Youth symphony takes on sacred music
On Sunday, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform its first concert of 2008: "Inspire: Sacred Music for Symphony."
Two performances are scheduled at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Blizzard Theatre in the Elgin Community Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Mezzo-soprano Kitt Reuter-Foss will perform the Bernstein Symphony No. 1, "Jeremiah," during the 7 p.m. concert. Reuter-Foss has performed multiple times at the New York Metropolitan Opera, including appearances in such favorites as "La Traviata," "Falstaff" and "Death in Venice."
Along with Reuter-Foss' performance, the EYSO Youth Symphony (made up of high school and college-aged musicians) will perform the "Russian Easter Overture"; "Fantasia on the Alleluia Hymn"; and "Fantasia on a Theme."
The EYSO Brass Choir will perform the "Liturgical Symphony" at 7 p.m. The Brass Choir provides a unique chamber music experience for brass players, who rehearse as a small ensemble within the EYSO.
"The 'Liturgical Symphony' merges sacred chants and hymns with 20th-century harmonies and rhythms, creating a new take on old music," said Jason Flaks, Brass Choir director.
The Prelude Orchestra (which includes string players in grades 4-9). with interim conductor Kathryn Dressler, and the Philharmonia (an intermediate-level full orchestra for middle- and high school musicians) will perform at 4 p.m.
"The Philharmonia continues to explore Howard Hanson's Second Symphony, 'Romantic,'" said David Anderson, Philharmonia conductor.
The concert also will feature the Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major, with Philharmonia Young Artist Concerto winner Emily Camras. At age 13, Emily is already showing great promise as a musician. She began piano lessons at age 5 and cello lessons at age 10. She studies piano under the tutelage of Carol Hope of Batavia, and cello with Andrea LaFranzo of Warrenville.
Tickets for the concerts are $19; $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Tickets can be bought at the ECC box office in the Arts Center, by phone (847) 622-0300, or online at www.elgin.edu/arts.
Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday: noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and cash are accepted for payment.