THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RELEASE
Danville, IL, March 4, 2025 – The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) continues its 2024-25 season with “Beethoven and the Blues” in the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium.
On Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 pm, Maestro Matthew Sheppard will lead the DSO in an exhilarating classical program with a hint of blues. Musical selections for this concert include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst.
The March 22 concert will feature Corky Siegel, one of the world’s great blues harmonica players and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. He will perform alongside the DSO in his own composition Symphonic Blues No. 6, hailed as “a testament to Siegel’s vision and an invigorating example of what genre-blending can achieve. …soulful…raw, heartfelt…sophisticated…unexpected and effortlessly cohesive.” (Blues Matter – Colin Campbell).
“This concert is one of my favorites, with something for everyone and incredible music from start to finish. Blues legend Corky Siegel continues in Beethoven’s tradition of improvisation and innovation, as does Chicago-based composer Jessie Montgomery in her exuberant opener Starburst,” says Sheppard.
Guest artist Corky Siegel, harmonica
As the final piece of the program, Beethoven’s magnificent Seventh Symphony showcases the composer at the height of his innovation and composition prowess. Its narrative arc and evocative musical language have made this symphony one of Beethoven’s most beloved.
Prior to the concert, patrons are invited to a preconcert conversation with Corky in the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium from 6:00-6:45 pm.
“Beethoven and the Blues” is made possible by Sybil Mervis in memory of Lou Mervis. Tickets are still available for the March 22 concert, with seats remaining on the main floor and balcony for $35 and $45. Students can buy tickets for $10. The DSO is also offering a BOGO deal: buy a ticket and bring a friend for free! This offer is only available by visiting or calling the DSO office.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.danvillesymphony.org. or by calling (217) 443-5300. Tickets are also available at the DSO office at 715 West Fairchild Street, Danville. Hours 1-5 pm, Monday through Friday.
The DSO is a 501(c)(3) organization with a 57-year tradition of bringing outstanding orchestral performances to the City of Danville, Vermilion County, and the East Central Illinois and Western Indiana regions. Performances are supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council, the DSO Foundation, and Sybil Mervis and the late Lou Mervis. For more information, you may contact Kay Welch or Maddi Julian at (217) 443-5300 or visit the Danville Symphony Orchestra website at www.danvillesymphony.org.
