STOCKTON — The Stockton Symphony is extremely pleased to present a major new symphonic work from Israeli composer Avner Dorman, the Symphony’s composer in residence during its 85th Anniversary season, at its fourth Classics concert of the season, Conflict and Resolution.

The performances will be on Thursday, March 8, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m. at the Warren Atherton Auditorium on the San Joaquin Delta College campus.

 Avner Dorman has quickly risen to become one of Israel’s most successful and renowned composers, winning international acclaim with his fresh and spontaneous style. Allan Kozinn, the New York Times Arts reporter who describes Dorman as “a composer not afraid to mash things up,” states, “Avner Dorman’s music works its magic by melding far-flung influences and making them sound natural together. Depending on the score, an inviting neo-Romantic fabric may bear touches of modernist acerbity; vigorous, complex rhythms; themes built on Middle Eastern and Indian modes; Baroque figuration; or the accents of pop and jazz.”

In a substantial work of approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Dorman has set to music an Israeli children’s story, Uzu and Muzu from Kakaruzu, by Ephraim Sidon. The project also involved creating a shortened English translation of the story. As well known in Israel as the Dr. Seuss tales are in the U.S., the story concerns two brothers who are so close that they literally feel each other’s pain and joy, until they quarrel and build a wall in the middle of their home. In the musical work, two percussionists on opposite sides of the stage will represent the warring brothers and Hollywood actor Webster Williams, born in Stockton, narrates this world premiere. As time goes by, Uzu and Muzu’s descendants believe that horrible monsters and demons live on the other side of the wall. It takes four generations before the wall of prejudice is demolished.

 The story, and hence the commissioned composition, has a universal message for the community at many different levels. The Stockton Symphony purposely commissioned a musical work that will “speak” to the conflicts in the community.

The concert program will also include Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture – a sweeping depiction of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers and feuding families; and Bach’s Oboe Concerto in F major with soloist, Thomas Nugent, accomplished principal oboe of the Stockton Symphony. Nugent has performed across Northern California and recorded for television commercials, videos, and PBS soundtracks.

 Call the Symphony office at (209) 951-0196 to order tickets in advance, or purchase tickets online at www.stocktonsymphony.org. Tickets begin at $22; tickets for children and students with an ID are half price.