The Joffrey Ballet  America's #1 Nutcracker   25th Anniversary Celebration! Now thru December 27 Choreography: Robert Joffrey & Gerald Arpino Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Live music performed by The Chicago Philharmonic Chicago's most beloved holiday tradition returns to the Auditorium Theatre for three weeks only. Revel in the awe-inspiring Nutcracker that has captivated audiences for 25 years with brilliant costumes, larger than life scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky's famous score. See the company dancing at its finest with dazzling choreography and beautiful artistry! For a sneak peek of America's #1 Nutcracker, click here. For tickets: 800.982.2787 JOFFREY.ORG/NUT

Mark Fry's Performance Calender 

Fall 2012

Elgin Symphony Orchestra

September 8-9, 2012

A Change in the Air

Dorian Wilson, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano

Joyce Yang

Bates: Rusty Air in Carolina
Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Elgar: Enigma Variations

Guest conductor and ESO Music Director finalist Dorian Wilson leads a work by Chicago Symphony Orchestra Mead Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates, ESO favorite Joyce Yang and the sensational musicians of the ESO in the orchestra's sixty-third season opener.

Chicago Opera Theater

The Magic Flute

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 

September 15, 19, 21, 23, 2012

THE MOST FAMOUS OPERA LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

See perhaps the most famous of all of Mozart's operas in a way you never have before! Sung in English, Chicago Opera Theater brings you even closer to the odd characters, surreal magic, and love gone crazy. Take the whole family to the first new Chicago production of this masterpiece in 17 years!

Rockford Symphony Orchestra

(I'll be performing bass trumpet on excerpts from Richard Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs)

September 22, 2012

Influence and Inspiration

7:30 p.m. Coronado Theatre BUY TICKETS SUBSCRIBE NOW Featuring Returning RSO Favorite Alon Goldstein No other musical work has shaken Western culture as deeply as the four operas that make up Wagner's "The Ring of the Nibelungs". Twenty-seven years in the making, it is the most comprehensive vision of the human experience ever presented on stage, and sent seismic shocks through the worlds of music, philosophy, poetry, art, and even politics. Enjoy the sonic splendor of one of history's greatest works, played in its original orchestral glory! Less dramatic but equally as important were the contributions of Franz Liszt, who became the first superstar pianist. With great depth and style – much like Liszt – pianist Alon Goldstein returns to the RSO to perform Liszt's Concerto. Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2 in A major Alon Goldstein, piano Wagner The Ring: An Orchestral Adventure          Bravo Brazil! Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra Sunday, September 30, 2012, 7 p.m. @ Pick-Staiger Hall Alex Klein, Conductor Arnaldo Cohen, Piano Antônio Carlos Gomes Overture to the Opera "Il Guarany" Osvaldo Lacerda Oboe Concerto Liduino Pitombeira Seresta No. 7 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto Jet off to Brazil to experience music inspired by this colorful country and performed by two of its sons—conductor and oboist Alex Klein and pianist Arnaldo Cohen. Audiences will get a rare glimpse into the power of Antonio Carlos Gomes’ music when we perform the Overture to his opera "Il Guarany". You will hear music meant to evoke the melodies and tonal colors of the inhabitants of the Amazon. Maestro Klein will then swap the baton for his trusty oboe as soloist performing Osvaldo Lacerda’s Oboe Concerto. Lacerda’s nationalistic voice is strongly influenced by Brazilian folklore, and you will hear a master of the oboe bringing the sounds of his homeland alive in this magical work. Luduino Pitombeira, a vibrant young Brazilian composer, showcases riveting rhythms and northeastern Brazilian harmonies. The evening will culminate with a dazzling performance of an audience favorite—Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. The resounding orchestra, the stately grandeur of the piano and the heartfelt second movement never fail to affect listeners for the first or tenth time. Tchaikovsky’s range of emotions takes audiences on a ride not to be forgotten and Arnaldo’s Cohen’s technique, interpretation and power will make this a Tchaikovsky not to be missed. Elgin Symphony Orchestra October 6-7, 2012 Night of Enchantment Andres Franco, conductor Elena Urioste, violin Elena Urioste Piazzolla: The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Copland: El Salon Mexico Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas (The Night of the Mayas) Marquez: Danzon No. 2 Fort Worth Symphony associate conductor Andres Franco takes the podium for this celebration of Latin music.  Two-time Sphinx award winner, violinist Elena Urioste, performs Piazzolla's Four Seasons, a folk and tango-inspired look at the year's changing intervals, interwoven with direct references to the better-known Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi.  Revueltas' exciting La Noche de los Mayas, Copland's El Salon de Mexico and Marquez' Danzon No. 2  complete the program. (Sunday's performance will be broadcast live on WFMT.) Joffrey Ballet Martinu- Symphony #2 Benjamin Britten- Sinfonia da Requiem Op. 20 Frederic Cohen [ 2 pianos ] OCTOBER WED Oct 17, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets FRI Oct 19, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets SAT Oct 20, 2012 - 2:00pm Tickets SAT Oct 20, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets SUN Oct 21, 2012 - 2:00pm Tickets THU Oct 25, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets FRI Oct 26, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets SAT Oct 27, 2012 - 2:00pm Tickets SAT Oct 27, 2012 - 7:30pm Tickets SUN Oct 28, 2012 - 2:00pm Tickets Elgin Symphony Orchestra November 3-4, 2012 Pictures at an Exhibition TBD, conductor Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini Daugherty: Ghost Ranch Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition Galleries filled with images.  Painters who capture beauty, drama and tragedy with just a few strokes of a brush.  Rafael Payare, fresh off his win in the 2012 Malko International Competition for Young Conductors, leads the ESO as it creates its own canvas of sound, with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini, and the Illinois premier of Michael Daugherty's tribute to Georgia O'Keefe, Ghost Ranch. An Evening with Olivia Newton-John Olivia Newton-John joins the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for a sparkling night of her greatest hits. You'll be Hopelessly Devoted to her as she ties more than 40 years of greatest hits into a huge orchestral experience at Miller Auditorium. From Xanadu to Grease, Physical to Have You Ever Been Mellow and more. Experience the songs that have become the soundtrack of our lives. Don't miss this special concert event! Tickets now available through the Miller Auditorium box office online or call (269) 387-2300. Friday, November 9 at 8 pm Miller Auditorium Elgin Symphony Orchestra November 17-18, 2012 A Patriotic Salute Stephen Squires, conductor Henry Fogel, narrator ESO Resident Conductor Stephen Squires leads the ESO in a salute to those who have sacrificed so much to protect this country.

J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding - It's alright with me

Dances from Terpsichore -- Bransle Gay and Bransle de Montirande

Dances from Terpsichore - Courante

Mozart -- Magic Flute Overture excerpt

Dances from Terpsichore -- Volta

Jean Sibelius - Andante Festivo (arr. Scott Quackenbush)

Pine Mountain Music Festival wraps up in Houghton

Sarah McLachlan

with Orchestra

Saturday, June 30, 2012
7:30 PM
Pavilion 

Reserved $75
Lawn $38**

**Lawn ticket prices are increased by $5 on the day of the show

Terlato Wines Ultimate Picnic Contest

Gates open at 5:00 PM

Reserved seats - LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Terrace Seating - SOLD OUT
Lawn Tickets - SOLD OUT

Aubrey Tucker - Four Cantigas (Cantiga de Gesta)

Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra and Massed Choir - "Songs of the World"

2011-2012: Main Concert Series

Subscribe to Series >

Friday, April 27, 2012, 7:30 PM

Court Street United Methodist Church (map & directions)
215 N Court St
Rockford, Illinois 61103-6802

Our award-winning Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra and Music Director Stephen Squires will join with soprano Jonita Lattimore, baritone Robert Sims, and a massed choir of singers from the Mendelssohn Chorale, Rock Valley Children's Choir, and Belvidere High School Choir, to present the world premiereof British Academy Award-winning composer Donald Fraser'schoral and orchestral song cycle "Songs of the World!"

The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center commissioned "Songs of the World" from British Academy Award-winning composer Donald Fraser, who was born in England and now lives and works in the greater Rockford area. Based on folk music from different countries, the piece celebrates the commonality of human experiences everywhere - birth, innocence, war, peace, love, and death - and ends with a triumphant "Hymn to Life."


The Adult Starr of Excellence Award will be presented to the winner during intermission. Click here for more info about this award.


Participants in the 2012 Chandler Starr Miller Youth Scholarship Competition will also be honored during intermission. Click here for more info about the competition.


Season subscribers, join us for a post-concert reception at the historic Emerson House, 420 North Main Street in Rockford!


Click here for more about the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra and Stephen Squires.
Click here for more about the Mendelssohn Chorale.
Click here for more about the Rock Valley Children's Choir.
For more info about Donald Fraser, visit www.donaldfraser.com.
For more info about Jonita Lattimore, visit www.dispeker.com/page/lattimore.html.
For more info about Robert Sims, visit www.robertsims.com. 


Generously sponsored by the Judith and John Graff Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and Wipfli LLP.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council which receives support from the City of Rockford, the Illinois Arts Council and its members.

Don't Miss Speck-tacular Beethoven This Sunday!          Speck-tacular Beethoven!   Sunday, April 22, 2012, 7 p.m. Scott Speck, Conductor Robert Hanford, Violin Rex Martin, Tuba   Conducting sensation Scott Speck of the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra leads the CPO in Beethoven'sSymphony No. 7 and the Fidelio Overture. CPO Principal Tuba Rex Martin performs Vaughan-Williams Tuba Concerto. Lyric Opera Concertmaster Robert Hanford performs Camille St. Saëns'Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.    Great Music.  Great Price. Reserve Now! Tickets $20-$75.  All concerts take place at Pick-Staiger Hall, Northwestern University Campus, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL  60201.

NU Trombone Faculty Recital

When: Fri, Apr 6, 2012 - 7:30 pm

Where: Regenstein Recital Hall

Michael Mulcahy, Peter Ellefson, Randall Hawes, and Timothy Higgins, trombone

A performance featuring Bienen School trombone studio instructors. Michael Mulcahy is principal trombone of the Grand Teton Music Festival as well as a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Chamber Musicians, and Summit Brass. Peter Ellefson regularly records and performs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Randall Hawes is bass trombonist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Timothy Higgins has performed and recorded with the Milwaukee, Virginia, and Chicago Symphony Orchestras as well as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Washington National Opera, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Samuel Scheidt, arr. Ken Kugler, Canzon a 4
Johann Schein, Padouana in D
Giovanni Gabrieli, Sonata XX in G
Ludwig van Beethoven, Three Equali WoO 30
J.S. Bach, arr. Ben Mansted, Concerto in D Minor after Vivaldi, BWV 569
Henri Tomasi, Etre ou ne pas Etre (Monologue d'Hamlet)
Walter Ross, Trombone Quartet
Dmitri Shostakovich, arr. Otmar Gaiswinkeler, Preludes Op. 34
Igno Luis, Jazz Waltzes

Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for students.

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Tonight with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Simply Swingin'

March 31, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Coronado Theatre BUY TICKETS Steve Lippia, vocalist Simply Swingin’ stars Steve Lippia, a performer who has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of standards and traditional pop music. Steve will treat the audience to an evening of great hits such as ‘Beyond the Sea,’ ‘Unforgettable,’ Mack the Knife,’ ‘Almost Like Being in Love,’ ‘What Kind of Fool Am I,’ and ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’ as well as some all-time Sinatra favorites!

Graciously sponsored by:

Borodin, Glazunov and Dvorak Painting by Ilya Glazunov of Prince Igor - 1962 The Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Alan Heatherington present a trio of captivating Romantic works from Russia and Bohemia. Join us as we travel through Eastern Europe, sampling some of its finest music. Our journey begins with Borodin's overture to the greatest of Russia’s nationalistic operas, Prince Igor. Next, we will join the Cossack warriors and the boatmen on the Volga in Glazunov’s brilliantly colorful symphonic poem, Stenka Razin. Then comes the final stop on our sojourn, Dvorak’s magnificent Symphony No.7, infused with the beautiful melodies and infectious dance rhythms that convey the spirit of his beloved homeland. Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m. Borodin: Overture to Prince Igor Glazunov: Stenka Razin Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 To order tickets please call the box office: 847 673-6300or go online: CLICK HERE

Lake Forest Symphony 

performs Anton Bruckner's 

Symphony No. 5

Bruckner Fest

with the winner of Music Institute of Chicago Concerto and Aria Competition

Sibelius Violin Concerto

Laura Park, winner 2012 Music Institute of Chicago Concerto Competition

Bruckner

Symphony No. 5 in B-flat

Friday and Saturday
March 2 & 3, 2012
8:00 pm

The James Lumber Center
for the Performing Arts in Grayslake
more info and directions…

Pre-Concert Talk at 7:00 pm

For tickets, call 847.295.2135

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Watch your mail! 2012-2013 season subscription renewals are on their way to our season ticket holders! Watch for details!  Quick Links Our Web Site Order Tickets Donate to the ESO ESO is grateful for 2011-2012 support from the following sponsors: IHC Construction Companies, LLC  Daily Herald Media Group Illinois Arts Council Great seats begin at just $25! 847-888-4000 elginsymphony.org  How the West Was Won February 17, 18, 19  Stephen Squires, conductor Mike Runyan, harmonica Years have passed since the golden days of Westerns on TV and in movies. And yet, the rugged spirit of the Old West remains exciting. We love to talk trivia about the actors, plots and theme songs of these time-tested favorites. So start humming the theme to Bonanza, saddle up, and join   the ESO on a rollicking trip through the Old West as the orchestra performs a wide selection of favorite themes. Match wits with fellow concert goers in a "match the music" game. Harmonica soloist Mike Runyan puts the crowning touch on our Western atmosphere.  Concert Details   Friday, February 17, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 8 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 3:30 p.m. All concerts for How the West Won take place at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.  Free and ample parking is available just footsteps away from the concert hall. You are invited to use our valet service for $10. Quantity discounts are available for valet vouchers purchased in advance.  Come for the music, stay for the chili! Friday, February 17, 4-8 p.m., Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin Howdy!  Sample chili from four area restaurants and vote for your favorites. Enjoy premium beer samples, fresh cornbread and a visit from our harmonica soloist. Tickets are $20 each, but only $10 if you attend the concert! Contact Julie Baker at 847-888-0404 for details orpurchase online.