University Band of Concordia-Chicago to Perform Annual Family Concert

Submitted by Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago’s University Band will perform its annual Fall Family Concert on Friday, September 25.

Admission is free, and the concert begins at 8 p.m. in the University’s Chapel of Our Lord.

Music selections for the evening will be enjoyable for all ages and include “The Wizard of Oz” arranged by James Barnes, excerpts from “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland, and “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Mussorgsky. “Fandango” by Joseph Turrin will feature Concordia-Chicago Jazz Band conductor Kirk Garrison, on trumpet, and Andy Baker, director of jazz studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, on trombone. A performance of “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre will feature CUC junior Jeremy Zimmer on piano.

The University Band is conducted by Dr. Richard R. Fischer, Distinguished Professor of Music andThe Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair for Music Performance. In addition to his work at Concordia University Chicago, he is in demand internationally as a guest conductor, clinician, presenter and adjudicator. Since 1989, Fischer has served as music director for Ballet LeGere’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, and for 18 years he served as the assistant conductor of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.

The performance will also include commentary provided by Jean Harrison Bojes. For more than 10 years, Bojes has been an audience favorite, introducing and describing each selection the ensemble performs, incorporating insights to the music, as well as Chicago connections whenever they exist—which resonate with a wide range of ages.

The University Band comprises approximately 80 musicians, including residents from surrounding communities as well as Concordia University Chicago students, faculty and staff.

Concordia-Chicago’s campus is located at 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL. Free off-street parking is available in the University’s parking structure, south of Division Street on Bonnie Brae Place. Handicapped-accessible parking is available in the visitors’ lot adjacent to the north side of the University parking structure.

For more information, visit CUChicago.edu/music or call 708-209-3060.