaldi and Haydn.

The evening opens with "Carmen Suite No. 1" by Georges Bizet, built from the melodies and dramatic passion of the famous opera, "Carmen."

The piece is followed by "Elegy for Orchestra" by John Corigliano, a prolific composer of the 20th century. The piece displays rhythmic complexities, intense dissonance, and melodic lines.

The Hope College string section will be featured with the "Concerto Grosso in D minor" by Antonio Vivaldi. As with much of Vivaldi's work, this piece is full of rhythmic vitality and drama.

The concert ends with Joseph Haydn's "Symphony No. 103 (Paukenwirbel; Drum Roll)." Haydn felt this was the best of the 104 symphonies that he wrote. Featuring the timpani as a solo part, the symphony presents structural and musical ideas that become part of the music language of Beethoven.

Dimnent Memorial Chapel is located on College Avenue at 12th Street.