North Suburban Symphony, based in Lake Forest, presents 'Russian Treasures' on Sunday, March 3rd

The North Suburban Symphony, a community orchestra based at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest, sponsored by the Lake Bluff Park District, will present "RUSSIAN TREASURES" at Gorton Center in Lake Forest, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m.  Ron Arden is in his sixth season as Music Director/Conductor of the North Suburban Symphony.

Music of three Russian composers will be featured, "Russian Easter Overture" by Rimsky Korsakov; Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite"; and an orchestral arrangement of "Vocalise" by Rachmaninoff.

The "Russian Easter Overture was the final composition of a series of three exceptionally brilliant orchestra works by Rimsky-Korsakov's, the others being "Capriccio Espagnol" and "Scheherazade."  The tunes in the overture are largely from the Russian Orthodox liturgy which Rimsky-Korsakov always had a great interest in.  Even so the overture is not dull to listen to.  Its mood is ever changing as liturgical chants are brought to life by NSS musicians.  Sure to please is a solo chant performed by the principal trombonist of the NSS. 

Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" in March, well why not?  "The Nutcracker Suite is a shortened orchestral version of "The Nutcracker Ballet."  It is a selection of eight of the numbers from the ballet first performed in 1892.  Although "The Nutcracker" is usually tied to the Christmas season because of its association with the story as portrayed in "The Nutcracker Ballet," its melodies are enjoyable to hear whatever the season.  Some of the "The Nutcracker's" most memorable melodies are the "Trepak" or the "Russian Dance," "The Waltz of the Flowers" and the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."  "The Nutcracker" has become one of Tchaikovsky's most popular compositions. 

The last of the Russian composers to be featured,  Sergei Rachmaninoff, had phenomenal prowess as a pianist, as well as great gifts as  a composer and conductor.   Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise" will be featured. It was originally written for voice with piano accompaniment as the last of his "Fourteen Songs, Op. 34."  It contained no words, but is sung using any one vowel of the singer's choosing.  As with many classical vocal pieces, "Vocalise" was arranged to be played by an orchestra.

Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the concert.  Adults:  $18; Seniors/Students: $10; Children under 12:  Free (with adult ticket purchase).  847-295-1035 for concert information.

Save the date of May 5, when at the same time and venue, the NSS will present ITALIAN PASSION, with music by Respighi, Puccini and Verdi. 

Also mark your calendars for November 17, 2013 when the North Suburban Symphony will celebrates its 25th Season with a special concert and Anniversary Reception.

Visit the North Suburban Symphony website at www.NorthSuburbanSymphony.org.

Nancy Thorner, certified as a music educator, plays cello in the NSS.