Joliet Symphony Orchestra celebrates the sounds of the season at annual Christmas Classics Concert
The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) at the University of St. Francis is ready to celebrate the season at its ninth annual Holiday Concert. Come hear orchestral masterworks and seasonal favorites by composers including Bach, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, and Leroy Anderson as the Joliet Symphony Orchestra presents “Christmas Classics” on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sexton Auditorium in the University's Moser Performing Arts Center (500 Wilcox Street - Joliet, IL). Special guest Casey McGrath also joins the orchestra as violin soloist in Saint-Saens's “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.”
JSO, a 60-member orchestra, is under the direction of Jim Stopher. Stopher is a winner of the annual International Conductors Workshop and Competition, and was named a finalist for the Conductors Guild's biennial Thelma E. Robinson Award. He has served as cover conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, as conductor for the Baltimore-based Figaro Project, and has participated in various conducting workshops and festivals nationwide. He is a trained pianist and active composer, holding degrees from Harvard University (BA), the University of Arizona (MM), and the Peabody Conservatory (DMA).
Program includes Tchaikovsky's Polonaise, as well as Schubert's Symphony No. 8, Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze, Saint Saens' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Anderson's Christmas Festival and Sleigh Ride, as well as JSO Director Jim Stopher's very own composition, March.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and USF students are admitted free. For ticket reservations or information, call (815) 740-38520 or visit www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.
This year, through a partnership with Cornerstone Services, JSO patrons are invited to bring new or gently used winter gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats for donation. All items collected will be distributed to Cornerstone, which provides services to adults and children with disabilities, helping them to fully enjoy living in the community. More information is available at www.cornerstoneservices.org.
The Joliet Symphony Orchestra at the University of St. Francis, founded in 2005 as a university-community partnership, performs varied works for orchestra and is open to USF students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the area community. Former music directors include Michael Sundblad (founding conductor) and Clifford Hunt. The orchestra is governed by a board of directors comprised of the music director, several players, and community members. Musicians reside in over 12 different communities surrounding Joliet, including Plainfield, Lockport, Morris, Bolingbrook and Tinley Park. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7-9:30pm, in the Sexton Auditorium of the Moser Performing Arts Center at USF. Spring 2014 rehearsals begin in mid-January. For more information on events or membership, visit www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.