Andrew Grams and ESO to explore Stravinsky's 'Petrushka' at Inside the Music

Designed to demystify classical music in a relaxed and informal setting, the premiere of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's "Inside the Music" on Nov. 4 will explore Igor Stravinsky's "Petrushka," a groundbreaking work in 1947 that used polytonality, or two different keys that create a dissonant sound, in the "Petrushka chord."

Stravinsky's music is reflected in the work of musicians of all genres and generations who know that classical music rocks. His brilliant orchestrations and innovative use of rhythm, harmony, and melody have influenced musicians like composers Aaron Copland and Steve Reich, jazz musicians Miles Davis and Charlie Parker and even rock guitarist Steve Vai.

"You might even say all of Stravinsky's ballets - they represented a form of creative freedom that completely obliterated any rigid confines that you find in stereotypical, genre-specific music," said Vai in an interview. "Probably a month doesn't go by when I don't listen to Stravinsky. The melodies in Stravinsky's ballets are just to die for."

The "Inside the Music" event will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin.

There will be complimentary appetizers from Dog's Paw Brewing, Bennigan's, Chooch's Pizzeria, Domani Café and Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Andrew Grams will examine the masterwork "Petrushka" using visuals and musical excerpts played by the ESO. After an intermission, the orchestra will perform the entire work with the audience experiencing a deeper connection to the piece after having discovered what makes it so special.

Tickets are only $30. Student tickets are $12 to $15 with pizza included. For information, visit elginsymphony.org or (847) 888-4000.

"Petrushka" was the second of three ballets Stravinsky wrote in three short years for the "Ballet Russe." The first was "The Firebird" in 1910.

With its lush post-romantic and accessible style, it is probably Stravinsky's most popular work. His third ballet, "The Rite of Spring," is famous for causing a riot at its premiere and represented the beginning of the modernist movement, which experimented with new and radical musical techniques.

Igor Stravinsky was born in a suburb of St. Petersburg in 1882. Despite his talent for music, his parents wanted him to study law. He studied law and music for several years until 1906, when he began to pursue music full-time. He became an overnight success after the premiere of "The Firebird." His career is divided into three periods - a Russian period during which the ballets were composed, a Neoclassical period and a Serial period. Stravinsky is considered one of the most creative and innovative composers of all time. In 1948, he was on the cover of Time Magazine as one of the most influential people of the century.

With a combination of intensity, enthusiasm and technical clarity, American conductor Andrew Grams has steadily built a reputation for his dynamic concerts and long-term orchestra building. He is the winner of 2015 Conductor of the Year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras and has led orchestras throughout the United States including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Detroit Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, and the Houston Symphony. Grams served as assistant conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra from 2004-07 where he worked under the guidance of Franz Welser-Möst, and has since returned for several engagements.

2016-2017 marks Grams' fourth season as music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Born in Severn, Maryland, Grams began studying the violin when he was 8 years old. In 1999 he received a bachelor of music in violin performance from The Juilliard School, and in 2003, he received a conducting degree from the Curtis Institute of Music where he studied with Otto-Werner Mueller. He was selected to spend the summer of 2003 studying with David Zinman, Murry Sidlin and Michael Stern at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen and returned to that program again in 2004. To learn more about Andrew Grams, visit andrewgrams.com and www.instagram.com/andrewhgrams/.

Now in its 66th season, the ESO offers programming unmatched for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. The ESO has won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year an unprecedented four times - in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016. The ESO works to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region.

Local student musicians often perform in the lobby before concerts and patrons can purchase gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique. Preconcert chats are given by Andrew Grams, guest artists and others one hour before most performances and Saturday night patrons are invited after concerts to Mingle with the Musicians at the Elgin Public House. In addition, free Listeners Club lecture/discussions presented by music historian Jim Kendros are offered before ESO concert weekends at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

Flex passes are available for purchase so that you can choose your concerts at a later date based on your own schedule. And if a patron can't make a concert, the ESO offers free exchanges to subscribers and to single ticket buyers for a $5 fee. There is accessible, free parking around the Hemmens Cultural Center and valet service available.

The ESO is a world-class orchestra providing quality musical explorations that are entertaining, hassle-free and conveniently located close to home in the western suburbs. Visit ElginSymphony.org.