As Symphony847 begins its 2025–2026 season, we return to something that sits at the heart of what we do: creating a space where people can gather and experience live music together. Each performance is a shared moment in time — one that is shaped by the musicians on stage, the composer’s voice, and the audience in the room.
Our season opens on November 14, 2025 at Libertyville High School with a program that brings clarity, color, and musical dialogue into focus. The evening begins with Michael Torke’s Ash, a work that moves with rhythmic momentum and bright harmonic energy. Written in 1989, Ash draws on some of the most familiar building blocks of tonality and reimagines them in a way that feels direct, vibrant, and modern. Torke’s music often emphasizes physical sensation — rhythm as movement — and Ash has a way of catching the ear and leading it forward.
From there, we shift to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, a work sometimes overshadowed by the symphonies surrounding it. Yet the Fourth is full of invention and charm. It is a symphony where Beethoven seems to enjoy the elegance of form while still pushing outward, exploring color, humor, and sudden contrasts. Hearing it live reveals the expressive detail that can be overlooked.
After intermission, we close the evening with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, often called the “Emperor” Concerto. It stands as one of the most expansive and expressive works in the concerto repertoire. The relationship between soloist and orchestra becomes something bigger than conversation — a shared architectural space of sound and scale.
We are pleased to welcome pianist Amy Wurtz as the soloist for this performance. Amy is a performer, composer, and advocate for new music whose artistic life reflects curiosity and collaboration. Her work as a pianist and curator in Chicago and beyond highlights the connective power of music, and we look forward to hearing her interpretation of the concerto.
As we prepare for this performance, we are reminded of the unique energy that emerges when musicians come together for these moments — an energy that is felt on stage and in the audience. Symphony847 was founded to bring professional orchestral music to our community in a way that is creative, thoughtful, and welcoming. This season continues that work.
We look forward to sharing this music with you.
Concert Information
Friday, November 14, 2025
7:30 p.m. · Libertyville High School
Tickets and details at symphony847.org/concerts
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