Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Joffrey Nutcracker 
  
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:

Monday, August 20, 2012

Mark Fry's Performance Calender 

Fall 2012


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.

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!
Chicago Opera Theater

(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
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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.

LisztPiano Concerto No. 2 in A major
Alon Goldstein, piano
WagnerThe Ring: An Orchestral Adventure




        


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.



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.)

Martinu- Symphony #2
Benjamin Britten- Sinfonia da Requiem Op. 20
Frederic Cohen [ 2 pianos ]

OCTOBER
WEDOct 17, 2012 - 7:30pm
FRIOct 19, 2012 - 7:30pm
SATOct 20, 2012 - 2:00pm
SATOct 20, 2012 - 7:30pm
SUNOct 21, 2012 - 2:00pm
THUOct 25, 2012 - 7:30pm
FRIOct 26, 2012 - 7:30pm
SATOct 27, 2012 - 2:00pm
SATOct 27, 2012 - 7:30pm
SUNOct 28, 2012 - 2:00pm

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

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



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.



Thursday, June 28, 2012

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

Friday, April 27, 2012

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

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

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 ChoraleRock 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.

Monday, April 23, 2012


CPO
 
 Don't Miss Speck-tacular Beethoven This Sunday!
 
speck   Robert Hanford   Rex Martin
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.


Tickets $20-$75.  All concerts take place at Pick-Staiger Hall, Northwestern University Campus, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL  60201.

Friday, April 06, 2012


NU Trombone Faculty Recital

When: Fri, Apr 6, 2012 - 7:30 pm
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.
Buy Tickets »

Saturday, March 31, 2012


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:


Thursday, March 08, 2012





Borodin, Glazunov and Dvorak
Painting by Ilya Glazunov of Prince Igor - 1962
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:
847 673-6300
or go online: CLICK HERE

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Lake Forest Symphony 
performs Anton Bruckner's 
Symphony No. 5
March

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

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Elgin Symphony Orchestra
how west was won
Watch your mail!

2012-2013 season subscription renewals are on their way to our season ticket holders! Watch for details! 
Quick Links

ESO is grateful
for 2011-2012 support from the following sponsors:

IHC Construction Companies, LLC 

Daily Herald
Media Group

Illinois Arts Council

Join Our Mailing List!
Great seats begin at just $25!

How the West Was WonRunyan
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!
Chili Cook-Off
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.

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