ESO to explore 'The Magic of Music'
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra Family Concert Series presents "The Magic of Music," featuring ESO musicians Daniela Folker, principal violin II, Michael Folker, percussion and their son, magician and musician Christopher Folker, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave, Meadows Community Room, in Elgin.
"The Magic of Music" is a unique program created by the Folkers that follows in the steps of the great illusion shows of the last century. The program takes audiences to exotic places around the world featuring rarely seen magical illusions accompanied by beautiful musical notes from the violin.
The mix of humor, mystique, beautiful music and brightly-decorated illusions make for a fun-filled and memorable show that audiences will talk about for days to come.
Before the concert, at 1 p.m., families are invited to the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, led by student volunteers from Larkin High School. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the concert.
The concerts are presented in partnership with the Gail Borden Public Library. Free tickets are available at the Main Library and the Rakow Branch. For details, contact the library at (847) 742-2411.
About the performers
• Daniela Folker is the principal second violinist for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she is violinist with the Chicago Philharmonic, Chicago Sinfonietta, Ravinia Festival Orchestra and Chicago Opera Theater. Daniela has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago as well as performed for numerous televised programs including "Oprah," "Late Night with David Letterman," "Soundstage" and with Celine Dion for an NBC Special. She has performed with such artists as Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Seal, Natalie Cole and many others.
• Michael Folker, ESO percussion, is an active member of the musical scene in the Chicago area. He performs in a variety of groups, including the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, the Chicago Opera Theater, the Joffrey Ballet Company, and the Chicago Sinfonietta. Some of the classical artists with whom he has performed include Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Sir George Solti, Pierre Boulez, and Daniel Barenboim. Folker also performs extensively in Broadway shows, with big bands, and on commercial recordings. Some of the popular artists with whom he has performed include Mannheim Steamroller, Art Garfunkel, the Moody Blues, Kansas, The Electric Light Orchestra II, and Yanni, to name a few.
For more information, see ElginSymphony. Org.