New Judson Civic Orchestra director named

Judson University Music Chair Robert Kania was named artistic director of the Judson Civic Orchestra in January.

The Judson Civic Orchestra is a hybrid community/Judson ensemble, comprised of professional and amateur community musicians as well as Judson students, staff and faculty.

"We're excited for the vision Dr. Kania is bringing to the JCO," said Warren Anderson, director of Judson's Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts.

Kania is inviting students, faculty, staff and members of the greater Elgin area to consider joining the ensemble. The orchestra performs twice a semester and rehearses from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Mondays in Herrick Chapel (lower level, Room 6), 1151 N. Route 31 in Elgin.

The spring concert, which is scheduled for April 22, will feature a hymn arrangement based on the Judson chapel theme of Psalms, Sergei Rachmaninoff's beautiful Piano Concerto No. 2 with Kania at the piano, and Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 5, conducted by Kania.

Kania's vision for this group focuses on more than just music. "The orchestra will become an important fixture in the community," he said. "The orchestra's mission will be spreading God's gift of music and educating the community. Important initiatives within the Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts, such as fundraising for scholarships for low-income students, the Fox Valley Music Camp and Community Music School, will be a focus central for this ensemble."

If you are interested in joining the Judson Civic Orchestra, contact rkania@judsonu.edu.