Concordia University Chicago Band to Play Free Spring Concert

Submitted by Concordia University Chicago. Image via Facebook.

Concordia University Chicago’s University Band will perform its spring concert on Friday, March 27 at 8 p.m. Admission is free. The concert will be held in the Chapel of Our Lord on CUC’s campus in River Forest.

Patrick Rehker, an adjunct professor of clarinet at Concordia-Chicago, will be the evening’s clarinet soloist performing “Concertino for Clarinet” by Frank Bencriscutto. Rehker freelances as a performer and teacher in the Chicago area. He is a member of the Rockford Symphony and has performed with the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Philharmonic and the Highland Park Strings, among others.

Other works in the program will include “English Folk Song Suite” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Cloudburst” by Eric Whitacre, “Valdres” by Johannes Hanssen, “Dance of the Jesters” by Tchaikovsky, “Emperata Overture” by Claude T. Smith, “My Jesus! Oh, What Anguish” by J.S. Bach (transcribed by Alfred Reed), and “Porgy and Bess” by George Gershwin (arranged by James Barnes).

Jean Harrison Bojes will give commentary on each work. For more than 10 years, Bojes has been an audience favorite, introducing and describing each selection the ensemble performs, incorporating insights into the music and making connections to Chicago wherever they exist.

The University Band is conducted by Dr. Richard R. Fischer, distinguished professor of music and the Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair in Music Performance. In addition to his work at Concordia University Chicago, he is in demand internationally as a guest conductor, clinician, presenter and adjudicator. Fischer is a River Forest resident in his 41st year as director of bands at CUC.

The University Band comprises approximately 90 musicians, including residents from surrounding communities as well as Concordia University Chicago students, faculty and staff.

The Concordia-Chicago campus is located at 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL. Free handicapped-accessible parking is available in the visitors’ lot north of the University parking structure on Bonnie Brae Street.

For more information, visit CUChicago.edu/music or call 708-209-3060.

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