Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra sends a lovely Valentine to area fans

It won't be difficult for Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra to weave a romantic spell over audience members with a special  performance next week.

"A Valentine's Tradition" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at The Auditorium at Bethel Church in Crown Point.

"I'm looking forward to the Valentine's concert," said Kirk Muspratt, music director/conductor of the symphony.

Being held just before Cupid's holiday, Muspratt said the show is "a great opportunity to go out and have a beautiful evening with your date, girlfriend, boyfriend, daughter (or even your) mother or father. It's a great Valentine's gift."

On the performance agenda will be lush, dramatic tunes perfect for a love-themed show.

"They're from the time period of the romantic era," Muspratt said.

Starring will be Schumann's "Piano Concerto in A Minor," which was written for his wife and Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 4."

Muspratt said Tchaikovsky, a soul who was unlucky in love, infused his music with passion and longing.

He said both Schumann and Tchaikovsky were "sensitive, tortured people." So, it's no surprise these particular compositions are so expressive.

Appearing as a special guest artist in the program will be pianist Di Wu, a native of China.

Muspratt said he's looking forward to meeting her and introducing her to area music lovers.

"I just think she's an exciting player and she's one of the up-and-coming artists in America."

Wu will participate in Muspratt's pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. on the night of the show as well.

Wu won the prestigious 2009 Van Cliburn Competition and The Juilliard School's Petschek Award in addition to other honors.