Music Director Roger Kalia brings to life the ancient Persian parable of spiritual transcendence with the intoxicating, whirling "Ascending Bird," co-written by American composer Colin Jacobsen and Persian composer Siamak Aghaei. The second work on the program is the unique semi-staged production of Felix Mendelssohn’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" in collaboration with the Evansville Civic Theatre. Mendelssohn’s score embodies the mischief and magic of Shakespeare’s classic tale. Audience members will recognize melodies such as the “Overture,” “Nocturne,” and the “Wedding March.”