Illinois Philharmonic Concert Series to Feature Youth Performance

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra feature a special youth performance as part of its upcoming concert series at the Ravisloe Country Club. At the Jazz concert scheduled for August 26, five young piano students will perform a range of pieces 45 minutes before the Philharmonic’s 7 p.m. concert. The youth performance highlights the effectiveness of the Simply Music teaching method, which has proved successful with children with disabilities such as autism.

“This is a great opportunity to hear some very talented young people,” said Lisa Cain. “But it’s even more than that – it’s a chance to see some remarkable teaching and the impact that music can have on the development of children with disabilities.”

One of the performers, 11-year-old Joshua Cain, is on the autistic spectrum. He has been instructed using the Simply Music method by Kristin Izenbart of the HF Piano Academy. After two years of training, Joshua can play such pieces as Beethoven’s Für Elise, Mozart’s Sonata in C and Burgmüller’s Ballade.