The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra continues its second half-century of stellar performances on October 19, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., when it opens its 2013-14 season, Music Among Friends, in an exciting concert featuring Elmhurst natives Kate and Jean Hatmaker, who have performed with orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world. These accomplished sisters will be brought together in Brahms’ famed Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor. Talented sixteen-year old Stanger Young Artist Audition winner Jennifer Cha plays the 3rd movement of Sibelius’ Concerto in D minor for Violin. Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 in D minor rounds out this evening of dramatic music, “Among Friends.”
“Surround Sound II!,” on November 17 at 3:00 p.m., will be a thrilling array of sonic experiences, combining strings, brass, and percussion and showcasing the vibrant voices of Spirito! Singers and Chicago’s premier handbell ensemble, the internationally acclaimed The Agape Ringers, in music by Purcell, Strauss, Gabrieli and Handel, among others. The grand finale will be the talk of the town as the entire concert space becomes a grand musical instrument!
In “The Soldier’s Tale,” on January 26, 2014, at 3:00 p.m., the ESO and First Folio Theater Company collaborate for the first time when they present Stravinsky’s “Soldier’s Tale.” The score sparkles with memorable solos for each ensemble member in this age-old story of the devil, a soldier, and a mysterious violin! Also on the program is Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings.”
On March 2 at 3:00 p.m. the Elmhurst Symphony once again joins forces with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, this time in two masterpieces: Mozart’s “Mass in C Minor,” brimming with soaring vocal lines and awe-inspiring choruses, and Dvořák’s “Te Deum,” a musical tour-de-force, full of fervor, exultation and rich harmonies. When the Apollo Chorus and the ESO make music together, special things happen!
In one of the ESO’s most eventful season finales ever, “Fantasia Salute: Rite of Spring 101,” on May 10 at 7:00 p.m., music from Walt Disney’s landmark film “Fantasia” takes center stage. Over one hundred strings will combine with full winds and brass as the York High School String Orchestra plays side-by-side with ESO musicians on Mussorgsky’s “Night on BaldMountain.” Dances from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet will please listeners of all ages. Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” will be presented with a special multi-media salute on the occasion of the work’s one hundred and first anniversary. Learn what really caused the Riot at the Rite when the ballet debuted in 1913!
The ESO, under the baton of Music Director Stephen Alltop, will perform in the spectacular space at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, which is handicapped-accessible and offers free parking. The concert experience is enhanced by the informative and lively discussions led by audience favorite Dr.Ted Hatmaker, which take place 1 hour and 15 minutes before each concert. In this exciting season the Symphony will offer five different concerts, with no increase in subscription ticket prices from the 2012-13 season. Patrons can choose packages of three to five concerts with savings of as much as 30% compared to single ticket prices. Subscription prices are five concerts for $110; four concerts for $92; and three concerts for $75. For information and to purchase tickets call the ESO Box Office at 630-941-0202 or visit http://www.esosubscriptions.org/. Join the Elmhurst Symphony as it celebrates Music Among Friends!
Photos: Music Director and Conductor Dr. Stephen Alltop (bottom). Elmhurst Symphony at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (top).
