Orchestra presents Memorial Day concert Friday

The Northwest Festival Orchestra Memorial Day Concert at 7:40 p.m. Friday, May 27, in Des Plaines will include a tribute to the unknown soldier and music appropriate to the holiday.

The 56-member professional orchestra, under the baton of Dr. Verne Schwager, will be joined by Lindsey Poling, mezzo-soprano, and Keven Keys, baritone. The orchestra will present a moving selection of compositions including selections from Gustav Mahler’s song cycle “The Youth’s Magic Horn” and Peter Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Nr. 6 in b minor.

Joining the orchestra as guest concertmaster will be Cornelius Chiu, a distinguished member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The conductor and the orchestra will have some surprises for the audience specifically geared for the Memorial Day remembrance.

The orchestra will perform in the Prairie Lakes Theater at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St.

Tickets can be purchased at the door ($35 adult / $20 senior/college student, $10 high school student) or in advance for a $10 discount for adult tickets by calling (847) 392-9003. Contributions to sustain the orchestra, which are urgently needed, may be sent to: 1009 S. Evergreen Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.

The Northwest Festival Orchestra describes itself as the only ensemble in the area that offers professional level performances of such high caliber with an ensemble composed of younger conservatory and university graduates as well as college-trained musicians in interesting and unusual programs of appeal to everyone.