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Serious Fun at the Symphony

  • Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture 2936 North Southport Avenue Chicago, IL, 60657 United States (map)

Step into a world where the symphony comes alive with the electrifying spirit of Serious Fun! Join Lakeview Orchestra and conductor Jeffrey Parthun on Sunday, April 14, for an afternoon that's all about the thrill of music and the joy of performance.

From the haunting melodies of Shostakovich to the fiery passion of Carmen, this concert lineup is a symphonic adventure like no other. Experience the thrill of contemporary favorites like How to Train Your Dragon, intertwined with a colorful mix of Latin jazz, English folk tunes, and Hungarian melodies.

But wait, there's more! Enjoy a double dose of Tchaikovsky, including a performance featuring the extraordinary talent of 2024 Young Artist Concerto Competition-winning cellist Jan Vargas Nedvetsky.

Buy your tickets today and let the countdown to Serious Fun begin!

ARTISTS

Lakeview Orchestra

Guest Conductor

Cello Soloist

2024 Concerto Competition winner

PROGRAM

Dmitri Shostakovich

Festive Overture

Immerse yourself in the exhilarating brass fanfares, driving rhythms, and sense of celebration reflected in Shostakovich's evocation of grandeur and festivity.

Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky

Variations on a Rococo Theme, Polonaise from Eugene Onegin

Enjoy a double dip of Tchaikovsky, including a performance by Young Artist Concerto Competition-winning cellist Jan Vargas Nedvetsky.

Johann Strauss, Jr.

Éljen a Magyar!

Prepare to be transported to the lively streets of Hungary with this exhilarating piece, known for its infectious folk melodies and spirited rhythms.

Georges Bizet

Carmen Suite No. 1

Experience the passionate allure of Bizet's masterpiece, a mesmerizing journey through the iconic melodies of one of opera's most beloved works.

Ralph Vaughan Williams

English Folk Song Suite

Drawing from the rich tradition of British folk melodies, this enchanting suite weaves together timeless tunes with Vaughan Williams' signature lush harmonies and evocative orchestrations.

John Powell

How to Train Your Dragon

Embark on a breathtaking musical adventure capturing the whimsy, grandeur, and emotional depth of the beloved film score.

Johnny Richards

La Suerte de los Tontos

Inspired by Latin rhythms and infused with jazz influences, this exhilarating piece immerses listeners in a world of passion, excitement, and intrigue, from its pulsating percussion to its sultry brass melodies.

If you're all about Serious Fun at the Symphony, then you're in for a treat! Prepare to unravel the mysteries behind the melodies as we take you on a journey through the source material of some of the pieces on our April 14 program. Trust us, this isn't your average musicology lesson – grab your headphones and buckle up for a ride that'll leave you humming with delight. Click the videos below and let the Serious Fun begin!

Step back in time with the legends of jazz! Dive into this exclusive bonus video featuring the iconic Stan Kenton Orchestra, captured live on television in 1962. Witness the magic as these virtuosos deliver a masterclass in musical brilliance, bringing Serious Fun to jazz aficionados nationwide. On April 14, Lakeview Orchestra will perform La Seurte de los Tontos, another Kenton repertoire staple.

Stan Kenton Orchestra performs Malaguena

Violinist and showman Andre Rieu started his touring band in 1988, inspired by the Strauss family band. Click below for a dazzling performance of Eljen a Magyar that'll have you smiling from ear to ear. This audience is having some Serious Fun, and you will, too, at the Athenaeum Center on Sunday, April 14!

Earlier Event: February 18
Wagner, Strauss, Beethoven
Later Event: June 9
Brahms/Schoenberg