This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Fox Valley Orchestra Presents "Exotic!"

Join us for a musical journey to foreign lands, Saturday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. at the Batavia Fine Arts Center, Batavia, and Sunday, October 27, 3:00 p.m. at Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University in Aurora.  Under the direction of Dr. Colin Holman, the orchestra takes a musical journey from China to Spain, Italy, and Japan.  


This exciting concert includes the exotic sounds of southwest China with the Tribal Dance of Yao by Mao Yuen.  The work premiered in 1953 in Beijing, but gained worldwide attention in 1954 when it was arranged for traditional Chinese Instruments.  The Fox Valley Orchestra performs this haunting work with western instruments.  From China the orchestra journeys to Spain with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol.  Composed in 1887, this masterpiece was hailed by critics as “a brilliant composition for orchestra.”  The change of timber and melodic design, interspersed with virtuoso cadenzas for solo instruments, thrills audiences every time it is played.  The Spanish themes and dance character help to make it a favorite with audiences everywhere. On to Italy with Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, Op. 45, which was inspired by a trip Tchaikovsky took to Rome.  There he experienced an Italian Carnival and used the folk music freely in this fantasy for orchestra.   The introductory bugle call comes directly from an Italian cavalry, which was stationed outside Tchaikovsky’s hotel window. Another audience favorite, this one is sure to please.

Also featured on the program is principal percussionist Dan Heffner performing Mayuzumi’s contemporary work, Concertino for Xylophone and Orchestra.  Mayuzumi, a prolific Japanese composer, is also known for his hundreds of works for movies.  Heffner is a graduate of Northwestern University.  He has performed in numerous groups in the area including the Wheaton Band, Chicago Brass Band, and the Fox Valley Concert Band, Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.   He was an inaugural member of the rhythmic performance ensemble Be The Groove.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Don’t miss the “Exotic!” concert on Saturday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. at Batavia Fine Arts Center, Batavia, and Sunday, October 27, 3:00 p.m. at Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University in Aurora.  Tickets are $13 adults, $11 for students and seniors.  Advanced tickets are $12 or $10 for students and seniors.  Call or email to inquire about group discounts.  630-891-2526 or tickets@foxvalleyorchestra.org


Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?