The Auburn Symphony Orchestra concludes its season with “The Battle on the Ice”, a tribute to two Russian composers – Tchaikovsky and Prokoviev – who created pictures in music to match the bleak landscape and low temperatures during the winter months on the open steppes.

The ASO, under music director and conductor Stewart Kershaw, will perform two concerts – 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday – at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 “Winter Dreams” is a harbinger to spring, while Prokoviev’s brilliant Alexander Nevsky Cantata provides the perfect backdrop to one of history’s most amazing triumphs of good over evil. The cantata includes the Battle on the Ice, previously made famous by Eisenstein’s film masterpiece, “Alexander Nevsky”.

Prior to the performance, an extended pre-concert lecture will be held. Kershaw and KUOW host Dave Beck will focus on the music and film. An edited showing of the 1938 film and the lecture will give audience members an enhanced appreciation of the music and the story behind it. The program is sponsored in part by the City of Auburn.

IN CONCERT

• WHAT: Auburn Symphony Orchestra “The Battle on the Ice,” including Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 “Winter Dreams”, Prokoviev’s Alexander Nevsky Cantata; Kyra Humphrey, Contralto; The Federal Way Chorale, Laird Thornton, director

• WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11, 7:30 p.m. both days, free pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m., both days. Sunday’s performance time changed from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm

• WHERE: Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn

• TICKETS: Reserved seats: $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 students. Call 253.887.7777 or purchase online at www.auburnsymphony.org.

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Founded in 1996 the fully-professional Auburn Symphony Orchestra is led by Stewart Kershaw, internationally-renowned conductor and recently retired music director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra. For more information, please visit www.auburnsymphony.org.