ESO premiering a Georg Philipp Telemann concerto
Elgin Symphony Orchestra musicians Greg Flint, principal horn; Steven Replogle, horn; Daniela Folker, principal violin II; and concertmaster Isabella Lippi will be showcased in the ESO premiere of Georg Philipp Telemann's majestic Concerto for Two Horns and Two Violins this weekend.
The concerts, led by Music Director Andrew Grams, will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
Telemann, a contemporary and friend of J.S. Bach and George Handel, is considered one of the most prolific composers of all time, having written more than 3,000 works. He was almost entirely self-taught, and played flute, oboe, violin, recorder, double bass and other instruments. His mother and her family forbade any type of musical activities, yet he became a popular composer and musician during his lifetime.
Also included on the program will be Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 and the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, No. 41, his longest and last symphony.
Saturday concertgoers are invited after the performance to "Mingle with the Musicians" at Bennigan's Elgin.
The concerts are sponsored by Bev Hoffman, Elgin State Bank, Quarles & Brady LLP, Rödl & Partner and Wintrust Wealth Management. Season Sponsors are John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc. and Otto Engineering Inc.
Tickets start at $30; student tickets are $11. There is valet and free parking. For tickets or information, visit ElginSymphony.org or (847) 888-4000. The ESO is celebrating National Reading Month by holding a book drive to collect 500 books to give to Bernie's Book Bank. Learn more at www.berniesbookbank.org.
The Elgin Symphony offers programming unmatched for an entertaining, informative and relaxing cultural experience. It has won Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year an unprecedented four times - in 1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016 - and works to create an enjoyable entertainment experience that goes beyond the magnificent music performed by some of the best musicians in the region.
Area student musicians often perform in the lobby before concerts, and patrons can purchase music-themed gifts at the Elgin Symphony League Boutique. Preconcert chats are given by Music Director Andrew Grams, guest artists and others one hour before Classics Series performances.
Patrons can curate their own series with a "Build Your Own Series." If a patron can't make a concert, the ESO offers free exchanges to subscribers and to single ticket buyers for a small fee.