Note From David

Dear Music Lovers, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” – Berthold Auerbach The above quote, one of my favorites, embodies the mission of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, now in its 45th season of enriching the lives of concertgoers. In this same spirit, we highlight this year’s theme and first concert – “Audience Favorites,” pieces selected by many of you last season. Returning on September 14 is our delightful fundraiser “Una Serata in Toscana” on the resplendent grounds of Montefi ore in Lemont, complete with fine wine and cuisine and live background music on the light side. The insert provides more information about this event - a relaxing and pleasurable afternoon in support of the orchestra. I’m very excited to announce a conductor exchange with my esteemed friend and colleague, Piotr Wijatkowski, Music Director of the Lublin Philharmonic in Poland. He will conduct the November 8 concert, “The Titan,” headlining Mahler’s triumphant Symphony No. 1. I will in turn travel to Poland in mid-March to guest conduct. Several years ago the SSO performed its annual Christmas concert at St. Francis of Assisi in Orland Park. We come full circle in a “Holiday Reunion” there on December 14. “Accent on the Community” on March 8, underscores the array of talent on the south side, as the orchestra spotlights guest artists, three high school choruses, and TCC’s own gospel choir. Featured is the seldom programmed, yet powerful work –Testament of Freedom inspired by the writings of Thomas Jefferson. A silent auction compliments the afternoon. Our season concludes on May 2 with “Classic Films – Classic Scores,” a nostalgic evening of crème de la crème movie sound-tracks. This season, the orchestra is pleased to present three matinee concerts on Sundays beginning at 4 p.m., and two Saturday evening concerts. We invite you to “wash the dust away” by subscribing to the Southwest Symphony Orchestra’s 2008-2009 season. Three packages are available at last year’s affordable prices – tickets which by themselves are less than the cost of parking downtown! Seize the moment… David Crane