The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s 7:30 p.m. program on Saturday, March 10, will feature Leonard Bernstein’s nine symphonic dances from “West Side Story” as it marks the 100th anniversary of Bernstein’s birth.
Bernstein’s masterwork of two star-crossed lovers debuted in 1957 and had more than 1,000 Broadway performances before it premiered as a film in 1961.
In addition, the orchestra will perform Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1” which was one of the many Mahler works Bernstein recorded.
IPO Music Director Stilian Kirov said the Mahler work is considered one of the composer’s greatest masterpieces.
“Bernstein has recorded the complete cycle of Mahler’s symphony twice and conducted so many Mahler performances. Although these are two composers who are very different in style, these are two composers whose artistic connection is extremely strong. It is not a secret that Bernstein kept Mahler’s music very close to his heart,” said Kirov. Bernstein was buried with a copy of Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5.”
This program will be at the Ozinga Chapel on the campus of Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive in Palos Heights. Ticket prices vary. For additional information visit ipomusic.org or call 708-481-7774.
In addition, the IPO will collect food from patrons as part of the League of American Orchestras food drive. Donations will be given to the Rich Township Food Pantry and Elsie’s Pantry in Palos Township.
Food donations also can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the IPO offices, 333 Artists Walk in Park Forest.