Classic Woodwind Quintet Comes to the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines

Musicians Elena Costa Garcia (clarinet), Richard von Holst (oboe), Barbara Saks (flute), Martha Cavender (bassoon) and Charles Serantinger (French horn) treated the audience to the lively strains of Debussy's "Le Petit Enfant", Bizet's "Jeux d-Enfant", Arnold's "Three Shanties", Agay's "Five Easy Dances", Ibert's "Trois Pieces Breve", and Poulenc's "Novelette". A free-will offering was taken benefiting both organizations.

The NSO is a non-for-profit organization that has been bringing quality classical music to the Northwest suburbs for more than 65 years.

But for the chance meeting of two comparative strangers exercising their dogs in a local dog park last winter, this concert would never have been held. For while they chatted, they learned one was a violinist and orchestra board member (Diane Macewicz), while the other (Karen Fitzgerald) headed the Church's mission team that hosted special events. Diane brought the idea to the NSO Board; it was agreed that Jackie Pofahl (as both a Church member/NSO board member) would approach the Church to learn of its interest in co-sponsoring a program benefiting both organizations. The Church, and Pastor Irene Taylor, agreed this opportunity was a perfect way to bring people together to share in God's gift of music. The NSO found, in its Woodwind Quintet, serious musicians with a delightful program in mind. This chance exchange brought about this wonderful opportunity, proving again that God works in mysterious and wonderful ways.

NSO's first concert of the season is Oct. 22, 3:30 p.m. at the Forest View Education Center and features Mendelssohn's Overture "The Hebrides" Op 6, and two pieces by Bruch: Violin Concerto #1 in G Minor Op 26, and Symphony #3. A pre-concert commentary begins at 2:30 p.m. All are invited to come and enjoy the program!