Peoria Symphony to offer "Festa Italiana"

A festival of Italian delights from five composers will highlight the next Peoria Symphony Orchestra concert Saturday at 8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, Illinois Route 91 in Peoria.

Titled “Festa Italiana,” the concert will feature the music of Vivaldi, Respighi, Corelli, Rota and Albinoni and the talents of two Peoria Symphony musicians. John McMurtery on flute and Mark Babbitt on trombone. Also featured will be guest artist Aaron Room on trumpet.

“This concert captures the Italian love of beauty, music and joy,” said PSO music director and conductor George Stelluto. “From the early Baroque to the present day this music remains timeless as Italy itself.”

The music will be Vivaldi’s Concerto for Flute - La tempesta di mare, Respighi’s Three Botticelli Pictures, Corelli’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 1, Rota’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra  and  Albinoni’s Concerto San Marco.

Tickets range from $29 to $54 for adults; student tickets are $11. They can be ordered by calling (309) 671-1096 or purchased at the PSO box office, 101 State St. in Peoria, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They also will be available at the church beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday.

There will be a pre-concert lecture about the music beginning at 7 p.m.