Described as “a veritable house of enchantment” when it opened its doors on Monday, August 21, 1916, The Orpheum Theatre continues to be a place of beauty and a showcase for the arts in Western Illinois. The theatre is excited to celebrate 106 years this summer, and the community is invited to a very special birthday party to mark the occasion. On Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 2pm it will host a concert featuring classical music from the Romantic Era. Performers are Brenna Chatterton (piano) and Josiah Chatterton (baritone).
The Chatterton siblings grew up on their family farm outside of Ellisville, Illinois. Whether it was with the family band, at their local church, or at the Ellisville Opera House, they developed their passions for music and pursued their respective instrumental paths. Brenna, having taken piano lessons since the age of five, studies music performance at Trinity College in Industry, Illinois. Her brother Josiah answered a calling in Choral Education at Western Illinois University. “[At WIU] I spent my time studying choral music from many different eras. However, I found a special interest in classical and romantic art songs. I found the music from these time periods to communicate in a way that felt modern, something I was familiar with, but told a story that was relevant a long time ago.”
Josiah has been a friend of The Orpheum since 2019 when he took the stage as an ensemble member in the musical Godspell; he also lent his talents to the theatre during the pandemic as a main player in its original holiday production Let it Show! “Josiah approached me this past spring about putting a classical concert together to benefit The Orpheum,” says Erin Glasnovich, Executive Director. “When he told me that he and his sister have performed art songs and lieder together for several years and that they were looking for an outlet to perform, I thought it could be a great way to celebrate The Orpheum’s birthday. They agreed, and we are thrilled to host such talented young performers that will fill the auditorium with classical music once again.”
The concert will predominantly feature music from the Romantic period. Romantic composers sought to create music that was individualistic, emotional and dramatic, reflecting broader trends within the movements of Romantic literature, poetry, art, and philosophy. Some of the works to be performed will be pieces by Mahler, Schubert, and a piece specifically chosen to honor the mythological musician, poet and prophet Orpheus: The Orpheum’s namesake.
Tickets for The Orpheum’s Birthday Party Concert are general admission and pay-what-you-can. This means that patrons can choose their own ticket price; 100% of the ticket sales benefit The Orpheum Theatre. You can get your tickets by calling the Orpheum Theatre Box Office at 309.342.2299 during office hours (10am-2pm, Tuesday thru Friday) or online 24/7 at www.galesburgorpheum.org/tickets. The concert will be followed by a reception; the concession stand will be open and offering refreshments for purchase.
***Courtesy of the Orpheum Theatre***
