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SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at Salisbury State University will shoot for nothing less than a little slice of heaven Friday, March 23, when it combines celestially inspired music with out-of-this-world desserts for a fun-filled night called Savor Goes to the Moon.  

The night at the Commons will feature a satisfying mix of music for listening, tapping toes, singing along and dancing, plus fancy desserts and complimentary champagne at intermission. The moon will figure in every aspect of the evening.  

"We've worked hard to find as many moon tunes as we can for which there are orchestral arrangements," said Dr. Thomas G. Elliot, conductor and music director of the SSO. "We have kind of an eclectic collage of well-known moon songs, from 'Moonglow' right up to the 'Moonlight Sonata,' and then dancing to the 'Moonlight Serenade.' We're having fun with this theme."   

Guests would search the dessert tables in vain for some of the astronaut ice cream created for moon voyages, but what they will find will be heavenly. Bananas Foster and assorted crepes made while you watch, petit fours, gourmet brownies, cannolis, chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit tarts and chocolate mousse cups, accompanied by champagne, fine coffee and tea, or drinks from the cash bar.

The evening begins at 8 p.m. with moon tunes and light pops, after which people may enjoy the desserts before taking to the dance floor. Performances by the night's two soloists, soprano Beth Holder and pianist Scot Hawkins, will be featured in the final section of the program.

Hawkins, who first appeared as a soloist with the SSO in 1992, the year he received an English degree from the University, will play the first movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata." Hawkins is a frequent performer in the area. Following his graduation from SSU, Hawkins received his Master's degree in piano pedagogy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1997. He is currently working toward his Doctorate of Musical Arts at CUA and is an instructor of piano at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University, Winchester, Va. 

Holder last appeared with the SSO in December. She is a senior at Salisbury State working towards dual degrees: a B.A. in music (vocal studies) and a B.S. in physical education (exercise science concentration). She studies with vocal instructor Sandra Jarrett.  Holder sings with the SSU Chamber Choir, the University Chorale as well as community vocal groups. She is also a member of the National Dean's List and Mu Phi Epsilon (international music fraternity). 

Savor Goes to the Moon is a fund raiser for the symphony, which thrives thanks to a partnership of community support, ticket sales, the SSU Foundation and the SSO advisory board. A silent auction  also takes place during Savor Goes to the Moon, with one of the prime prizes being a chance to be a guest conductor at the May 11 SSO spring concert, under the baton of Elliot.  

Tickets for Savor Goes to the Moon are $35 per person, and are available by calling 410-543-6209. Visa, Master Card and checks, made out to the SSU Foundation, will be accepted. Reservations are required.  For information contact the SSU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.