FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2007
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Receives Illinois Arts Council Grant
DeKalb, IL... State Representative Bob Pritchard and Karla Kunzeman, legislative liaison with the Illinois Arts Council, presented a total of $23,460 in grants to four local organizations Thursday, December 13, 2007 at the Stage Coach Theater in downtown DeKalb.
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors president Frank Bazeli and board and orchestra member Jerry Zar accepted $2,860 of those funds for the symphony's general operating expenses.
These organizations enrich our community, Pritchard explained, with many cultural opportunities for citizens and families to enjoy throughout the year.
But their efforts do not come without a cost. Even with a lot of volunteer effort, the exhibits and performances offered by these groups still have costs, so these grants assist with keeping the programs operating and continuing to present events which enhance the appreciation of fine arts.
The grants reflect a 30% cut in the budget this year. Even though it is less money, Representative Pritchard added, it still is going to be significant help to everyone.
Frank Bazeli reiterated that sentiment in expressing the gratitude of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra: The Illinois Arts Council is the glue that holds together the efforts of organizations, such as the KSO, to generate cultural growth throughout the state.
The Illinois Arts Council is a state agency dedicated to assisting artists, organizations, institutions, and communities in developing and enhancing arts programs throughout the State of Illinois. The council is funded by the General Assembly in cooperation with the Governor, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Sandwich Opera House, Northern Illinois University Art Museum, and Stage Coach Players also received grants to continue offering their fine arts programs in the DeKalb County area.
The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit community orchestra consisting of professional, student, and dedicated amateur musicians ranging from age sixteen to eighty.
Founded in 1976, KSO began by getting together to play informally and now rehearses weekly, presents four concerts a season and provides listening experiences of interest and excellence to our communities.
Although unable to attend the presentation, Senator Brad Burzynski extended his support: All of these recipients do so much with so little all to benefit the residents of this area. The Illinois Arts Council grants are a great way for the state legislature and elected officials to continue to help foster support for the arts throughout Illinois.
Upcoming Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Performances
Be spellbound by two of the amazing young talents in the Northern Illinois Region as the KSO features the winner of its annual Young Artist's Concerto Competition during its Arthur D. Montzka Young concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2008, at the Boutell Concert Hall in the Music Building at Northern Illinois University. Seventeen-year-old Mindy Park from Palatine will play the Dmitri Shostakoviich Concerto in Eb Major for cello, and violinist Vincent Meklis, age 15, from Orland Park, will perform Tzigane by Maurice Ravel. The concert will also include the Roman Carnival Overture by Hecror Berlioz and Roman Festivals by Ottorino Respighi. This concert is partially supported by the Mary E. Stevens Concert Trust.
The KSO's spring concert, at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2008, also at the Boutell Concert Hall, will present Carl Orff's Carmina Burana for orchestra with chorus, and a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Triple Concerto featuring the Vermeer Quartet's cellist, Marc Johnson, Concertmaster Ann Montzka-Smelser on violin, and Music Director Linc Smelser as pianist. This concert is partially supported by the Ideal Industries Foundation with a generous gift by Jean Juday
Concert tickets go on sale 30 minutes prior to each concert. All seats are general admission (no reserved seating): Adult, $13.00. Senior, 62 and over $10.00. Child under 12 $5.00. Student $10.00.
For more information about the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, contact KSO business manager Amanda Lake at ksomgr@kishorchestra.org or 815-756-3728, or visit the KSO website at www.kishorchestra.org. For more information about the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, contact the KSO office manager Amanda Lake at 815-756-3728 or KSOMgr@kishorchestra.org, or visit the KSO website at www.kishorchestra.org.