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“Beautiful music presented in an inspired setting at a performance level that is exceptional -

and all of this minutes from my home!”-RSO Patron

C o m E d C l a s s i c s S e r i e sR S O O p e n s w i t h G e r s h w i nSeptember 17, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Beckel � � � � � � � � � � Toccata for OrchestraChadwick � � � � � � � � Symphonic Sketches

Gershwin � � � � � � � � Piano Concerto in F David Syme, piano

Three generations of composers: one ecstatic celebration of American music! “American original” David Syme returns to play George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, one of the world’s most popular piano works� George Whitefield Chadwick used impudent Yankee wit and technical brilliance to create Symphonic Sketches, four scenes of turn-of-the-century America�

C l a s s i c R e m e m b r a n c e sNovember 12, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

George � � � � � � � � � � A Thanksgiving OvertureBrahms � � � � � � � � � � Variations on a

Theme of Haydn

Fauré � � � � � � � � � � � RequiemFranck � � � � � � � � � � Psalm 150Featuring Mendelssohn Chorale

Music has always inspired faith, and in return, the music of faith has inspired composers� Earl George bases his electrifying overture on the familiar ‘Old Hundredth’ hymn, while Brahms borrows the ‘Chorale of St� Anthony’ as the theme of his Variations� Gabriel Fauré transitions the traditional Requiem to ethereally beautiful heights, and César Franck obeys the Psalmist’s command to praise God through music and dance�

T a l e s f r o m t h e M i d e a s tJanuary 14, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Mendelssohn � � � � � Overture to St. PaulHovhaness � � � � � � � The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Michael Alongi, accordion

Rimsky-Korsakov � � Scheherazade

The sands of time flow back two thousand years as we travel to Asia Minor, Persia, and Arabia to hear the stories that inspired three very different composers� Mendelssohn shows us St� Paul through a lens of Bach-inspired Christianity; Hovhaness interprets Khayyam’s mystical poetry through accordion solo and narrator; and Rimsky-Korsakov spins the tales of ‘One Thousand and One Arabian Nights’ in orchestral splendor�

Va l e n t i n e Bo n - b o n sFebruary 11, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

J� Strauss II � � � � � � � Overture to Die FledermausDelius � � � � � � � � � � � La CalindaSarasate � � � � � � � � � Fantasy on Bizet’s Carmen

Michele Lekas, violinSaint-Saëns � � � � � � Bacchanale from

Samson and Delilah

Debussy � � � � � � � � � Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun

Humperdinck � � � � � Prelude to Hansel & GretelKhachaturian � � � � � Adagio from SpartacusChabrier � � � � � � � � � EspañaEnescu � � � � � � � � � � Romanian Rhapsody No. 1

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a delectable concert of bite-sized miniatures certain to warm the heart and quicken the pulse� Pop the cork with the effervescent Overture to Die Fledermaus, then settle into romantic moods ranging from sensuously sublime to delectably danceable� RSO Concertmaster Michele Lekas highlights the performance with Sarasate’s dazzling Carmen Fantasy�

S c h u b e r t , S t i l l , & S t r av i n s k yMarch 10, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Rossini � � � � � � � � � � Overture to La CenerentolaSchubert � � � � � � � � � Symphony No. 5 in B flat

Still � � � � � � � � � � � � � Ennanga Nanette Felix, harp

Stravinsky � � � � � � � � Pulcinella SuiteAn evening of four delightful works inspired by the past begins with the overture to Gioachino Rossini’s comic opera Cinderella� Franz Schubert’s sparkling Symphony No� 5 shows him as a worthy successor to the Viennese style of Haydn and Mozart� RSO harpist Nanette Felix plays Ennanga by William Grant Still, recalling Still’s own African heritage� Igor Stravinsky’s charming ballet, Pulcinella, recycled 18th century Italian music in a vivid tribute to the theatrical tradition of the commedia dell’arte�

S y m p h o n i c D a n c e sApril 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Coolidge � � � � � � � � � Pioneer DancesBernstein � � � � � � � � Symphonic Dances from

West Side Story

Rachmaninov � � � � � Symphonic Dances

Dance and music are ancient partners in melody, rhythm, and movement that can never be separated� Peggy Stuart Coolidge drew inspiration from American folk dance, while Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story harnessed the drama of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to the music of contemporary New York� Sergei Rachmaninov’s last composition, Symphonic Dances, sums up a lifetime of writing beautiful music with this final masterpiece�

“RSO nourishes my creative soul. It offers more than entertainment; it offers insight into the very fabric of life’s emotions.” -RSO Patron

R o c k f o r d He a l t h S y s t e m Po p s S e r i e s

Ad d i t i o n a l Pe r f o r m a n c e sC o m E d I n d e p e n d e n c e D ay S p e c t a c u l a rSunday, July 3, 2011, 8:00 p.m.Celebrate independence at the annual ComEd Independence Day Spectacular at Rock Valley College’s beautiful Starlight Theater� Enjoy an evening under the stars with a concert of patriotic favorites� Fireworks and John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever complete this annual holiday tradition�Featuring RSO Star winner Emily Rogers

T h e N u t c r a c ke r w i t h t h e R o c k f o r d D a n c e C o m p a n ySaturday, December 3, 2011, 7:00 p.m.Sunday, December 4, 2011, 3:00 p.m.

Delight in the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, as Clara takes a enchanted journey filled with the beloved melodies and dance that have captivated audiences for more than a century� Guest dancers from internationally renowned dance companies join the RSO and the local talent of the Rockford Dance Company to present this holiday tradition� Great for the whole family�

M a n c i n i & M o o n l i g h tOctober 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m.Be swept away by lush arrangements of the timeless tunes of Henry Mancini, including Moon River and The Days Of Wine and Roses and orchestral features such as the The Baby Elephant Walk, Theme from Peter Gunn, and The Pink Panther� Nat Chandler returns after rave reviews as Dean Martin in The Rat Pack and is joined by fellow Broadway singer Teri Dale Hansen in this performance, which also features songs by popular contemporaries of Mancini�

Ho l i d ay Po p s !December 17, 2011, 7:30 p.m.December 18, 2011, 3:00 p.m.Celebrate the holiday season with this festive annual performance� The Mendelssohn Chorale joins the RSO with an outpouring of great seasonal music and holiday cheer� Lend your voice to the fun during a sing-along of carols and holiday tunes, and depart with spirits high!

S i m p l y S w i n g i n ’March 31, 2012, 7:30 p.m.Simply Swingin’ stars Steve Lippia, a performer who has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of standards and traditional pop music� Steve will treat the audience to an evening of great hits such as Beyond the Sea, Unforgettable, Mack the Knife, Almost Like Being in Love, What Kind of Fool Am I, and I Left My Heart in San Francisco, as well as some all-time Sinatra favorites!

S h a r e - A- S e a t P r o g r a mYou can donate tickets for just $15 each to the Share-A-Seat Program, making it possible for community members who receive assistance from human services organizations to attend an RSO performance. Your Share-A-Seat donation is tax-deductible!

New Dates!

S i g n i f i c a n t S av i n g sDiscounts off single ticket prices are built into each subscription package.

T i c ke t E xc h a n g e s o r D o n a t i o n sIn the event you cannot attend a performance, make a quick and easy pre-concert exchange for another Classics or Pops concert or make a tax-deductible donation of your tickets to the RSO.

No T i c ke t Fe e sSubscribers are exempt from all ticket fees when purchasing additional RSO tickets throughout the season.

P r i o r i t y S e a t i n gWe will find you the best seats that fit your needs. Subscribers receive the first priority for the best seats in the house. Renewing subscribers may keep their same seats from the previous season by maintaining or increasing their subscription packages.

E a s y P ay m e n t P l a nPay half now to secure your seats for the season. (Credit card required. Available through July 1, 2011.)

F r e e T i c ke t R e p r i n t sIf you lose your tickets, we will reissue them at no charge.

R e s t a u r a n t & O t h e r Be n e f i t sWith your season tickets, you will receive a subscriber card good for discounts at local businesses.

S u b s c r i b e r C o u r t e s y D ay sPurchase additional tickets to Classics and Pops concerts for friends and family before they go on sale to the general public during our special Subscriber Courtesy Days.

P r e - c o n c e r t E n h a n c e m e n t sEnhance your RSO experience with free events including Pre-concert lectures and SoundBites discussions, and website resources including program notes, guest artist bios, and more!

For more information, visit our website at www.rockfordsymphony.com

or call 815.965.0049

All programs, artists, and prices subject to change.

S u b s c r i b e r Be n e f i t s

“An evening of listening, learning and greeting friends you’ve met and come to know through the years.” -RSO Patron

C H O O S E YO U R PAC K AG E / S E C T I O N Front Orchestra

Lower Balcony

Rear Orchestra

Upper Balcony

Side Orchestra Student Quantity Total

G r a n d P a c ka g eIncludes all 6 Classics, 3 Pops Concerts

Holiday Pops (select one):□ Sat� 7:30 p�m� □ Sun 3:00 p�m�

$418 $418 $326 $326 $154 $54*

C l a s s i c s P a c ka g eIncludes all 6 Classics Concerts

$292 $292 $227 $227 $103 $36*

Po p s P a c ka g eIncludes all 3 Pops Concerts

Holiday Pops (select one):□ Sat� 7:30 p�m� □ Sun 3:00 p�m�

$155 $155 $121 $121 $54 $18*

C O M P O S E YO U R OW N PAC K AG EChoose from any Classics or Pops concerts to create a package that best suits your schedule

Front Orchestra

Lower Balcony

Rear Orchestra

Upper Balcony Quantity Total

Select 3 or 5 Concerts to Attend:

□ 9/17 □ 10/15 □ 11/12 □ 12/17 □ 12/18 □ 1/14 □ 2/11 □ 3/10 □ 3/31 □ 4/21

3 Concertscircle your choice $150 $150 $123 $123

5 Concertscircle your choice $250 $250 $205 $205

T H E N U T C R AC K E R Prime Level 2 Level 3Child 12 &

Under

Adult Quantity Total

Select from the following dates:

□ Sat� Dec� 3, 7:00 p�m� or □ Sun� Dec� 4 3:00 p�m�**No Child price at the Prime seating level

$46**□ floor□balcony

$34□ floor□balcony

$19□ floor□balcony

$12#______

I N D E PE N D E N C E DAY S PE C TAC U L A R Adult Senior Student Quantity Total

Sunday, July 3, 2011, 8:00 p�m� Rock Valley College Starlight TheaterAll-American Picnic available prior to performance

Concert Prices:Adult: $27; Senior & Student: $26

Picnic Prices:Adult: $15; Child (12 & under): $8

R S O S H A R E A S E AT PR O G R A M Quantity TotalI would like to contribute to the Share a Seat program $15

C O N T R I B U T E T O T H E R S OTicket prices cover less than 50% of the RSO’s cost to produce a concert� Your contribution will help ensure quality performances for years to come� Contributions of $50 or more will be recognized in program books�

I would like to support the RSO with a gift of $50 $50

I would like to contribute a different amount�

I want to become a MONTHLY DONOR! Please charge my credit card this amount on the 15th of each month�

P l e a s e n o t e :*Student discount applies to children and college students UNDER 22 with a student ID�

SUBTOTAL

Mailing and Processing Fee (applies to all orders) $10

GRAND TOTAL

M E T H O D O F PAY M E N TCheck enclosed payable to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra

Charge to: □ Mastercard □ Visa □ Discover □ American Express

Check #_______ _______________________________ exp� ____/____

S u b s c r i b e r I n f o r m a t i o n

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Address

City Zip

Phone

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No t e s t o S t a f f :□ I need handicapped*-accessible seating *For patrons with walkers and other special needs□ I need wheelchair-accessible seating

Visit www.rockfordsymphony.com for a view of the stage from seating areas

2 0 1 1 / 1 2 S u b s c r i p t i o n O r d e r Fo r m

Return your completed order form to: Rockford Symphony Orchestra / 711 North Main Street / Rockford, IL / 61103

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