Delight in Brahms at philharmonic concert Sunday

The Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform the sweet music of Johannes Brahms at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 27 S. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora.

"Steeped in the traditions of the Classical era with all the emotional outpouring of the Romantic era, Brahms sparks musical debate whenever conductors ask the question: 'And how do you like your Brahms?'" said Director Maryann Flock.

The philharmonic will perform three of Brahms' 21 Hungarian Dances: the fiery No. 1, the peasantry No. 3, and the friendly and familiar No. 5. The Philharmonic will also delight concertgoers with Brahms' gorgeous Symphony No. 2 and his Academic Festival Overture, composed of student songs as a "thank you" piece for an honorary degree bestowed on him from the University of Breslau. For the centerpiece of the concert, Flock is excited to have the Philharmonic Chorus collaborate with John Douglas, music director of Our Savior Lutheran Church and their choir, for the crowning movement of Brahm's German Requiem "How Lovely is thy Dwelling Place."

Admission is free to all Fox Valley Philharmonic concerts. The Philharmonic Orchestra is an affiliate of the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance with additional support from the Illinois Arts Council and other agencies. For information, visit www.FVacademy.org or call (630) 476-9072.