Maine South Students to play 1812 Overture

Fiery Pianist Returns and Maine South Students Play 1812 Overture

Park Ridge Civic Orchestra

Leah Dominy created a sensation when she played Ravel's piano concerto and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra (PRCO) two years ago. Audience and orchestra members clamored for her return, and on March 16th those wishes will be granted when Ms. Dominy returns to the PRCO stage. This time she promises to dazzle with her performance of Prokofiev's 3rd Piano Concerto on an all-Russian program that includes the composer's Love for 3 Oranges Suite, and two works by Tchaikovsky.

In addition to the excitement of Ms. Dominy's return, the PRCO is featuring thirty students from Maine South High School's band and orchestra. "We have been planning this piece (1812 Overture) with Maine South for over a year, and I'm greatly looking forward to working with these bright and talented students" says Victor Muenzer, PRCO conductor.

Indeed it was early in 2015 that Muenzer visited Maine South to discuss possible repertoire and dates for a collaboration. He and the teachers selected the 1812 Overture as their top choice, and found a day on the calendar that was open for both the students and the PRCO, not an easy task with such full schedules. There will be students playing side by side with PRCO members on stage, and several who will play in the theater as the offstage "banda" as written in the parts by Tchaikovsky. Students are being prepared by teachers David Hutter, Director of Maine South High School Bands, and Martin Nocedal, Director of Maine South High School Orchestras.

Tchaikovsky's Overture-Fantasy: Romeo and Juliet, a perennial audience favorite, rounds out the all-Russian program. The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra's tradition of thanking their audience with a complimentary food-and-wine reception following the final concert of the season continues, with all patrons invited to stay to eat, drink, and meet the musicians.

Russian Night at the PRCO is on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 7:30 p.m. at the Pickwick Theatre. Tickets are available online at the orchestra's website.

Park Ridge Civic Orchestra, March 16, 2016, 7:30 p.m.

Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Av., Park Ridge, IL 60068

Tickets: www.parkridgecivicorchestra.org, or call (847) 692-7726

Adults $25, Seniors (62+) $20. Free admission ages 18 and under.