<p>October 30, 2015</p><p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p><p>Contact information: Michele McAffee 711 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103 Phone: (815) 965-0049 Email: [email protected]</p><p>Rockford Symphony Orchestra features Rockford Native Performing Mozart</p><p>Rockford, IL –Join the Rockford Symphony Orchestra for the 2nd concert in the Classic Series on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the beautiful Coronado Performing Arts Center.</p><p>This performance features Rockford native Ben Geller, now Principal Viola for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and his cousin Noah Geller, Concert Master for the Kansas City Symphony performing Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante. Ben is also an alumnus of the Music Academy of Rockford, who is celebrating their 30th Anniversary. </p><p>In addition to the guest artists, The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s Mendelssohn Chorale will join the RSO for "Polovtzian Dances" and Serenade to Music, an excerpt from the Merchant of Venice, a salute to literary master Shakespeare. </p><p>Educational opportunities with this concert include: “SoundBites”, an informal lunch and conversation with guest artists Ben and Noah Geller at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club on Friday November 6, from noon until 1p. “SoundBites” is a free event, hosted by Music Director Steven Larsen. Individuals can purchase lunch from the menu. RSVPs are recommended by email or calling 815-965-0049.</p><p>Pre-concert lectures are an excellent way to prepare for the concert experience. RSO Maestro Larsen's considerable knowledge, presentation of information, and sense of humor enrich the symphony performance. Steven Larsen introduces the audience to background information on composers and musical selections in a lecture at 6:30 pm in the Coronado Theater, one-hour prior to the Classics Concert performances. The lecture is free to all ticket holders.</p><p>Pre-concert special performance of “Hot Strings” by The Music Academy of Rockford’s three combined training orchestras: The Suzuki Orchestra, The Vivaldi Orchestra and Measure 5 all under the direction of Music Academy string program director and RSO Assistant Concertmaster, Rachel Handlin.</p><p>Tickets for the Mozart performance are available online at www.rockfordsymphony.com or by calling the RSO box office at 815-965-0049. Tickets start at $22, $7 for students 25 and under with valid I.D.</p><p>The Mozart Concert is generously sponsored by OSF Healthcare and is part of the 2015·16 ComEd Classics Series.</p>