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CSA Sinfonia alums needed for reunion concert

October 22, 2013
Linc Smelser

Linc Smelser

Calling all former members of CSA Sinfonia: There’s a reunion concert in the works!

The NIU Community School of the Arts is in the process of getting in touch with the orchestra’s 350 alumni to let them know about this fun opportunity to perform on the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall stage again.

“We’ve been contacting former members of the group on Facebook and many people have already said they plan to come orchestra,” director Linc Smelser said. “I think a lot of people are excited that they will have the chance to re-connect with old friends. A lot of these people shared a stand for several years.”

Alumni will join the current members of Sinfonia for a rehearsal at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and for a follow-up rehearsal at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. The concert immediately follows at 3 p.m.

The CSA Sinfonia Reunion Concert is open to the public, and the auditorium is accessible to all. Ticket prices will be announced later in the fall.

Repertoire includes “Russlan and Ludmilla” by Glinka, “Mars” from “The Planets” and “St. Paul’s Suite” by Holst and “Les Préludes” by Liszt. Links for the musicians to download the music are available online.

CSA Sinfonia began as a string ensemble under the directorship of late Arthur Montzka in 1994. Smelser became the director in 1996, and the group became a full orchestra in 1999. The orchestra attracts gifted high school musicians from the region; admission is by audition.

CSA Sinfonia – today and yesterday! The Spring 2013 group is on the left; on the right is Linc Smelser with the ensemble in 1998.

CSA Sinfonia – today and yesterday!
The Spring 2013 group is on the left; on the right is Linc Smelser with the ensemble in 1998.

CSA Sinfonia is one of seven ensembles offered by the community school this fall. For more information, call (815) 753-1450.