Tuesday, September 23, 2008:
Opening Night: Bach, Schubert and Mozart

SIU’s own Michael Barta, a finalist in the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, along with Viola Professor Meng-Chun Chi will perform Mozart’s beloved Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra. Also on the program is Franz Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony and J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4

This annual tradition features individual and ensemble performances from throughout the SIU School of Music in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Concertgoers of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

Thursday, November 20, 2008:

Opera Gala

SIUC’s Marjorie Lawrence Opera Theater, Concert Choir and Choral Union join the SISO for an evening of grand opera, featuring great choruses and ensembles by Bizet, Verdi, Puccini and more.

Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 2008: A Children’s Nutcracker

Welcome the holidays as SISO joins forces with 80 local dancers in a reprise of the summer production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic.

Friday, February 13, 2009:

Lincoln’s 200th

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birthday with a concert of American-inspired music, including the world premiere of a specially commissioned work by Jim Stephenson to commemorate the 200th anniversaries of the birth of Lincoln and Darwin and the death of Haydn. The SISO also performs Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009:

Stars of Altgeld

This annual favorite features winners of the School of Music Solo Competition and great music by the orchestra.

2008-09 Youth Concerts:

Klassics for Kids Around the World

Klassics for Kids exposes youngsters (and their parents) to live classical music and jazz. Sponsored by the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the series includes wind, string, piano, percussion and brass chamber music, jazz combos, opera, musical theater, and full orchestra. The concerts are open to everyone, and include instrument demonstrations and interactive activities. All Youth Concerts are admission free and begin at 10am, except for October 31, which is $2 and begins at 1pm. No reservation is necessary, and Strollers are welcome!

Parking: Please use metered Visitor Parking Lots 13 or 13a, between the Student Center and McAndrew Stadium, and walk north to Shryock Auditorium or Altgeld Hall (castle building).

Information: (618) 53-MUSIC (536-8742), E-mail: k4kids@siu.edu

Tuesday, Sept. 30:

Altgeld Hall - Room 112           

Music from Mexico for Pre-K children

Friday, Oct. 31:

Shryock Auditorium

Halloween Pops for ages K-12

Tuesday, Nov. 4:

Altgeld Hall - Room 112

Italian Opera for Pre-K children

Thursday, Nov. 20:

Shryock Auditorium

Opera Gala for children in grades 6-12

Tuesday, Dec. 2:

Altgeld Hall - Room 112  
Dance and Holiday Sing Along for Pre-K children

Tuesday, Feb. 3:

Altgeld Hall - Room 112  

Percussion and Soloists for Pre-K children

Friday, Feb. 13:

Shryock Auditorium         

Lincoln’s Birthday for children in grades 6-12

Tuesday, Mar. 3:

Altgeld Hall - Room 112

Jazz for Pre-K children

Tuesday, Mar. 31:

Shryock Auditorium

Stars of Altgeld with the SISO for children in grades K-5

Tuesday, Apr. 7:

Altgeld Hall - Room 112

Musical Theater for Pre-K children

Attendance at Klassics for Kids events constitutes a release authorization to use your photo for publicity

Program dates and repertoire subject to change