ESO highlights mammoth Holiday Showcase
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Showcase returns at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.
Music director Robert Hanson will lead the ESO in a variety of holiday selections.
Marvel at the artistry of ice dancing pair Gregory and Petukhov, and the Chicago Jazz Synchronized Ice Skating Troupe as they glide across the ice; watch jugglers and aerialists from the Cirque du Soleil; and enjoy the Holiday Festival Chorus.
Partners both on the ice and in life, Olympic athletes Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov are taking the ice dancing world by storm. Gregory first skated at age 7 in the Chicago area, while Petukhov first hit the ice at the age of 8.
Though she was initially a singles skater, Gregory began to skate competitively paired with Petukhov in the fall of 2000, feeling a special connection that went beyond a language barrier and different styles of dancing. In 2006, Gregory and Petukhov skated in the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. After a successful recent performance at the World Figure Skating Championship in Calgary, they are now ranked as one of the top 10 ice dance pairs in the world.
They will be joined on the ice by the Chicago Jazz. This new family of over 160 skaters, representing eight divisions, became known as the Chicago Jazz Precision Ice Skating Club. Using skating facilities in Rolling Meadows, Park Ridge, Buffalo Grove and other Chicago area communities, the Chicago Jazz has established themselves as a national powerhouse in competitive precision skating.
The program will be hosted by favorites Diane Penning and Benjamin Brecher.
Many local high school and college vocalists also will be highlighted as part of the Holiday Festival Chorus at this year's Holiday Showcase.
Students from Harper College Choir, Elgin Academy, and Streamwood, St. Edward, Schaumburg, Fenton and Glenbard North high schools will sing holiday favorites with the ESO, Elgin Choral Union and the Elgin Children's Choir.
"We are thrilled to be joined by such an energetic and talented group of young musicians," stated ESO general manager Julie Griffin. "Their participation truly makes this year's Holiday Showcase an expression of collaboration and community music-making in the western suburbs."
Individual tickets start at $17 for children and $29 for adults. Tickets are available at the Sears Centre box office, select Amcore Bank outlets, by phone at (888) SEARSTIX (732-7784), or online at www.searscentre.com.