Elgin Youth Symphony to perform at Ravinia

Submitted by EYSO

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will take the stage at the Ravinia Festival at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, with the music of Tchaikovsky, in a fully staged production of “Tchaikovsky Discovers America.” The concert is for audiences of all ages.

With professional actors, costumes, and lighting, the concert features the EYSO playing Tchaikovsky’s most beloved works set within a fast-paced and poignant narrative. The concert will be guest conducted by Maestro George Stelluto of The Juilliard School.

Tickets for “Tchaikovsky Discovers America” are $15 for pavilion/reserved seating or $5 for the lawn. Tickets can be ordered directly through the Ravinia box office. This event is part of the Kraft Great Kids concert series. For information and tickets, visit www.ravinia.org.

Since 1976, the EYSO has been challenging and inspiring an ever-widening circle of young musicians with rich musical experiences. The focus is on a comprehensive learning environment, exploring the music beyond performance skills and concerts.

This begins in the weekly rehearsal, where the emphasis is on many other areas, including how the music is constructed and how it is a reflection of where and when it was written. Concert programs are imaginative, challenging and diverse.

The EYSO, an In-Residence Ensemble in the Arts Center at Elgin Community College, is home to five orchestras and a brass choir with 350 students from more than 55 communities. Founded in 1976, its mission is to create a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and the lives of their families, schools, communities and beyond through the study and performance of excellent music.

Musicians work and study under Artistic Director Randal Swiggum, who celebrated his 15th year with the organization this past season. The EYSO is partially supported by grants from the EFS Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), and the Palmer Foundation.

For details, visit www.eyso.org.