Joliet Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven, Bernstein and Bolero Concert

The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) at the University of St. Francis presents their spring concert, “Beethoven, Bernstein, and Bolero,” on Saturday, May 2, 2015 and Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sexton Auditorium in the University’s Moser Performing Arts Center (500 Wilcox Street - Joliet, IL).

JSO, a 60-member orchestra, is under the direction of Jim Stopher. Stopher is a winner of the annual International Conductors Workshop and Competition, and was named a finalist for the Conductors Guild’s biennial Thelma E. Robinson Award. He has served as cover conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, as conductor for the Baltimore-based Figaro Project, and has participated in various conducting workshops and festivals nationwide. He is a trained pianist and active composer, holding degrees from Harvard University (BA), the University of Arizona (MM), and the Peabody Conservatory (DMA).

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the JSO concludes its season with a thrilling afternoon of symphonic favorites. Ravel’s hypnotic “Bolero” begins the program, and soprano Alexandra Plattos, winner of the JSO’s concerto competition, joins the orchestra in Bernstein’s virtuosic “Glitter and Be Gay.” The concert concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, a fiery, dramatic, and ultimately heroic cornerstone of the orchestral literature.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and USF students are admitted free. For ticket reservations or information, call (800) 735-7500 or visit www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.

The Joliet Symphony Orchestra at the University of St. Francis, founded in 2005 as a university-community partnership, performs varied works for orchestra and is open to USF students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the area community. Former music directors include Michael Sundblad (founding conductor) and Clifford Hunt. The orchestra is governed by a board of directors comprised of the music director, several players, and community members. Musicians reside in over 12 different communities surrounding Joliet, including Plainfield, Lockport, Morris, Bolingbrook and Tinley Park. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7-9:30pm, in the Sexton Auditorium of the Moser Performing Arts Center at USF. Fall 2015 rehearsals begin in September. For more information on events or membership, visit www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org.

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