ESO's 'Spotlight on Strings' features Beethoven, Mozart
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is preparing for its second to last concert of the 2014-2015 season. Conductor of the Year Andrew Grams returns this weekend to conduct the ESO in a truly classical concert filled with masterpieces from Mozart and Beethoven. Performances are in Schaumburg and Elgin.
The true beauty of the ESO string section will be highlighted in this concert of classical masterpieces and a 20th century parody of the classical style by composer William Bolcom. The musicianship of the ESO comes to life in Mozart's Symphony No. 36 "Linz," which the composer wrote in only five days. Also on the program is a piece not often performed, Mozart's Adagio in E for Violin and Orchestra with ESO Concertmaster Isabella Lippi as the featured soloist. Finishing the concert is Beethoven's String Quartet in F major, op. 135 arranged for string orchestra by Leonard Bernstein.
An audience favorite and graduate of the Julliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Andrew Grams is one of America's most promising and talented young conductors and has already appeared with many of the great orchestras of the world. Maestro Grams recently announced the 2015-16 season of the ESO, which will feature the music of American composers at each concert.
At an Elgin Symphony Orchestra concert, patrons can enjoy a drink, time with friends and even shopping in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center. After Saturday night performances, the audience is invited to "Mingle with the Musicians" at the local restaurant, Elgin Public House.
The ESO's Mozart and Beethoven: Spotlight on Strings will be performed at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg; and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased through the ESO Box Office by calling (847) 888-4000) or by visiting www.elginsymphony.org.