Imagine the sound of Rolling Meadows, and the melody of a young boy’s spirit. Close your eyes and feel the ebb and flow of the overwhelming weight of a loved one lost. Feel the sunshine as it warms your face all while tapping your foot to keep tempo. The Classical concert, The Soloist Among Us, performed by The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra captured all of these emotions while paying tribute to great classical composers like Jerry Lackey, Igor Stravinsky, Antonio Vivaldi and Astor Piazzolla.
In 2013 La Porte County Symphony Orchestra’s celebrates its 40th anniversary!
From the words of Phillip Bauman, Music Director and Conductor, “What began as a humble and dedicated group of musicians has blossomed into a significant, thriving, and versatile organization in this regions landscape. Today we unveil a world premiere [Overture of the Season] written specifically for the LCSO by Jerry Lackey, his work of art will be swept away by amazingly talented musicians such as violinist Danielle Belen, pianist Richard Ridenour and trumpeter Brandon Ridenour. The audience is sure to be dazzled by their concert experience!”
The talented Danielle Belen, winner of the 2008 Sphinx Competition and Naxos Recording artist was this year’s guest soloist. Even as she stepped on to the stage you could feel the passion exuding from her spirit. Belen played with such power and grace that the music seemed to come from her soul and not her violin. She even honored the audience with an encore of, “Por Una Cabeza” from the soundtrack, Scent of a Woman.
The Soloist Among Us concert was partially funded by Michigan City Community Enrichment Foundation to save the LCSO concerts, especially this specific concert because the classical elements are the foundation for the Orchestra. For the last few years this classical concert has been known as the PINK concert, after more than one member of the orchestra began fighting a terrible disease. This began the Orchestra’s fight to build awareness for breast cancer. This year the LCSO and IU Health La Porte have partnered together to go green to promote all health awareness. They even went as far as to schedule this concert on St. Patrick's Day. During intermission you could have your blood pressure checked in the lobby, or take a tour though IU Health’s mobile care center, which was parked right outside.
Lee Bauman,Executive Director of the LCSO said, “Music is a great part of the recovery process when fighting an ailment, so working with the hospital this way really makes sense. For the musicians going through health issues, music is something they can always rely on. It’s something they can do as a part of their normal life, because when you are going through treatments, your whole world gets turned upside down and music really grounded them. Great music and great health care truly go hand in hand.”
Click here to see more photos from the concert!