The Evanston Symphony Orchestra rounds out its 2021-2022 75th anniversary season at the Evanston Township High School Auditorium, performing works including Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, one of Mozart’s most famous piano concertos and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. All under the baton of Music Director Lawrence Eckerling, the concert features pianist Hyejin Joo performing Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 23 in A Major, justly one of the most significant piano concertos in the repertoire. The concert begins at 2:30; ETHS is located at 1600 Dodge Ave. in Evanston.
The concert is a rescheduling of the ESO performance from February this year that was postponed because of the Covid Omicron variant surge. As has been true throughout the 2021-2022 season, all attendees must show proof of vaccination including booster, if eligible, and remain masked throughout the concert.
In fact, the Tchaikovsky symphony was originally scheduled for March during the ESO’s 2019-2020 season. Maestro Eckerling explains, “Tchaikovsky’s monumental 4th Symphony was prepared by the ESO for a concert to take place in March of 2020. We had just finished our Tuesday rehearsal. By Thursday, we had learned that Sunday’s concert was cancelled due to the shutdowns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. We are honored to finally get to perform this amazing work after a two-year wait!”
The program will be previewed June 17 during “Musical Insights,” a program sponsored by The Merion, Evanston’s signature senior living experience. Maestro Eckerling and ESO General Manager Ellis will provide insights into the featured works. Hyejin Joo will discuss her award-winning career and the importance of Mozart’s piano concerto innovations. “Musical Insights” begins at 1:30 in the Emerald Room at the Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave, Evanston. The program is free and open to the public, but please RSVP at 847-570-7815.
ESO Board Pres. Margaret Gergen said, “We are delighted to welcome a soloist with “hometown ties” playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major. Hyejin Joo earned a doctorate at Northwestern University with program honors, and she continues to live in the Evanston area. A winner of numerous national and international awards, she performs throughout the US and Europe. We are fortunate to share the stage with her on June 19th!”
Tickets for the concert can be purchased at ESO (evanstonsymphony.org) or by calling General Manger David Ellis at 847-864-8804. Donations can also be made through the website and by phone.
Submitted by Evanston Symphony Orchestra