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Community Corner

The Fox Valley Orchestra Scores Second To None

The Fox Valley Orchestra presents a unique concert on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, and Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. at Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University in Aurora.  Music Director, Dr. Colin Holman, features several lesser-known musical compositions, and gives the audience a chance to hear these seldom-performed works.

The Concert opens with Mozart Overture Le nozze de Figaro. In Mozart’s brilliant style, the work makes use of full orchestration to introduce the beloved opera, The Marriage of Figaro.  Also on the program is Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Suite No. 2.  Although less often played than its counterpart, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Grieg continues the beauty and modal quality that is his signature.  One of the highlights of the program is the rarely performed Symphony No. 2 by Kabalevsky.  This significant work dates from the mid-1930s and represents the militant sounds of the Soviet Composers group.  In a rousing use of colors and full instrumentation, the symphony challenges the performers as well as the listeners to sit on the edge of their chairs.

Chris Griffith is the featured soloist performing the Bottesini Concerto No 2 for Double Bass. The bass is rarely heard as a solo instrument.  Griffith shows off his virtuosic technique and the instrument in this beautiful solo work.  Bottesini was considered the Paganini of the double bass and the work demands control and dexterity of the performer, as well as incredible musicianship. It sits as a standard in the string bass repertoire.  Griffith, who lives in Montgomery and offers private studio lessons, currently serves as principal bassist of the Fox Valley Orchestra and has been with the orchestra since its inception.  He is also education director for the Fox Valley El Sistema program, and an assistant director for the summer youth orchestra presented by the Fox Valley Orchestra.

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As a special feature to this program, Dr. Colin Holman will present a pre-concert discussion 30 minutes prior to each performance. Enjoy the insights into the music and a guide to listening to a concert that is Second to None.

On Sunday only, there will be an instrument petting zoo for youth of all ages beginning at 2:00.  They will get a chance to try out some of the instruments and see just how challenging and fun it is to play them.   

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Don’t miss the chance to hear a unique concert by the Fox Valley orchestra. Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, and Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. at Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University in Aurora. Order discounted tickets online at www.foxvalleyorchestra.org or call 630-891-2526.  Tickets at the door are $13 for adults, and $11 for seniors and students.


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