PEORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES SCOTTISH FANTASY WITH VIOLINIST CATHERINE CHO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2018
PEORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES SCOTTISH FANTASY WITH VIOLINIST CATHERINE CHO
PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is pleased to announce the opening of its 121st Season with the SCOTTISH FANTASY concert on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 7:30 PM in the Peoria Civic Center Theater located at 201 SW Jefferson Street in Peoria, IL.
The concert will begin with Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, where concert-goers will feel the excitement and dreaminess of a 19th Century Czech Carnival. Next, violinist CATHERINE CHO will perform Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra with the PSO, filled with imagery of romantic Scotland, from castles to dances to folk songs. Finally, Dvorak’s Symphony #7 depicts dreams and folktales from the mystical forest and fields around Prague.
CATHERINE CHO has been described by the New York Times for her “sublime tone.” Her prestigious career includes performances at New York’s Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. She has appeared worldwide as soloist with many orchestras and chamber ensembles as well as in recital. Her repertoire ranges from the traditional works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms to those of Bartók, Korngold and Berg, in addition to music of our time.
Cho is devoted to the cause of promoting peace through music and is an artist member of MUSIC FOR FOOD, a musician-led initiative to fight hunger in our local communities. During Cho’s visit, the PSO will be collecting food for PEORIA AREA FOOD BANK as part of the ORCHESTRAS FEEDING AMERICA initiative. The PSO’s goal is to collect 300 lbs of food, which translates to 250 meals. The PSO office, located at 101 State St., Peoria, IL, will be accepting food items throughout the week during normal business hours and at the SCOTTISH FANTASY concert.
Regarding this performance, Maestro George Stelluto says:
“Bruch’s masterpiece is aptly titled. It’s a real Scottish Fantasy, full of the old songs, dances, and imagery—a mystical, musical postcard from the Scottish village of Brigadoon.”
An optional pre-concert lecture begins at 6:30 PM. Bagpiper Heather Penne, member of Celtic Cross Pipes & Drums and the Chicago Celtic Pipe Band, will be performing in the lobby during the half hour preceding the concert. The Peoria Civic Center Theater will have beverages available for purchase, including a “Scotch Bar” featuring six Scottish whiskeys and themed cupcakes for purchase. Patrons are also invited to join the Maestro, musicians, and other concert-goers at a P.S. Party following the concert at Two25 Restaurant, located at the Mark Twain Hotel, 225 NE Adams Street, Peoria.
In the week preceding the concert, CATHERINE CHO will also be participating in the PSO’s RESIDENT ARTIST WEEK (RAW). Cho will be visiting with Bright Futures Pre-K classrooms, Dunlap Valley Middle School, Neighborhood House, Lutheran Hillside Village, and conducting a Master Class with students from universities in the area. RAW educational outreach to local schools and Peoria Country Bright Futures preschool classrooms is made possible by a grant from the PNC Foundation as part of its support of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra 121st Season.
The public is invited to attend several public RAW events throughout the week. On Wednesday, September 19th, join Catherine Cho and Maestro George Stelluto for LUNCH AND LEARN, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (program begins at Noon), PSO Cube at 101 State St., Peoria, IL. Community members are invited to engage with Cho in a Q&A moderated by Maestro George Stelluto, including a performance of about 20 minutes. Bring your lunch. The PSO will provide dessert and beverages. This is a free event.
The PSO is delighted to announce the first of several collaborations with Zion Coffee Bar, located at 803 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL. On Wednesday, September 19th, Catherine Cho, violin, and other musicians will provide a free performance at Zion Coffee. Doors open at 7 pm; performance at 7:30 pm.
The public is also invited to the Grand Prairie Hy-Vee’s WIND DOWN FRIDAY wine tasting event on Friday, September 21st. The Grand Prairie Hy-Vee will be accepting food items during the event and throughout the week for the PSO’s Orchestras Feeding America food drive. Catherine Cho will perform from 4:00-5:00 PM.
Educational program support for the RAW Master Class and Lunch & Learn event is provided by Heights Finance.SCOTTISH FANTASY is sponsored by Soderstrom Skin Institute, Brad Kuchan, and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Additional support of the 121st Symphony Season is provided by PNC.
Tickets for SCOTTISH FANTASY start at $25 and student tickets are $10. Tickets are available by
calling 309.671.1096, visiting the PSO Box Office located at 101 State Street, Peoria, IL or online
at www.peoriasymphony.org.
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Founded in 1897, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire through music. The PSO presents excellent live musical performances, innovative music education programs, and engaging community outreach efforts, which significantly impact the cultural and economic vitality of Central Illinois.
If you would like more information or higher resolution photographs, please contact:
Mae Gilliland Wright, PhD
Director of Marketing and Communications
309.671.1096
mgwright@peoriasymphony.org
