The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra (ESO) presents The Amazing Howard Levy on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 7:00PM at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. The program features music by Smetana, Chabrier, Rimsky-Korsakov, Weinberger, and is anchored by the Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica & Orchestra by Howard Levy.

What’s Interesting About This Concert

Howard Levy invented a totally brand-new way of playing the harmonica! The Grammy Award-winning performer and composer who “single-handedly revolutionized the harmonica” (NPR) will perform his own Harmonica Concerto. Trust us, you’ve never heard a harmonica played like this before!

Ever notice how most symphony concerts tend to conclude with big, long, very serious pieces? Well, it wasn’t always like that. This concert is a throwback to an earlier (more fun?) era when orchestra performances featured shorter, happier, crowd pleasers. Have a listen to the last few minutes of Schwanda the Bagpiper (see our Spotify playlist below) and tell us you’re not in a happier mood!

Our conductor, Maestro Stephen Alltop, has been music director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra since 1995 and this concert will be his first time ever conducting España by Emmanuel Chabrier! Goes to show that everyone, including the musicians, can experience new and exciting things at the symphony.

What’s Playing

Smetana: Overture to The Bartered Bride

Levy: Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica & Orchestra

Chabrier: España

Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol

Weinberger: Polka and Fugue from Schwanda the Bagpiper

Who’s Performing

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra

Stephen Alltop - Music Director & Conductor

Howard Levy - harmonica