Maud Powel String Quartet to perform at May 23 fundraiser
On Saturday, May 23, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra's Maud Powell String Quartet, the premier string quartet of its Chamber Music Institute, will perform on WFMT's "Introductions" and at the Ronald McDonald House, Chicago to benefit the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.
"Introductions" features the Chicago-area's talented pre-college classical musicians at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Soloists and small ensembles perform live in WFMT's Levin Performance Studio.
The program will be replayed at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 28, on WFMT 98.7 FM or online at www.wfmt.com.
The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope 4 String Quartet event will be 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Ronald McDonald House, 211 E. Grand Ave. Chicago.
Tickets for $30 are available online at www.alyssaalvinfoundationforhope.org or by calling (630) 639-8653. Tickets at the door are $40.
Named for Maud Powell (1867-1920), America's first international violin superstar (who, we're proud to say, grew up in Aurora, Ill.), this premier string quartet is coached by Karen Basrak, cellist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Each year, the ensemble works with a star-studded list of guest artists and coaches which have included Midori, Rachel Barton-Pine, Jaime Laredo, Isabella Lippi, Roland Vamos, Brant Taylor and members of the Pacifica Quartet. With an active rehearsal and performance schedule, the quartet has in recent years explored the quartets of Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvorák, Ravel, and Shostakovich, and newer works, as well as String Quartet No. 3 by renowned composer Daniel Brewbaker, written for and premiered by the quartet.
The quartet is offered tuition free each year, since it was founded in 2007, through the generosity of EYSO patrons Ed and Joyce McFarland Dlugopolski.
The 2014-15 Maud Powell String Quartet includes: Paul Christian, violin, Glen Ellyn; Michael Priller, violin, Arlington Heights; Claire Wright, viola, Aurora; and Jacob Song, cello, Barrington.
The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope provides an opportunity for young cancer patients to explore their interests in music and visual arts while undergoing treatment. It provides young cancer patients with opportunities to further their interests in playing a musical instrument and provides assistance in acquiring a desired musical instrument. The foundation also provides young cancer patients with opportunities to further their interests in the visual arts such as painting and sculpture, fosters and encourages involvement of kids and young adult cancer patients in art and musical events, ultimately sharing Alyssa's love for the arts with everyone. The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all gifts are fully tax-deductible as provided by law. For information on the foundation, call (630) 639-8653 or (630) 217-3601.
Auditions for the 2015-16 EYSO 40th anniversary season will be held May 28-31 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. Students in fourth grade (fall 2015) and up are invited to audition.
For information, visit EYSO.org, or call (847) 841-7700, or email office@eyso.org.
Tickets for all EYSO concerts are priced at $24, $19, $13 and can be purchased in advance and at the door at the Elgin Community College Arts Center box office, building H, 1700 Spartan Drive. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. All tickets are for reserved seating. Call the box office at (847) 622-0300 or order online at tickets.elgin.edu.