Fox Valley Orchestra to host 'Star-Spangled' concert July 2
Kicking off two summer pops concerts, the Fox Valley Orchestra will perform "A Star-Spangled FVO" on Sunday, July 2, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Aurora.
The community is invited to the concert at 3 p.m. at the church, 27 S. Edgelawn Drive. Parking is free.
Stephen Squires directs the program that sizzles with John Philip Sousa marches, Morton Gould's "American Salute," "Armed Forces Medley," a "tribute to Satchmo," and featured works by American composers.
Included will be George Gershwin's "American in Paris Suite," Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" numbers, favorites by Leroy Anderson, and the moving "Ashokan Farewell" arrangement by Bob Cerulli, theme song for Ken Burns' mini-series, "The Civil War."
The series continues with "FVO at the Movies" at 3 pm. Sunday, July 23, at St. Mark's.
Featured will be great music by great American composers from some of the most iconic films in cinema.
Included will be "Raiders of the Lost Ark," " Star Wars," "Forrest Gump," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Star Trek" and "ET."
Tickets are $26, $18 for ages 8 or younger, and $22 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door and online at foxvalleyorchestra.org/order.php.
The Aurora-based Fox Valley Orchestra is celebrating its 13th season, the first full season of performances since the coronavirus pandemic.
The Fox Valley Orchestra is among 12 members of the Fox Valley Music Consortium, a nonprofit focusing on performances and education programs.
In addition to the Fox Valley Orchestra, members are Fox Valley Brass Band, Fox Valley Orchestra Chorus, Fox Chamber Singers, Fox Valley Jazz Big Band, Fox Valley Youth Chorus, Fox Valley Youth Orchestra, Fox Valley Youth Jazz and Fox Valley El Sistema.
Jonathan Hauser, consortium president, said in an open letter, "We need your help! It is a challenge across the performing arts world to rebuild our audiences in the post-covid era and we ask that you share us with your friends and family.
"Please consider bringing them to our performances. We're confident they will be grateful you did. Our ticket prices are very reasonable for the scope of work and talent that we are able to bring to the community. We hope for your support and we welcome you to enjoy and appreciate them with us!"
For more information, visit foxvalleyorchestra.org.