Soloist Ittai Shapira in Key West

The 12th season of the critically acclaimed Key West Symphony Orchestra continues with two performances Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 13-14, featuring Israeli violinist and composer Ittai Shapira and Korean percussionist and drummer Jin Hi Kim.

The musical program is to spotlight Shapira’s composition “Concierto Latino” and Kim’s “Monk Dance.” Symphony members also are to showcase their talents on Symphony No. 8 by Antonin Dvorak.

The performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road on the Florida Keys Community College campus.

Led by award-winning conductor and Key West native Sebrina Maria Alfonso, the Key West Symphony’s concerts each feature as many as 90 premier classical musicians from around the United States.

Soloist Ittai Shapira is internationally recognized for his talents as a violinist and composer. He has performed with renowned symphonies such as the Russian Philharmonic and London Philharmonic, as well as serving as both conductor and soloist for noted chamber orchestras. Also a recording artist, he has performed as a recitalist and chamber musician around the world. Shapira plays a 1745 Guadagnini violin.

Jin Hi Kim is acclaimed as a percussionist and innovative performer on the komungo, a stringed instrument whose tone recalls Middle Eastern rhythms, as well as a composer of cross-cultural works. She has appeared at prestigious halls and festivals around the world. Her compositions have earned her a place in the American avant-garde music scene and have been presented on the main stages of leading national and international cultural venues.

In addition to its evening performances, the Key West Symphony is to present free interactive concerts for Florida Keys schoolchildren. The educational performances, a tradition since the symphony’s first season, enable students to learn about orchestral music, composers and instruments through firsthand experience of a live symphonic concert.

The Key West Symphony’s 2010 season is to conclude with concerts featuring pianist Christopher Taylor Wednesday and Thursday, April 21-22.

Tickets for the symphony’s January concerts are priced from $25 to $60 per person, depending on seat location. They can be purchased online at www.keystix.com or by calling (305) 295-7676.

For more information, visit www.keywestsymphony.com