Local orchestra regroups after hit by recession
Since 2005, the Northwest Festival Orchestra has championed the cause of bringing the highest level of professional musicians and classical music to the suburbs.
But it turns out the weakened economy has hit even the orchestra circuit. What started with a goal of mounting three concerts a season now has seen more than 18 months go by since its last concert.
"We've had what is known as a 'dark season,'" said Verne Schwager, artistic director and resident conductor. "The difficult economy has hit us hard. We've had no funding to go forward.
"This should be the beginning of our fourth season," he added, "but really, it's our third."
Yet, from the ashes of its near death comes the rekindling of the orchestra, even reaching new heights, Schwager said. The Northwest Festival Orchestra returns with a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, in the Harper College Theater in Palatine.
Nearly 55 professional musicians make up the orchestra and will play under the direction of Schwager and guest conductor Michael Holian in the intimate surroundings of the 325-seat theater.
The musicians are assembled from Northwestern's Conservatory of Music, the schools of music of DePaul and Roosevelt universities and the Chicago Civic Orchestra.
"Part of our mission is to promote these talented young musicians and give them a venue to play in," Schwager said. "They're all dedicated professionals, who play brilliantly."
Sunday's program features compositions by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Daniel Francois Auber, a prolific 19th-century French composer.
The concert also features a piano solo by Nolan Pearson, winner of Northwestern University's Aria Concerto Competition. He will play the Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, commonly known as "The Emperor."
Serving as concertmaster is Evanston resident Yuriy Geyer, a Northwestern music graduate and professional violinist.
"We really see ourselves as providing a cultural asset to the community," Schwager said. "I dare say there's nothing in the community that rivals this activity."
When Schwager established the orchestra, he looked forward to the day when a cultural venue might be built to accommodate it and help grow its fan base.
"We thought that an auditorium would be built as part of the Schaumburg Convention Center," Schwager says. "But that space next to the Renaissance Hotel still remains empty. We are hopeful, however, that in the very near future, it will be built."
In the meantime, the orchestra seeks corporate and private contributions to sustain its mission. The tax-deductible donations may be sent to 1009 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Northwest Festival Orchestra concert</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Harper College Theater, Building J on the campus at 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost: </b>$25 for adults; $15 for students</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (847) 392-9003 or Harper box office at (847) 925-6100</p>