October 16, 2018
Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra opens season with distinguished soloists and music from Bach to the present
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra is back at SIU with a new season full of exciting performances. The upcoming series features selections by renowned composers such as Bach, Haydn, Tchaikovsky and many more, while also spotlighting distinguished soloists from across the state.
Since its establishment at Southern Illinois University in 1903, the orchestra has faithfully supplied the region with elegant and educational music experiences. The ensemble has received multiple awards from the Illinois Council of Orchestras over the past two decades.
All upcoming performances are held at Shryock Auditorium on the SIU campus. Participants include regional musicians, with conducting by Music Director Edward Benyas. With five concerts planned for the 2018-19 season, from October through April, the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra is sure to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages.
Bach, Haydn and Mozart
The season opens Oct. 28 with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee performance of inspirational music by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and more. Featured soloists include:
- John Dee (Oboe).
- James Thompson (Flute).
- Jered Montgomery (Trumpet).
- Michael Barta and Sophia Han (Violins).
This program also opens the Cedarhurst Chamber Music Series at Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Veterans Day at 100
In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra will feature music from the belligerent countries. Selections for these performances will include music by Tchaikovsky, Haydn, Elgar, Brahms and many more. The concert takes place on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Food drive
SIU’s music sorority, Sigma Slpha Iota, is organizing a food drive at both fall concerts. The group will accept all non-perishable food items, as well as toiletries and monetary donations. All proceeds will be donated to the Good Samaritan House in Carbondale to be used for their Thanksgiving meal.
Radio preview
For more information and a deeper look at the upcoming season, Maestro Benyas will preview the 2018-19 season in an hour-long radio program on WSIU, 91.9 FM. The preview will air Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. and again Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Spring performances
The season continues with three concerts in the 2019 spring semester:
- The Poor People of Paris: Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. (Pre-concert wine and cheese reception at 6 p.m. at the Shryock Balcony Lounge; advance reservations required)
- Stars of Altgeld: Apr. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
- Verdi Requiem: Apr. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets available now
Tickets are available as a season package, or individual for each performance.
- Series tickets are $100 for adults, $80 for those under 50 and $40 for students of any age.
- Individual tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for students.
Tickets may be obtained multiple ways:
- By phone at 877-SALUKIS (877-725-8547).
- Online at siu.edu.
- In person an hour before each concert at Shryock Auditorium.
For more information about the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, visit their website