Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s Presents “A Planetary Excursion”

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra’s second subscription program of the season is truly a blockbuster concert of galactic proportions!  “A Planetary Excursion” will take place on Saturday, November 19, 7:30 pm, at Biester Auditorium, Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St. in Lombard, and Sunday, November 20, 3:00 pm, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. The Glenbard East concert is made possible through the generosity of the Village of Lombard.

 

The ESO is thrilled to welcome NASA Astronaut Dan Tani, a graduate of Glenbard East, who will appear at both concerts, sharing photos taken during his missions in space.  Mr. Tani will

also be guest conductor for “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)” from Star Wars Suite.  

 

Kicking off the evening with a bang will be The Planets, by Gustav Holst, a work of incredible power and color. Vivid images of our planetary neighbors will enhance concertgoers’ enjoyment of Holst’s broad musical portraits.  From the dark intensity of Mars to the majesty of Jupiter, The Planets is a musical wonder.  The Elmhurst College Women’s Choir will make a guest appearance  in this work.

 

John Williams’ brilliant score for Star Wars instantly conjures images of a galaxy far, far away.  Joining the ESO will be young musicians from the Glenbard East High School orchestra, as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and more come to life in glorious music.

 

This is a concert that will appeal to all ages—come with family and friends and be transported to the distant reaches of our galaxy and beyond. At intermission audience members will be treated to cookies provided by Saratoga Grove Retirement & Assisted Living Community.

 

The works performed at these concerts are underwritten by generous gifts from Richard and Jane Kiep (The Planets) and Tim and Carol Rounds (Star Wars Suite.)

 

Following the concert in Elmhurst, a Roberto’s pizza party will take place in the Garden Room of the church.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Information is available on the website (click on the Outings and Events tab), and tickets can be purchased by calling the ESO office at (630) 941-0202. 

 

Elmhurst concertgoers are invited to learn more about the music at a free concert preview with Ted Hatmaker at 1:45 p.m. in the upper level Gathering Room of the church.  Concert doors and the box office open at 2:15.  Both venues are handicapped-accessible and offer free parking.

 

Tickets cost $31 for adults, $7 for students. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are $25 per ticket.  A single concert family ticket for $65 will admit two adults and up to three students. Subscriptions at a significant discount from single ticket prices are still available.  Purchase your tickets by visiting the ESO website www.elmhurstsymphony.org or calling the Symphony box office at (630) 941-0202.

 

This concert is made possible in part by grants from the City of Elmhurst Tourism Fund, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), Superior Ambulance, Suburban Bank and Trust, the Village of Lombard, and the Auxiliary of the Elmhurst Symphony Association.