Violinist, conductor Jaime Laredo performs at Elgin’s Hemmens Cultural Center

Submitted by ESO

Jaime Laredo, a finalist in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra music director search, will present “Headliners: Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Laredo” at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

Music to be performed includes Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor featuring Laredo and Bella Hristova as soloists, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor with Hristova as soloist, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 in C major (nicknamed after Mozart’s death as the “Jupiter” symphony).

The concert’s theme, “Headliners: Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Laredo,” echoes Laredo’s international prominence as a violinist and conductor. Laredo is highly acclaimed as a recitalist, educator, chamber musician and more. Beginning with his orchestral debut at the age of 11 with the San Francisco Symphony, he continues to win the admiration and respect of audiences, critics and fellow musicians around the globe with his passionate and polished performances. ESO is fortunate to help Laredo celebrate his 70th birthday this season. His most recent appearance with the ESO was in 2009-2010.

Highlights from Hristova’s busy 2011-2012 season include a return visit as soloist with the New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, an appearance in Ravinia’s Rising Stars Series, a tour with Musicians from Marlboro, and performances throughout the season with CMS Two at Lincoln Center. She is one of Laredo’s most talented protégés, having exploded on the international music scene in the past few years.

“Musically Speaking,” the ESO’s preconcert discussion available to ticket holders at no additional charge, begins one hour before each concert.

Tickets for “Headliners” cost $24, $36, $49 and $70. For tickets, call the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000 or visit elginsymphony.org.