Chad Goodman conducts the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in 'Rhapsody in Blue' May 6-7
It took George Gershwin just days to write one of today's most recognized musical compositions, "Rhapsody in Blue."
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will perform this iconic Jazz Age masterpiece, along with Beethoven's Symphony No. 7, and Coleridge-Taylor's "Ballade in A minor" on May 6-7.
The concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin.
"George Gershwin was a true rebel. He wrote music that is not easy to label. His music is classical, it's jazz, it's music of the streets, it's music of the stage. With this melting pot of musical styles, Gershwin helped define the American sound in the 20th century," said guest conductor Chad Goodman, who is a candidate in the ESO's search for a music director, and who will lead the ESO in these concerts.
Goodman said he feels a "deep connection" with Gershwin, as Goodman's roots are in jazz and pop music.
"As a trumpeter, I played everything from big bands and jazz combos to salsa, ska, and rock bands," he said.
It is the first time Goodman will have worked with the concert's guest soloist, pianist Drew Petersen, who is a recipient of the 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant and the 2017 American Pianists Award.
"I am incredibly excited to work with pianist Drew Peterson on the Gershwin. Drew is an incredible artist who has lived with the Gershwin for many years, so I am very eager to dig into 'Rhapsody in Blue' with him and the orchestra," Goodman added.
Goodman will host a pre-concert chat for ticket holders about the music and composers one hour prior to each performance.
Tickets are available at elginsymphony.org, and may also be purchased by phone from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, by calling the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000.
Tickets start at $20. Student tickets are $10, and youth age 17 and under are free with an accompanying paid adult.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will announce its complete 2023-24 season and its new music director at a dinner event, "Prelude," on Tuesday, May 23. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. at The Ashbury in downtown Elgin. Enjoy live music, cocktails, dinner and wine service for $100. For information and tickets, visit elginsymphony.org/2022-2023-season/prelude-dinner.