Joliet Symphony Orchestra presents “Christmas Classics” Concert
The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) at the University of St. Francis is ready to celebrate the season at its eighth annual Holiday Concert. Come hear the splendid sounds of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah as the Joliet Symphony Orchestra presents “Christmas Classics” on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sexton Auditorium in the University's Moser Performing Arts Center (500 Wilcox Street - Joliet, IL). With special guests Jeffrey Ray, Robert Kase, and Jennifer Gosack, the orchestra performs familiar masterworks sure to please during the holiday season.
JSO, a 45-member orchestra, is under the direction of Jim Stopher. Stopher is a winner of the annual International Conductors Workshop and Competition, and was named a finalist for the Conductors Guild's biennial Thelma E. Robinson Award. He has served as cover conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, as conductor for the Baltimore-based Figaro Project, and has participated in various conducting workshops and festivals nationwide. He is a trained pianist and active composer, holding degrees from Harvard University (BA), the University of Arizona (MM), and the Peabody Conservatory (DMA).
Program includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah, as well as Offenbach’s Intermezzo and Barcarolle, Bach’s Fugue in G Minor and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, as well as music to feature special guests Jeffrey Ray, Robert Kase, and Jennifer Gosack.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and USF students are admitted free. For ticket reservations or information, call (800) 735-7500 or visit www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.
The Joliet Symphony Orchestra at the University of St. Francis, founded in 2005 as a university-community partnership, performs varied works for orchestra and is open to USF students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the area community. Former music directors include Michael Sundblad (founding conductor) and Clifford Hunt. The orchestra is governed by a board of directors comprised of the music director, several players, and community members. Musicians reside in over 12 different communities surrounding Joliet, including Plainfield, Lockport, Morris, Bolingbrook and Tinley Park. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7-9:30pm, in the Sexton Auditorium of the Moser Performing Arts Center at USF. Spring 2013 rehearsals begin in mid-January. For more information on events or membership, visit www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.