The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will present the second of its six concerts in this season entitled MasterWorks I on Saturday, with a special performance by flutist Lori Akins.

Conducted by Peter Stafford Wilson, this performance will include some favorite Baroque works: Pachelbel’s Canon, Bach’s Suite No. 2, Gluck’s Dance of the Furies from the opera Orfeo ed Euridice, and ends with Royal Fireworks Music by Handel, according to David Deitrick, Executive Director, of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

“Wilson became the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s eighth music director in 2002,” said Deitrick. “In the ensuing years, he has brought new excitement and energy to the ensemble, which currently is enjoying renewed critical and audience acclaim.”

Featured artist Lori Akins has been a member of the Springfield Symphony since 1982, and has been principal flute since 2007. She teaches flute and directs flute choirs at Cedarville, Heidelberg, and Wittenberg Universities. Akins also performs regularly with the Columbus Symphony and Ohio Valley Symphony.

“Maestro Wilson and the orchestra are delighted to feature Akins’ extraordinary talents in a solo capacity,” said Deitrick.

Prior to the concert, there will be a talk at 7:15 p.m. by Trudy Faber about Baroque music and some of the pieces that will be performed. In the lobby, the Wright State University Trumpet Ensemble will perform under the direction of Daniel Zehringer. The event also features an opportunity for the public to bid on items in the symphony’s “Art of Music” fundraiser. Over 20 area artists have contributed art for the silent auction. Winning bids will be announced at the end of the intermission at the December 1 concert.

The symphony celebrates its 68th season with four additional performances this year, and also features a youth symphony, and children’s chorus. The next symphony performance will be December 1, which is part of the NightLights series. The Youth Orchestra and Children’s Chorus will present a free concert on November 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Southgate Baptist Church. For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit www.springfieldsym.org.