Aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists and jugglers can all be found “Under the Big Top” Saturday night at the SKyPAC.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, a circus themed symphony, Cirque de la Symphonie Under the Big Top, will be brought to the public by Orchestra Kentucky.

The symphony will include acts often seen at the circus, including contortionists and strongmen, brought all the way from Russia.

“A troop of acrobats, contortionists, strongmen and dancers from Russia who perform their routines to live symphonic music,” explained Jeffrey Reed, the music director of Orchestra Kentucky. “So this theme, Under the Big Top, is a circus theme, so we’re playing music often heard at the circus.”

The acts will also include gravity-defying acrobatic stunts, mimicking those commonly found at circuses.

“Some of these performers are suspended by the roof, over the orchestra and even over the audience, so it’s a lot like being in the circus,” Reed said.

Of all these acts, Reed’s personal favorite is the Strongmen.

“The two men do amazing feats of physical strengths, things you don’t think would be possible for two men to do,” Reed said.

A circus theme helps to bring together a variety of music and acts and will even feature music from a well-known film composer.

Music from John Williams, the renowned film composer, will play during the show. He is known from his scores in Harry Potter and Superman, among other films.

“We play marches, we play classical music, we play the music of films, just a really big variety. I know the audience always enjoys the acrobats and this troop,” Reed added.

The troop has performed before, entertaining audiences with numbers reaching the thousands, bringing high hopes for this weekend’s performance.

“We’ve had over a thousand before when we’ve had this troop, so I hope it’s the same,” Reed said.

The performance is open for people of all ages, and Reed is hoping it can be a first introduction into Orchestra Kentucky for some of the children.

“It’s something adults and children can enjoy,” Reed said. “It’s a great opportunity for parents to introduce their children to the orchestra.”

Reporter Kalee Chism can be reached at 270-745-2655 and [email protected].