Oakton hosts guitar and string recital May 7

Enjoy the awakening of spring with “The Rite of Strings” musical recital, featuring the Oakton Community College’s String Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble at 8 p.m. Monday, May 7, at the college’s Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

Highlights will include the String Ensemble performing Mozart’s exuberant “Musical Joke” as well as Vivaldi’s famous “Concerto for Guitar and Strings.” The Guitar Ensemble will delight will original compositions and arrangements, including the premiere of a guitar ensemble composition by Jim Kendross, often referred to as the North Shore’s favorite music historian.

The String Ensemble is led by noted violist Dan Golden, who performed with the Orchestra London Canada, and features Oakton members along with outstanding area guitarists as soloists and chamber performers. The Guitar Ensemble is under the direction of Tom Clippert, a member of the Avanti Guitar Trio and graduate of the Yale University School of Music. The ensemble consists of guitarists of all styles and celebrates the diversity of the instrument.

Go behind the musical scene at a free “Take Note Conversation” before the recital at Oakton’s Performing Arts Center lobby. This pre-concert discussion begins at 7:30 p.m. and provides insight on featured pieces.

Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. Visit www.oakton.edu/tickets or call 847-635-1900 to purchase tickets.