Delve into dark music with EYSO's 'Things That Go Bump'
Explore the darker side of music with upcoming performances by the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, the orchestra will perform the first concerts of its 39th season, "Things That Go Bump." Performances are at 2, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Tickets are $13-$24 and available through the ECC box office at tickets.elgin.edu, at the door, or by calling (847) 622-0300.
'A Thousand and One Nights'
The EYSO's 39th season, "A Thousand and One Nights," explores night in all its many artistic expressions, including painting, poetry, and, of course, great orchestral music. The first concert of the season delves into music of the dark side.
From Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre (performed by both Youth Symphony and Sinfonia) to thrilling selections from Mozart's Requiem Mass (Prelude Orchestra) and Josep Soler's Sonidos de la Noche (Percussion Ensemble), this music invites audiences to ponder what it is about the night that inspires great art.
The EYSO comprises fourth-graders through college students and is divided into different orchestras, which will play in three performances.
2 p.m. concert
The 2 p.m. performance features Sinfonia and the Prelude Orchestra.
Andrew Masters conducts Prelude Orchestra, a string orchestra for early and intermediate level students in grade five and higher. Prelude players refine their string techniques while developing musicianship, practicing habits, and deeper listening skills.
Sinfonia, led by conductor Jason Flaks, is an intermediate full symphony orchestra for middle and high school students that performs classic orchestral repertoire, both original compositions and arrangements.
4:30 p.m. concert
The 4:30 p.m. concert features Philharmonia, Brass Choir and a Percussion Ensemble world premiere performance.
Under the direction of conductor Anthony Krempa, Philharmonia is a high intermediate to advanced level full orchestra for middle and high school players performing repertoire such as Night on Bald Mountain, Finlandia and the finale of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5.
The Brass Choir, conducted by Jason Flaks, provides a unique chamber music experience for brass players.
The Percussion Ensemble, led by conductor Dr. Gregory Beyer and assistant conductor Joe Beribak, will give a world premiere performance of Wave Interference, an original composition by Michael Obermeyer.
7:30 p.m. concert
The final performance of the day features the Youth Symphony and Percussion Ensemble.
For advanced high school and college-age students, the Youth Symphony is currently studying Scheherazade, Revueltas' Sensemaya, and Ravel's La Valse, among others. Its members are drawn from a wide geographic area and enjoy the enrichment and challenge of performing with other dedicated, high-caliber musicians under artistic director and conductor, Randal Swiggum, now in his 17th season with the EYSO.
The Percussion Ensemble will also perform at this concert.
For more information, visit eyso.org.
If you go
What: "Things That Go Bump," the first concerts of Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra's 39th season, "One Thousand and One Nights"
When: 2, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
Tickets: $24 for adults, $19 for senior citizens and $13 for students
Details: <a href="http://tickets.elgin.edu">tickets.elgin.edu</a>, <a href="http://www.eyso.org">eyso.org</a> or (847) 622-0300.