Presenting a tantalizing glimpse into their upcoming season, the Alton Symphony Orchestra invites music enthusiasts to join them on a harmonious journey through “Musical Landscapes of European Minds.” The captivating performance is set to grace the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 28th, within the esteemed Hatheway Cultural Center at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. Guiding this auditory expedition will be the accomplished Maestro Wm. Shane Williams, taking the conductor’s baton in hand.
Tickets for this melodious odyssey are available for $10 per adult and a nominal $5 per child, catering to those aged 18 and younger. The concert promises an engaging blend of musical masterpieces, including excerpts from the renowned “English Folk Song Suite,” an iconic creation by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Moreover, the program encompasses musical narratives such as “Rhosymedre,” “The Moldau,” “Night on Bald Mountain,” and Shostakovich’s evocative “Symphony No. 2,” which will feature the talented pianist Brett Klaus.
As the year’s end approaches, the Alton Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to partake in “Joyous Jollies and Jingles,” an event commencing at 7 p.m. on December 9th. Delighting in the festive spirit, this concert is primed to regale audiences with a medley of timeless favorites, including the spirited “Sleigh Ride,” the heartwarming strains of “White Christmas,” the beloved tale of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and the jubilant “Christmas Festival.” A notable highlight of this holiday concert will be the acknowledgment of the recipient of the esteemed Deborah Fox Guild Award. This accolade is conferred upon an applicant aged 12 and under, who secures victory through an audition of a performed concerto, impressing ASO’s panel of musicians during the celebrated Marie Stillwell Concerto Competition.
The orchestra’s President, Jessica Poddig, enthusiastically remarked, “I’m thrilled to usher in our 79th season with unwavering strength and vigor.”
Kicking off the following year, the inaugural concert titled “An Afternoon of Musical Pops” will grace the stage at 3 p.m. on February 18th. Embracing an eclectic selection, ASO enthusiasts can relish the strains of beloved pieces such as “The Sound of Music,” “Swan Lake Overture,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “West Side Story.” This enchanting performance will also showcase the talents of Alton Youth Symphony seniors and the victor of the Marie Stillwell Concerto Competition.
Next in line is “Dance, Dance, Dance,” scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 27th. The program boasts captivating works such as “Orpheus in the Underworld,” the spirited “Bacchanale,” and Ravel’s evocative “Le Tombeau de Couperin.”
All of these captivating concerts will grace the stage of the Alton Symphony Orchestra’s home venue, the Hatheway Cultural Center, situated within the picturesque environs of Lewis and Clark Community College at 5800 Godfrey Road in Godfrey.
Generous contributions from entities such as the Alton Foundation, the Jacoby Foundation, Alton Community Service League, and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council provide crucial support for portions of this season’s programming, further affirming the organization’s commitment to enriching the community through the arts.
Reflecting on the orchestra’s return to in-person performances post the online interlude of the previous season, President Jessica Poddig expressed her delight in witnessing patrons once again fill the seats before a concert. She joyfully remarked, “I’ve had numerous conversations with individuals expressing their pleasure at being able to experience our performances in person once more.”
