WESTFIELD – The August Symphony Orchestra (TASO) will present its annual free concert on Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Westfield. Under the baton of conductor Michael Avagliano, the orchestra will perform Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, and Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C Major K 314, featuring soloist Nancy Vanderslice.

Mahler’s captivating and dazzling first symphony in four movements takes listeners through a whirlwind of emotions. It concludes in a brilliant blaze of D major, banishing the storms and stress. Many consider this the most optimistic of Mahler’s completed symphonies and interpret the composer’s message to be that nature may triumph when man cannot.

The orchestra will also perform Mozart’s concerto, featuring an exquisite oboe solo by Nancy Vanderslice, Principal Oboist for the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra and music instructor at Montclair State University.

“As a performer, I am most interested in enjoying myself and the musicians I work with and participating in a positive and memorable experience for the audience,” Nancy Vanderslice said. “TASO is a highly respected group of musicians, and I am delighted for this opportunity to perform with them.”

Michael Avagliano enjoys a multifaceted career as conductor, performer, and educator. He currently serves as music director for The August Symphony Orchestra, the Summit Symphony, the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra and is on the faculty at Drew University.

“The August Symphony Orchestra has been providing music enjoyment to the community for the past 19 years,” Robert Whiteley, President of TASO said. “We are proud to have Maestro Avagliano lead the orchestra and maintain our high standard of quality performance and musical works.”

The concert will be performed at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church, located at One East Broad Street in Westfield, N.J. It is an accessible, air conditioned facility with ample parking.

The program is made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and supported by donations from lovers of music and the arts.