Great Moments in Opera: Opera Choruses II

Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Joy, passion, pathos, seduction - be carried away by sumptuous arias and choruses from the world's most famous operas. The artistry of the Elgin Choral Union, accompanied by members of the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra, will enthrall you as they perform the essential pieces you never realized you knew!  Hear the rich spectacle and drama from Lucia, La Boheme, Magic Flute, Aida, Travatore and more.  You're guaranteed to walk away from the concert humming joyously!  Held in the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College.

Special:  Bal Masque Benefit

  Sunday, November 1, 2009
Overture, $30, 2:30-3:15 p.m.  Finale, $80, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  Save $, Overture & Finale Package - $100

Help us kick-off our 63rd season in style.  Join us for a celebratory benefit in the style of a Venetian masquerade ball.  Formal wear optional, costumes and masks encouraged!  Pre-concert lobby events (overture) will include hors d'oeuvres & silent auction.  Finale (following the concert) will include a formal sit-down 3-course dinner created in collaboration with Elgin Community College's renowned Culinary Arts program as well as a live and silent auction.  Proceeds will benefit the Elgin Choral Union.  Held in the Spartan Terrace Restaurant, Elgin Community College's Visual & Performing Arts Center.

A Proper English Christmas

Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, December 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra

Experience the wonder and joy of Christmas with family and friends through timeless English carols.  Join in audience sing-alongs of "Joy to the World", "The First Nowell", and other favorites on this merry program.  This charmingly picture-perfect program features original works and arrangements by the wildly popular John Rutter as well as carols by English composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gerald Finzi.  Accompanied by the celebrated Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, it is sure to become your family's "must do" event of the season.  This concert is part of the Elgin: Home for the Holidays celebrations.  Held in the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College.

Harmonies from Heaven: Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil, Op. 37

Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College Blizzard Theatre.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles, IL.

At times haunting, mesmerizing and serene, this sublime work relies exclusively on a living, breathing instrument - the choir - to captivate listeners with glorious expressions of soul-stirring awe.  Widely praised as his greatest achievement, and often referred to simply as Vespers Mass, much of the work is based upon music utilized during special Orthodox services occurring between sunset and sunrise.  Combining unaccompanied sacred texts with stirring melodies and rich bass line, this fifteen-movement choral symphony draws on several forms of ancient chant, sung prayers, psalms and hymns from the Russian Orthodox Church.  One of his two favorite compositions, Rachmaninoff requested the fifth movement be performed at his funeral.  You will be transfixed as the rich harmonious sounds of 120 a cappella voices envelop you in their embrace.

Season Highlights:

  December 12 & 13, 2009

The Elgin Choral Union will be guests of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra as they return to the Hemmens Theatre in Elgin to fill your Holiday season with timeless music and festivities for all to enjoy.

March 21, 2010

The Elgin Choral Union will be guests of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre as they perform Sacred Spaces - Spiritual Music for Orchestra.