The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is pleased to announce the second concert set of its 2026-2027 Season, its 22nd, with Artistic Director & Conductor, Dr. Sean Paul MILLS, leading a program of music by Sir Arthur SULLIVAN, Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS, and Gustav HOLST, and featuring guest presenter Dr. A. Wesley WARD (retired Chief Geologist, SW Region, United States Geological Survey).
Although titled after one of the compositions on this program, “The Planets”, this JSO performance features music composed by three famous English composers. Sir Arthur SULLIVANS’ vivacious Overture to “The Gondoliers”(one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most-popular comic operas) opens the program, followed by Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS’ buoyant & sentimental English Folk Song Suite. Following intermission, the JSO will welcome guest presenter Dr. A. Wesley WARD to the stage for brief insights into each planet in our solar system. These will be followed by high-resolution images of the planets accompanying the performance of Gustav HOLST’s monumental The Planets: Suite for Orchestra.
Originally from Chicagoland and a graduate of Evanston Township High School, Dr. A. Wesley WARD completed his Ph.D. study of Martian eolian geomorphology, after serving in the military. Following postdoctoral work at Arizona State University, Wes joined the U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology group, headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he led pioneering research on terrestrial and Martian eolian (wind) features. He contributed to several Mars missions, including leading the Geology/Geomorphology Team for the Mars Pathfinder Mission in 1997. Over his long USGS career, he held several leadership roles, including Chief Scientist of the Astrogeology Program and Chief Geologist of the western United States. Now living in Tucson, Arizona, Wes continues to be a tireless mentor and leader in service to professional and community organizations from youth-focused groups to railroad historical societies, including NASA, National Science Foundation, Geological Society of America, federal and state science boards, community arts and sciences organizations, universities, and congressional representatives. His greatest passion and most meaningful contributions, however, have centered on young people - especially those still discovering the wonder and importance of understanding our home, Planet Earth.
Performances will take place on Saturday, November 21 @ 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 22 @ 4:00 p.m. Both performances will take place in Sexton Auditorium which is located in the Harold & Margaret Moser Performing Arts Center on the University of St. Francis campus at 500 Wilcox Street in Joliet.
Be sure to join us for the FREE pre-concert “Noteworthy” discussions which take place 45 minutes prior to each performance and provide audience members with an opportunity to learn more about the composers, selections, orchestra, and soloists as well as ask questions and interact with our conductor and guests.
Tickets for JSO concerts are available through the JSO website at www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org, the Music at Moser website at www.stfrancis.edu/music-at-moser/, and at the door beginning one (1) hour before each performance. Adults are $10; Seniors, Alumni & Non-USF Students are $5; USF Students and Youth (18 & under) are FREE with a current ID.
Please join us as we continue our 22nd season of exciting guest artists, moving musical performances, and new opportunities for you to engage with your local symphony . . . Joliet’s best-kept secret!