Aurora’s Dunham Fund gives $15,000 to Fox Valley Orchestra

Submitted by Fox Valley Orchestra

The Dunham Fund, Aurora’s largest private foundation, recently granted the Fox Valley Orchestra $15,000. The orchestra, under the direction of Colin Holman, celebrates three years of music making in the Fox Valley area.

Running and supporting a quality orchestra is no easy feat. Funding comes from a variety of areas, including ticket sales, individual donors, and grants.

“The grant is unrestricted, but we will be using it primarily for our youth programs: Summer Youth Orchestra, Fox Valley El Sistema (funding teachers and instruments), and Children’s Concerts,” said Jonathan Hauser, the orchestra’s president.

The Dunham Fund is dedicated to supporting education and community development. It has been instrumental in creating the Music Garden at RiverEdge Park and building the Dunham Pavilion and concert venue.

In a collaborative effort, and with the help of the grant, the Fox Valley Orchestra will play at the RiverEdge Park Pavilion Thursday, July 4, in conjunction with the Aurora Patriotic Celebration and Fireworks. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Fox Valley Orchestra has a busy summer schedule. First, the orchestra graces the stage with the Fox Valley Concert Band for a rousing patriotic pops concert.

Guest conductor Lucia Matos will lead the orchestra in a program, along with soloist Mark Ponzo on trumpet. You have two chances to hear this “Summer Pops” program at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

After the June 30 concert, the orchestra will hold its annual fundraising gala at 5 p.m. in the Paramount Arts Center, adjacent to the theater.

Tickets are $40 and all proceeds go to help support the orchestra. In addition, the orchestra supports young musicians. There is a youth concert competition, internship/scholarships and the Fox Valley Orchestra youth summer camp for young musicians June 17-28.

For information, visit foxvalleyorchestra.org.