ESO to perform Beethoven this weekend

Opening with arguably the most recognized four notes ever composed, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony has become one of the most performed and popular works of orchestral music.

This weekend at Hemmens Theatre, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven's Fifth Symphony under the direction of conductor Stephen Squires.

Also on the program are works by composers Biber and Rameau, as well as Vivaldi's Concerto for Violin, "Il Grosso Mogul," with violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock.

Blumenstock is one of the nation's leading Baroque-era violinists and appears as part of the ESO's continuing effort to present works in an insightful, historical perspective through its Historically Informed Performances initiative.

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is presented, in part, by 2007-08 Classics Series sponsor National City Bank and concert sponsor Pepper Construction. Her appearance is sponsored by Motor Werks.

Concert tickets start at $25 and range to $63 for best available seating.

The concerts will be at 1:30 and 8 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hemmens Theatre, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

In addition, the Elgin Symphony League serves "Lunch with the Maestro" at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the Heritage Ballroom in downtown Elgin, across from the Hemmens Theatre.

Join Stephen Squires as he discusses the concert and answers questions during dessert. "Lunch with the Maestro" tickets may be reserved for $20 each.

For tickets or more information, call the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.ElginSymphony.org.

Groups of 10 or more can purchase discounted tickets for their party.