ESO's Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty concerts offer a perfect introduction to classical music
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will feature suites from the most beloved ballets of all time - Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty" and Igor Stravinsky's "Petrushka" - at the concerts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. Lively, lush and colorful, these masterworks are a perfect way to introduce children and newcomers to classical music. With his charismatic and casual conducting style, music director Andrew Grams infuses every performance with a passion and enthusiasm that is infectious. The concerts are recommended for children, age 9 or older. Student tickets are $12 and regular tickets start at $30. Visit ElginSymphony.org or call (847) 888-4000.
"Swan Lake" was Tchaikovsky's first ballet and ironically it was not well-received initially. It tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The spell can only be broken by a prince who swears to be eternally faithful to her. Tchaikovsky's second ballet, "Sleeping Beauty," was an immediate success. Based on a fairy tale by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, Walt Disney created an animated movie of the same name using Tchaikovsky's music. Igor Stravinsky's "Petrushka" (1947) tells the tale of three puppets, magically brought to life, that experience the very real human emotions of love, rage and jealousy.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras an unprecedented four times, in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016. The ESO musicians represent the finest artists in the region, with several traveling miles and from out-of-state just to play in the orchestra. Its mission is to serve and engage a broad audience through the performance of powerful symphonic music and dynamic educational programs while developing strong community relationships.
For 66 seasons, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra has been providing quality musical performances featuring some of the best professional musical artists in the region. The ESO is deeply rooted in the Elgin community and throughout the region and continues to search for ways to collaborate and partner with area organizations and businesses to make meaningful, long lasting associations that will benefit its constituents.