St. Charles Sunday concert series begins with classical guitarist

The St. Charles Public Library kicks off its Sunday Concert Series on Oct. 4 with a performance by classical guitarist Brad Conroy. He will perform the music of 19th-century composer Giulio Regondi, Spanish composers Isaac Albeniz and Enrique Granados, along with a few original compositions, and the premiere of a new work by Eduardo Morales-Caso.

The concert, which is free and open to all, begins at 2 p.m. in the Carnegie Community Room on the second floor of library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. It is elevator accessible.

Conroy earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Northeastern Illinois University where he studied with 19th-century music scholar Dr. Brian Torosian. He went on to earn a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where he studied with world-renowned guitarists Denis Azabagic and Sergio Assad. He currently serves as guitar department chair at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Since 1981, the library has featured a wide variety of musical performances.

The series continues on Oct. 18 with vocalist Petra van Nuis and pianist Dennis Luxion return to the Carnegie stage for a spectacular jazz performance.

On Nov. 1, Elgin Symphony Orchestra cellist Matthew Agnew and pianist Joe Labozetta will perform the works of Arvo Pärt, Ola Gjeilo, Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and Camille Saint-Saëns.

On Nov. 15, step back in time with Matt and Cynthia Gruel, and a special guest performer, as they bring the spirit of the 1940s to life in “The WWII Radio Hour.” This trio will delight audiences with beloved hits.

On Jan. 10, the ZAZZ Trio, featuring Deb Zelman on clarinet, saxophone, and vocals, Gail Sonkin on piano, and Julian Webb on bass, weave the energy of jazz with the timeless beauty of classical music.

On Jan. 24, the Alba Quintet features a flute with four talented string players performing all “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi. Composed in the early 18th century, this set of violin concertos vividly portrays the shifting moods and imagery of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The flutist and violinists alternate between the concerto and orchestral parts for a performance not soon to be forgotten.

For more information, visit scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.