THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
ABOVE: Mark Valenti
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) invites music lovers of all ages to Fête du Printemps (Spring Festival), a special two-night celebration of French music on March 6 and 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Alice Jacobs Hall.
This intimate festival will feature an exquisite selection of works by Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy, two of the most influential French composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their music embodies the refined subtlety and colorful exoticism that define French concert repertoire.
Featured Performers will be Kelly Holden, soprano – a former Houston Grand Opera singer and current adjunct voice instructor at DACC, Holden brings a wealth of experience and vocal artistry to the stage; Dr. Eric Simonson, piano – Distinguished Professor of Music at DACC, Simonson is an accomplished pianist and composer with a long history of musical innovation; and Mark Valenti, piano – a highly regarded concert pianist who has performed across the U.S. and Europe, including appearances on WFMT classical radio and performances for First Lady Barbara Bush.
(Left) Kelly Holder (Right) Dr. Eric Simonson
The program highlights each evening will be 5 Impromptus for Piano by Gabriel Fauré, along with a selection of his most cherished songs on Thursday, March 6; and Reverie, Arabesque, Images Bk. I, and L’isle joyeuse by Claude Debussy on Friday, March 7.
The event is inspired by a memorable performance of the Flower Duet from Lakmé by the DACC College Singers last year. The overwhelming response sparked a collaboration between Holden and Simonson to craft a full program dedicated to the beauty of French music.
Admission will be $10 General Admission, $5 for Students. Tickets are available at the door – cash or check only. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Seating is limited to 150 guests per night.
Following each performance, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments featuring French-inspired desserts prepared by DACC’s Culinary Arts program.
Don’t miss this enchanting musical escape from the winter blues! For more information, contact Dr. Eric Simonson at e.simonson@dacc.edu.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
