The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Stephen Alltop, presents the third concert of the 2012-13 season
when violinist Rika Seko and soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg join members of the ESO in “The Glorious Baroque,” an afternoon of grand music from the High Baroque, at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2013, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst. The virtuosity of ESO Concertmaster, violinist Rika Seko, will be on display in Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. Concertgoers will also enjoy the glorious sounds of trumpet and tympani in Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, which includes the famous and well-loved Air on the G string. Renowned Dutch soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg will sing Handel’s Gloria, a showpiece for solo soprano that was re-discovered in 2002. Occasional Suite by Handel/Pinnock rounds out this program of glorious music.
A virtuoso known for her dark and warm tone and distinctive interpretations, Rika Seko has been concertmaster of the Elmhurst Symphony since 1995 and appears with many Chicago area orchestras and music groups and as a concert soloist. She has also performed with orchestras in South America and Asia and has been heard on WFMT broadcasts. Soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg appears frequently as a soloist in oratorios in Europe and at international choral events. She also performs with her sister, Charlotte, in the acclaimed duo Unique Harmony of Two Voices. Ms. Stoppelenburg has sung with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago and other musical organizations in this country. An accomplished painter, she has exhibited her work in the Netherlands and the United States.
On display in the lobby for the enjoyment of concertgoers during the afternoon will be an exhibition of art created by members of the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild. Audience members 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. The church is handicapped-accessible and offers free parking.
As a special New Year’s offer for this concert only, any tickets purchased by phone before 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 23, will cost just $25 each for adults and seniors. Call the Symphony Box Office at 630-941-0202. Tickets at the door on concert day are $29 for adults and $7 for students, and the newly reinstituted senior ticket is $27. A single concert family ticket for $65 will admit two adults and up to three students. Subscriptions for the 2012-13 season are still available. “Build your own” subscription plans of three, four or five concerts offer ESO members a substantial discount over single ticket prices.
This concert is made possible in part by grants from the City of Elmhurst Tourism Fund, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.