See acrobatics, aerial flyers and more above the Salina Symphony as it plays movie music

Acrobatic feats, strongmen and more will be accompanied by the cinematic sounds of movie music this weekend when the Salina Symphony presents "Cirque Goes to the Movies."

The show, which begins at 7 p.m. on March 2, will see the symphony joined on and above the stage at The Stiefel Theatre by Cirque de la Symphonie, a touring troupe of artists who synchronize contemporary circus acts to live symphony music in collaboration with each symphony's maestro.

According to information from Cirque de la Symphonie (CDLS), the troupe consists of highly skilled and accomplished aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers and strongmen.

"The CDLS cast includes world record holders, gold-medal winners of international competitions, Olympians and some of the most experienced cirque talent ever seen," CDLS said.

This isn't the first time Cirque de la Symphonie have performed in Salina, and the Symphony is excited for its return.

"The audience response to this show has been really positive," said Adrienne Allen, executive director of the Salina Symphony. "We’re thrilled to bring these incredible artists back to Salina, this time set to movie music."

Salina Symphony audience in for a 'visual thrill ride'

Allen said those who haven't seen a Cirque performance like this are in for a treat.

Featuring music from blockbuster and award-winning films like "Titanic," "The Dark Knight Rises," "Star Wars," "West Side Story" and more, there is sure to be something familiar for every ear to hear,

"In addition to the movie music that everyone loves, this show will be a visual thrill ride," Allen said. "The aerialists, acrobats, balancers and strongmen perform physical feats we rarely get to see."

Allen also said this Cirque show is designed for smaller, more intimate venues and the Stiefel offers a great opportunity to do just that.

"It is the perfect backdrop for these talented artists," Allen said.

Yaniv Segal, the music director and conductor for the Salina Symphony, said this show is yet another way to bring entertainment and art to people from all walks of life.

“I believe the Salina Symphony offers something for everyone,” Segal said. “This show is a perfect example of that, combining two art forms to make something really unique and beautiful.”

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The timing for this show is perfect as well, with the movie awards season in full swing. Just eight days after the Symphony show, the Academy Awards ceremony will take place, honoring the best in film from 2023.

The "Cirque Goes to the Movies" program features music from Academy Award winners and nominees, including John Williams, who received his 59th nomination this year.

Additionally, the show will feature music from Leonard Bernstein, the subject of "Maestro," which is nominated for seven Oscars this year, including Best Picture and Best Actor Bradley Cooper, who plays Bernstein and also directed and co-wrote the film.

"I suspect Maestro Segal will touch on how the music the Symphony is playing is relevant to the Oscar season, in particular the music from Leonard Bernstein," Allen said.

Tickets selling fast for Salina Symphony's 'Cirque Goes to the Movies'

While Allen said there are still tickets available in the Stiefel for the 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2 "Cirque Goes to the Movies" performance, the show is selling fast.

Tickets, which begin at $45 with a reduced price for children and students, can be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, by calling 785-827-1998 or on the theater's website, www.stiefeltheatre.org.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Symphony to play movie music with acrobatics flying above