Community Calendar

Experience the refined artistry of Solisti di Camera, a dynamic string quartet featuring rich, expressive harmony. With four accomplished musicians – Ray Ostwald (1st violin), and Joseph Malmquist (2nd violin), Tom Havel (viola), and Mark Kuntz (cello) – the ensemble brings passion and precision to every performance. Journey through the elegance of the Baroque and the brilliance of the Classical era as Solisti di Camera breathes new life into timeless masterpieces. Their performances blend warmth, sophistication, and vibrant musical dialogue – captivating audiences with the intimate power only a string quartet can deliver.

Sublime beauty awaits you at the Season Finale concerts, “From Darkness to Light.” The program features Morten Lauridsen’s beloved Lux Aeterna, Gabriel Fauré’s ever-popular Cantique de Jean Racine, and Welsh composer Paul Mealor’s richly sonorous Stabat Mater. The chorus is joined by the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra and Soprano Angela De Venuto. Music Director John C. Hughes conducts.

Celebrate the conclusion of our 49th season with a musical journey to Austria! This concert will feature The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss Jr., as well as the monumental Symphony No. 5 in C# Minor of Gustav Mahler, a KSO premiere. This concert is sponsored in part by JoAnn Smelser.

Sublime beauty awaits you at the Season Finale concerts, “From Darkness to Light.” The program features Morten Lauridsen’s beloved Lux Aeterna, Gabriel Fauré’s ever-popular Cantique de Jean Racine, and Welsh composer Paul Mealor’s richly sonorous Stabat Mater. The chorus is joined by the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra and Soprano Angela De Venuto. Music Director John C. Hughes conducts.

The Orion Ensemble presents its final performances after playing together for 35 years. The program includes Khachaturian’s Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano; Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes for Clarinet, Two Violins, Viola, Cello and Piano; and Brahms’ Quintet in F minor for Two Violins, Viola, Cello and Piano. These final concerts are May 3rd in Aurora at New England Congregational Church, May 4th in Chicago at Pianoforte Studios and May 10th in Evanston at Music Institute of Chicago Nichols Concert Hall. Visit orionensemble.org for more.

The Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus present an exciting afternoon of Aaron Copland's greatest pieces, including his Fanfare for the Common Man, Appalachian Spring, Old American Songs, and Lincoln Portrait.

The Shed at OTTO in Carpentersville, Ill., will be the location for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gala on Saturday, May 16.

The festive fundraiser, “A Serenade to the Fox Valley,” will feature a special ensemble performing timeless tunes in a loving tribute from the ESO to the community that has been its home and inspiration for 76 years.

The Gala starts with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner, the performance, and a live auction. The ESO will also honor its Volunteers of the Year, Pat Sekowski and John Pilsits, and will recognize OTTO as its Corporate Partner of the Year.

Tickets are $200. Numerous sponsorship opportunities with exclusive benefits are available. For more information, visit www. ElginSymphony.org.

The Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter Plus from June 14th-19th, 2026.

A Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+) is a 5-day experience for adults. Participants should be 18 or older, want to play the organ or currently play the organ in a church or synagogue, and be interested in improving their organ skills. POE+ offers instruction in basic technique, pedaling, improvisation, registration for beginners to advanced, and skills such as hymn playing, sight reading and transposition. Participants will have opportunities to visit several churches in Rockford and play a variety of organs.

Among the many recitalists featured is world renowned organist Katelyn Emerson, who has performed concerts across North America, Europe and Asia. David Cherwien, distinguished composer, conductor and organist, will also lead a Hymn Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church, featuring many of his own hymn settings.

Also on faculty is Tyler Canonico, Rhonda Sider Edington, Carol Feather-Martin, Matthew Haider, Andrew Schaeffer, Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, and John Wigal.

For more information and registration, please visit https://www.rockfordago.org

The Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter Plus from June 14th-19th, 2026.

A Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+) is a 5-day experience for adults. Participants should be 18 or older, want to play the organ or currently play the organ in a church or synagogue, and be interested in improving their organ skills. POE+ offers instruction in basic technique, pedaling, improvisation, registration for beginners to advanced, and skills such as hymn playing, sight reading and transposition. Participants will have opportunities to visit several churches in Rockford and play a variety of organs.

Among the many recitalists featured is world renowned organist Katelyn Emerson, who has performed concerts across North America, Europe and Asia. David Cherwien, distinguished composer, conductor and organist, will also lead a Hymn Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church, featuring many of his own hymn settings.

Also on faculty is Tyler Canonico, Rhonda Sider Edington, Carol Feather-Martin, Matthew Haider, Andrew Schaeffer, Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, and John Wigal.

For more information and registration, please visit https://www.rockfordago.org

The Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter Plus from June 14th-19th, 2026.

A Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+) is a 5-day experience for adults. Participants should be 18 or older, want to play the organ or currently play the organ in a church or synagogue, and be interested in improving their organ skills. POE+ offers instruction in basic technique, pedaling, improvisation, registration for beginners to advanced, and skills such as hymn playing, sight reading and transposition. Participants will have opportunities to visit several churches in Rockford and play a variety of organs.

Among the many recitalists featured is world renowned organist Katelyn Emerson, who has performed concerts across North America, Europe and Asia. David Cherwien, distinguished composer, conductor and organist, will also lead a Hymn Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church, featuring many of his own hymn settings.

Also on faculty is Tyler Canonico, Rhonda Sider Edington, Carol Feather-Martin, Matthew Haider, Andrew Schaeffer, Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, and John Wigal.

For more information and registration, please visit https://www.rockfordago.org