Local orchestra to show audience how a band works

Since its formation in 2001, members of the Northwest Festival Orchestra have adopted the mission of championing great musical works.

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the 65 professional musicians will assemble under the direction of resident conductor Dr. Verne Schwager, at Harper College's Performing Arts Center in Palatine, with another innovative concept: a demonstration concert.

"It's sort of like focused listening, showing the audience the working of a professional orchestra and its trappings," says Schwager, an Arlington Heights-based internist and hematologist when he's not conducting.

Audience members will be given cards by proctors, giving them the chance to ask questions of the conductor and musicians.

"We think it's a very unique idea, and something that's not been in this area before," Schwager adds.

The evening will begin with a 40-minute performance of a synopsis from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly," including a narrator who will help the audience conjure up visual images as the orchestra plays the classical work.

After a short intermission, the orchestra will resume to play under the direction of guest conductor David Cubek, a Northwestern University doctoral student in conducting, who will lead them in a rare rendition of major excerpts from "Don Quixote," the Richard Strauss tone poem based on the Cervantes novel.

Their final piece will feature the powerful rendition of the third movement from Sergei Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony in E Minor.

"These works are generally not played, except by the most virtuostic of orchestras, because the works are so challenging and demanding," Schwager adds. "But we think we are up to it, and we are committed to bringing these great pieces to life."

The Northwest Festival Orchestra aims to bring the highest professional level of music to the Northwest suburbs through their regular concerts, and provides a venue for young aspiring professional musicians, and conductors, to perform.

Northwest Festival Orchestra concert

What: Spring demonstration concert, where audience can participate.

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday.

Where: Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 Algonquin Road in Palatine.

Tickets: $25 for adults or $15 for students.

Details: (847) 392-9003.