‘Beethoven Lives Upstairs’ to be presented at Ravinia
Submitted by Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra
On Saturday, July 7, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” with George Stelluto, assistant conductor of the Ravinia Festival, at 11 a.m. as part of Ravinia’s Kraft Great Kids Concert Series at the park, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Ravinia box office at (847) 266-5100 or by visiting the website www.ravinia.org. Reserved pavilion seats are $10 and lawn seats are $5.
“Beethoven Lives Upstairs” explores Beethoven’s life during his years as a deaf musician through the eyes of a young boy who writes letters to his uncle detailing the escapades of the ‘madman’ who lives in his family’s boardinghouse. It’s an intriguing introduction to this great musician for children and adults alike.
The collaboration between George Stelluto, resident conductor at The Julliard School and the conductor of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the EYSO, led by artistic director Randal Swiggum, at Ravinia is another example of the opportunities afforded to the EYSO students. The EYSO orchestras and honors chamber groups perform at venues throughout Illinois every year. They also have the opportunity to perform in venues outside of Illinois, such as a recent preconcert performance at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Ravinia concertgoers are able to wander the grounds and are welcome to bring picnics while enjoying the peaceful, lush surroundings. The concert runs just under an hour and will be followed by an instrument petting zoo in the Martin Theatre Plaza from noon to 1 p.m. Ravinia will open at 10 a.m. for concertgoers, allowing plenty of time to enjoy an afternoon of leisure and music while being introduced to the world of Beethoven from the unique perspective of an outsider looking in.
The performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences ages 6 and older.
Since 1976, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra has been challenging and inspiring an ever-widening circle of young musicians with rich and deep musical experiences. The focus is on a comprehensive learning environment, exploring music beyond performance skills and concerts. This begins in the weekly rehearsal, where the emphasis includes how the music is constructed, and how it is a reflection of where and when it was written. Concert programs are imaginative, challenging and diverse, and are created around a thematic curriculum.