The stage of Knowlton Auditorium will resound with more than 100 musicians and refrains from Tchaikovsky on Sunday, April 7, under the direction of conductor Stephen J. Ramsey.

For that one day, the Austin Symphony Orchestra will more than double in size when it presents its 'Homecoming Concert,' with 68 returning orchestra alumni, nine of whom date back to the symphony's inception in 1957.

Four of the original members, Sue Franklin, cello, Nell Madura, viola, Orrie Jirele and Marge Dunlap, violins, still play with the symphony. Musicians will be returning from nine states, greater Minnesota and the Austin area.

Besides the wonderful sound of a 100+ piece orchestra, there will be another reason to attend. A contest is being held in conjunction with the concert. Voting has begun and will continue through the day of the concert for a guest conductor.

One of four community members will be chosen with the most votes cast, at dollar a vote, including Austin High School principal Joe Brown, Mayor Bonnie Rietz, attorney Craig Johnson and owner of Gretchen's clothing Gretchen Ramlo.

Austin High School orchestra director Phil Burkhart will conduct his son, Robert Burkhart who will be returning from New York City as a cello soloist performing Elgar's Cello Concerto.

Another alumni, director of the Duluth East High School Orchestra program Jerry Jones, will direct the opening number, Vaughn Williams' English Folk Song Suite and will join the violin section for the grand finale, Tschaikovsky's 5th Symphony.

There will be a reception after the concert in the Austin High School cafeteria and cake will be served in honor of the orchestra's 45 birthday.

Call Ailene Dawson at 434-2235 or e-mail her at ailene.dawson@austindailyherald.com.