Lake Forest Country Day School Hosts Lake Forest Symphony Holiday Concert

On Saturday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m., Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) will host the Lake Forest Symphony in partnership with the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYA Conservatory) to present a holiday concert: Sounds of the Season. In this first-time, “side-by-side” program, MYA Conservatory students will play alongside professionals, as LFCDS students read original poetry written for each animal in the piece Carnival of the Animals by the French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns.

Musicians from the Lake Forest Symphony visited LFCDS Upper School students on Wednesday to give them more insight into the musical program for the concert, and specifically on the piece about which they are writing.

“We are so excited to partner with LFCDS and MYA Conservatory on this imaginative new performance,” said Lake Forest Symphony Executive Director Susan Lape. “We see this as a way our professional symphony can engage and support local students and their families, and a way for us to bring the joy of classical music to our whole community. We are so thankful to LFCDS and MYA Conservatory for their collaboration and enthusiasm and for the inspiring dedication of their students.”

Lake Forest Symphony Music Director Vladimir Kulenovic will conduct the combined orchestra. The 60-minute program will include a festive Holiday Overture, composed by Lake Forest resident and the Symphony’s composer-in residence, James Stephenson, as well as his humorous Bassoon It Will Be Christmas, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, a Hanukkah medley, and other holiday favorites.

“We recognize that children are artistic and creative by nature, and our music program at Lake Forest Country Day School is designed to help children communicate thoughts and ideas through music,” said Head of School Bob Whelan. “The opportunity to express music through poetry is an ideal way for our children to experiment, grow, and collaborate; and communicate an idea in a whole new way. We are grateful to both the Lake Forest Symphony and the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory for partnering with our students.”

The cost per family is $32, single tickets are $16. Parking is complimentary in the Lake Forest Country Day School lot or at the Onwentsia Club (a free shuttle service to the school will be provided). For further information and to purchase tickets, please call (847) 295.2135 or visit http://lakeforestsymphony.org/sounds-of-the-season/

Lake Forest Country Day School is a premiere regional independent school dedicated to excellence in education for children ages two through Grade 8. For more information on LFCDS, please visit www.lfcds.org or call 847.234.2350.