Elgin musicians to perform 'Requiem'
On Friday, April 6, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass Choir will perform Gabriel Fauré's “Requiem” at noon at the First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The First Congregational Church and the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren choirs also will also perform with Tanya Kruse Ruck, soprano and Peter van de Graaff, baritone.
The performance is free and open to the public. Freewill offerings will be accepted to benefit the choirs and the EYSO.
The Fauré Requiem in D minor was composed between 1887 and 1890. Its impact on culture continues today as different movements regularly appear in movies, television and everyday life.
Under the direction of Jason Flaks, the Brass Choir performs in all three EYSO season concerts as well.
EYSO auditions will be held from May 30 to June 3. Students who will begin fourth grade in the fall to college students may audition for a seat in one of the six ensembles. Applications and audition requirements may be found at www.eyso.org, or by calling the EYSO office at (847) 841-7700.
The EYSO is committed to making participation accessible to any qualified student regardless of financial need. Students have opportunities each year to earn part or all of their EYSO tuition. Since the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra is an in-residence ensemble at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, EYSO members who are 16 years of age at the beginning of a concert cycle are eligible to earn college credit while playing in the EYSO.
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, an in-residence ensemble in the Arts Center at Elgin Community College, is home to five orchestras and a brass choir with more than 300 students from over 60 communities. Founded in 1976, its mission is to create a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and the lives of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music. This program is partially supported by grants from the EFS Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Palmer Foundation. The 2011-12 EYSO season sponsor is USPlate Glass Insurance Company.