On Thursday, April 30, 2026 our Symphony847 chamber ensemble presentsed Colors in Motion, a program inspired by the textures, atmosphere, and expressive nuance of Impressionist art. Featuring luminous works by Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel alongside contemporary composer Jim Stephenson, this one-hour performance explored how music evokes color, movement, and emotional depth.

The program included: Claude Debussy Clair de Lune Arabesque No. 2 Romance The Girl with the Flaxen Hair Golliwog’s Cakewalk

Maurice Ravel Three Chansons

Jim Stephenson Colors

From the shimmering lyricism of Clair de Lune to the playful rhythms of Golliwog’s Cakewalk, and from Ravel’s refined vocal textures to Stephenson’s vibrant contemporary palette, this concert offered an intimate musical experience rich in atmosphere and contrast.

Colors in Motion served as a chamber prelude to Symphony847’s May 23 orchestral concert, Paintings Composed, where the relationship between visual art and music will expand onto a larger symphonic canvas.

Admission is free; however, seating is limited and advance registration through the Vernon Hills Library is required.

Cost: This event is free to all who register.

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of music that glows, dances, and resonates long after the final note.

An evening of creativity and craft spirits is on the horizon at NorthShore Distillery, where guests will unwind with a brush in one hand and a signature cocktail in the other.

This relaxed, art‑filled gathering features step‑by‑step instruction from artist Tanya Leintz, guiding participants through the creation of a vibrant Chicago Skyline painting.

Attendees will enjoy a handcrafted signature cocktail made on-site, along with a selection of light snacks to keep the inspiration flowing. All paint supplies and materials are provided, making this event perfect for both seasoned painters and first‑time dabblers. Cost includes a signature cocktail, light snacks, paint instruction and supplies.

Program Description:

Celebrate the warmth and spirit of the season with Candlelight Holiday Brass—a chamber concert featuring a brass quintet of Symphony847 musicians, joined by our Music Director Christopher Ramaekers on trumpet.

Held in the intimate, resonant setting of Trinity Episcopal Church, this program offers a close, inviting, and beautifully acoustic listening experience, illuminated by soft candlelight and the richness of brass sound.

The concert will include a selection of classic holiday works and carol arrangements, including festive and lyrical pieces in the tradition of ensembles such as Canadian Brass. While the specific program will be announced soon, audiences can expect music that is both joyful and reflective—performed with the clarity, warmth, and ensemble artistry that brass chamber playing uniquely brings to the season.

PROGRAM Michael Torke — Ash (15 minutes) Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60 (34 minutes) Intermission Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 “Emperor” (41 minutes)

Program Description: Symphony847 opens its 2025–2026 season with a program that explores clarity, contrast, and musical power. Michael Torke’s Ash, a vibrant work composed in 1989, pulses with rhythmic energy and harmonic brightness. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 follows, a brilliant and often-underappreciated work marked by elegance and joyful invention. After intermission, the orchestra performs Beethoven’s towering “Emperor” Concerto, a work that redefined the relationship between soloist and orchestra and stands as one of the most majestic concertos in the repertoire. (Piano soloist Amy Wurtz.)

Description:

Experience the power of live orchestral music as Symphony847, the North Shore’s premier professional orchestra, presents an exhilarating program on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Libertyville High School. Under the baton of Maestro Christopher Ramaekers, this one-night-only concert features a dynamic lineup of symphonic masterpieces, including Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture, and Jim Stephenson’s Concerto for Hope, featuring celebrated trumpet soloist Matthew Onstad.

Program Info:

RESPIGHI - Pines of Rome JIM STEPHENSON - Trumpet Concerto No. 3 BERLIOZ - Roman Carnival Overture A Program of Cinematic Power and Emotional Depth

From the electrifying festival spirit of Berlioz to the triumphant grandeur of Respighi, this concert offers an unforgettable musical experience:

🎭 Berlioz – Roman Carnival Overture – A whirlwind of color and drama, this dazzling opener brings the energy of an Italian street festival to life with virtuosic orchestration and soaring melodies.

🎺 Stephenson – Concerto for Hope – Featuring renowned soloist Matthew Onstad, this powerful work by Chicago-based composer James Stephenson blends technical brilliance with deeply personal storytelling. Commissioned as a reflection on resilience and the triumph of the human spirit, the concerto has become a modern staple of the trumpet repertoire.

🌲 Respighi – Pines of Rome – One of the most cinematic orchestral works ever written, this four-movement masterpiece paints vivid musical landscapes of the Eternal City, from playful gardens to the unstoppable march of Roman legions. Known for its lush orchestration and unforgettable finale, Pines of Rome is an experience best heard live.

A Spotlight on Soloist Matthew Onstad & Composer Jim Stephenson

A Wisconsin native and nationally recognized trumpet virtuoso, Matthew Onstad brings both technical brilliance and lyrical sensitivity to his performances. Currently an Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Onstad has performed with major ensembles including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra. His interpretation of Jim Stephenson’s Concerto for Hope promises to be a standout performance of the season.

Chicago-based Jim Stephenson has earned international acclaim for his compositions, which are performed by leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide. Known for his ability to create emotionally compelling and virtuosic music, Stephenson’s Concerto for Hope was commissioned by trumpet legend Ryan Anthony as a musical reflection on his personal journey with cancer, making it a piece that resonates deeply with audiences.

Jim Stephenson’s music speaks to audiences in a powerful way. Concerto for Hope showcases both brilliance and heart, and Matthew Onstad brings it to life with incredible artistry.

Christopher Ramaekers - Music Director

Description: Join Symphony847 for an evening of musical brilliance as we kick off our 2024-2025 season with a concert that examines the sounds of light and how each composer uses musical elements to depict it. Under the baton of our esteemed Music Director Christopher Ramaekers, we are thrilled to present a program that showcases the ensemble’s versatility and dynamic range.

The evening opens with Georg Frederic Händel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, a spectacular piece originally composed for King George II's celebration of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. The program continues with Stacy Garrop’s Spectacle of Light, a contemporary work that illuminates the power and beauty of orchestral music in the 21st century.

After a brief intermission, we return with Aulis Sallinen's Sunrise Serenade Op. 63, a piece that beautifully captures the serene and uplifting qualities of a new day. The evening concludes with Franz Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 6 “Le Matin”, a delightful symphony that evokes the freshness of morning and showcases Haydn’s masterful orchestration.

This concert is a unique opportunity to experience a range of musical styles and periods, all brought to life by the talented musicians of Symphony847. Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or new to the symphony, this is a performance you won’t want to miss.

Program Info: Georg Frederic Händel - Music for the Royal Fireworks Stacy Garrop - Spectacle of Light -Intermission- Aulis Sallinen - Sunrise Serenade Op. 63 Franz Joseph Haydn - Symphony No. 6 “Le Matin”

Highlights: Be swept away by the grandeur of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, a piece that has captivated audiences for centuries. Experience the contemporary brilliance of Stacy Garrop’s Spectacle of Light, a piece that illuminates the power of modern orchestral music. Enjoy the calming and uplifting tones of Sallinen’s Sunrise Serenade and the joyful energy of Haydn’s Le Matin.

Symphony847: Mahler 4 Christopher Ramaekers - Music Director Date and Time: May 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM Location: Vernon Hills High School 145 Lakeview Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Description: Experience the culmination of Symphony847's remarkable 2023-2024 season with Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4, alongside a captivating performance of Gwyneth Walker's "The Turtle Dove," featuring oboe soloist Heidi Brann. Delve into Mahler's evocative symphony, where lush orchestration intertwines with haunting melodies to transport you to another realm. Join us for an afternoon of musical transcendence as we close our season in grand style. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable journey through Mahler's masterwork and Walker's poignant composition!

Program Info:

MAHLER - Symphony No. 4 (Angela De Venuto, soprano soloist)

GWYNETH WALKER - The Turtle Dove (Heidi Brann, oboe soloist)

Description:

Join us for a captivating evening of music that will transport you to the scenic landscapes of Scotland. Symphony847, led by music director Christopher Ramaekers, presents "Scottish Fantasies," a musical journey through the heart of this beautiful country. Get ready to experience the enchanting melodies, rhythms, and traditions of Scotland in a way you've never imagined. Featuring guest violin soloist, Leanne Kelso.

Program Info:

BRUCH - Scottish Fantasy with violinist Leanne Kelso

MENDELSSOHN - Symphony No. 3, Scottish

PETER MAXWELL DAVIES - An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise

MARCH 17, 2023 at 7:30PM

Gorton Community Center 400 E Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045

PROGRAM INFO: 

Anna Clyne: Restless Oceans (2018) Based on "A Woman Speaks"

Ravel: Shéhérazade

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 

Symphony847 presents three works inspired by women. Both Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Maurice Ravel drew inspiration from Scheherezade, the heroine at the center of “1,001 Nights.” Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral tour-de-force is central to our program - the composer himself described the piece as a “kaleidoscope of fairy-tale images.” Ravel, who greatly admired Rimsky-Korsakov’s work, depicts a panorama of fantasy and exoticism in his own Shéhérezade, in which Symphony847 will be joined by mezzo soprano Rachel Wood, as soloist. We will open this program of pieces featuring the stories of heroic women with Anna Clyne’s Restless Ocean. Former Mead Composer-in-Residence with the Chicago Symphony, Clyne drew inspiration from the poem “A Woman Speaks” by Audre Lorde, in this exciting piece which embraces the power of women.

PROGRAM INFO:

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 2

BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 4 (Soloist: MyungHee Chung)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Immersive Beethoven Experience! The concert will take place in the ballroom of the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, a Frank Lloyd Wright building. The audience will be seated on the same level as the orchestra and will be immersed in the orchestra experience. Attendees will be able to enjoy a cash bar and a post-concert Maestro's Reception where they can meet the soloist and mingle with the musicians.

ABOUT THE SOLOIST:

MYUNGHEE CHUNG

Dr. Myunghee Chung was born in Seoul, South Korea, and began learning piano at the age of four years old. At age 8, she debuted with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the Mozart concerto No. 27, K595. She came to the United States at age 17 to study under Tong-Il Han and later attended the Juilliard School on scholarship, where she received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees under the study of distinguished teacher Martin Canin. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts at the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with renowned pianist Gary Graffman. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including first prizes at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Performer’s Competition and the William Kapell International Piano Competition. Her playing has been described in the press as “clean, strong […] marked by a bell-like quality that never disappeared even under the severest pressure.” She has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Asia and has performed with many orchestras including the Chicago Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Portland Symphony and Seoul Philharmonic. Dr. Chung has judged many competitions and has taught master classes at universities in the United States and in South Korea. Her teaching appointments include professorships at the Missouri Southern State University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she is now an Emeritus Professor. She is now retired and enjoys crossword puzzles and spending time with her family and friends in her free time.

PROGRAM:

Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 2 in c minor, "Ukrainian"

1. Andante Sostenuto - Allegro vivo
2. Andantino marziale, quasi moderato
3. Scherzo: Allegro molto vivace
4. Finale: Moderato assai - Allegro vivo

-- intermission --

McIntire, "Industrial Cityscape"

Stravinsky, "The Firebird Suite (1919)"

Description: Tchaikovsky composed his Symphony No. 2 while vacationing in Ukraine, and incorporated a number of Ukrainian folksongs into the score. The symphony’s mix of folk-like lyricism and dry, rhythmic drive made it a favorite of Igor Stravinsky, who often conducted the piece alongside his works. 

Stravinsky employed a similar mix of rhythmic drive and lyricism for his ballet score, The Firebird. Written in 1909, the ballet tells the story of Prince Ivan who defeats the evil Kastchei with the help of the magical firebird. 

This concert will also feature the World Premiere of Industrial Cityscape by Shawn McIntire.

PROGRAM:

Franz Joseph Haydn - Symphony No. 1 in D Major

Igor Stravinsky - Septet

Amos Gillespie - These Questions Three

Louis Spohr - Nonet in F Major, Op 31

DESCRIPTION:

Symphony847 opens our first full season with another important first, Haydn’s first symphony. Considered the father of the symphony, Haydn not only inspired his fellow classicists, but modern composers as well. Igor Stravinsky spent much of his life writing in a “Neo-Classical” style which combined modern tonality with classical structure. The Septet demonstrates some of the same classical structures and rhythmic figures, along with characteristics of the baroque and modern era. Rhythmic drive is a hallmark of Chicago-based Amos Gillespie’s music. These Questions Three features driving keyboard and percussion, but with Jazz-inspired rhythmic figures. The concert will conclude with a lengthy work from the later classical period, the Nonet by Louis Sophr.

­­Bring your blankets and dinner and enjoy Symphony847 playing pieces including the Beethoven Septet, Op. 20. Conducted by Chris Ramaekers.

PROGRAM:

Bohuslav Martinu, Nonet No. 2, H. 374

Ludwig van Beethoven, Septet in E flat Major, Opus 20

Seth Boustead, Abstraction

Trevor Patricia Watkin, Five Movements for Nonet

MUSICIANS:

Violin: Jesse Gomez

Viola: Brandy Crawford

Cello: Magdalena Sustere

Bass: Elijah Medina

Flute: Lauren Moldenhauer

Oboe: Andrew Nogal

Clarinet: Nicholas Carlson

Bassoon: Galina Keip

Horn: Paul Seeley

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

All shows are free and will be held outside on the Assembly Hall WestLawn at 410 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth, IL. Shows will be held inside the Assembly Hall if the weather is inclement. We will be following all capacity limits and COVID-19 protocols mandated by the State of Illinois. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED. Cash bar available with proceeds supporting the Kenilworth Park District.

THANK YOU:

Special Thanks to Kenilworth Union Church for allowing us to rehearse in their space, to the Kenilworth Park District for sponsoring the event, and to the Kenilworth Assembly Hall.

On Saturday, July 24 we will be hosting a reading session/social event. This event will take place at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest from 5:30-8:30 p.m. It is not a performance.

Featured Works:

McIntire, Industrial Cityscape

Mussorgsky, Night on Bald Mountain

Sibelius, Symphony No. 2 (Mvmts. 1 and 4)

Wagner, Meistersinger

Brahms, Symphony No. 2 (Mvmt. 1)

We will be working with recent Lakes High School graduate, Shawn McIntire, who will be studying composition at Roosevelt University in the fall. Shawn's composition "Industrial Cityscape", was written in 2019. "I was inspired by the contrast and juxtaposition of nature and urbanism. Elements of the piece are meant to represent the sunrise, the honking of car horns, the bustling nature of cities, and the beauty in both."

Following our reading session, we will host a reception in the Solarium at Gorton. We have food and drink for all. Friends and family are invited to attend the reading session and reception.

RSVP:

If you plan to attend, please send your RSVP to info@symphony847.org.

Include the number of guests in your party.

Recorded at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall on February 13, 2021 as part of the RÉMY MARTIN Team Up for Excellence initiative. Once purchased, you will receive a link to the concert stream via email that will be available until May 31, 2021.

(The suggested viewing parties for this event is 2.28.21 at 2:00pm.)

Program details:

Chris Ramaekers conducts

FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 82 in C major, “The Bear”


LE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 1 in G major

LE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 2 in D major

Chris Ramaekers conducts Symphony847 in a program that features the two symphonies composed by le Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The concert also features Haydn’s Symphony No. 82 in C major, known as “The Bear”. One of six Paris symphonies by the composer, “The Bear” was commissioned by the Concert de la Loge Olympique, and was first performed in 1787 under the direction of le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/-JBdng_NIuI

Recorded at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall on February 13, 2021 as part of the RÉMY MARTIN Team Up for Excellence initiative. Once purchased, you will receive a link to the concert stream via email that will be available until May 31, 2021.

(The suggested viewing parties for this event is 2.28.21 at 2:00pm.)

Program details:

Chris Ramaekers conducts

FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 82 in C major, “The Bear”


LE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 1 in G major

LE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 2 in D major

Chris Ramaekers conducts Symphony847 in a program that features the two symphonies composed by le Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The concert also features Haydn’s Symphony No. 82 in C major, known as “The Bear”. One of six Paris symphonies by the composer, “The Bear” was commissioned by the Concert de la Loge Olympique, and was first performed in 1787 under the direction of le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Recorded at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall on February 13, 2021 as part of the RÉMY MARTIN Team Up for Excellence initiative. Once purchased, you will receive a link to the concert stream via email that will be available until May 31, 2021.

(The suggested viewing parties for this event is 2.27.21 at 7:00pm.)

Program details:

Chris Ramaekers conducts

FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 82 in C major, “The Bear”


LE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 1 in G major

LE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 2 in D major

Chris Ramaekers conducts Symphony847 in a program that features the two symphonies composed by le Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The concert also features Haydn’s Symphony No. 82 in C major, known as “The Bear”. One of six Paris symphonies by the composer, “The Bear” was commissioned by the Concert de la Loge Olympique, and was first performed in 1787 under the direction of le Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Join us for a very special night of music, conversation and cocktails from the safety of your own home! We at Symphony847 are delighted to partner with the folks at North Shore Distillery, a local craft distillery established in 2004 by a creative husband and wife team with a deep passion for spirits and cocktails, for a special concert and discussion.

The theme of the musical selections is "Musical Gifts" – each piece was written as a gift. The event will include live introductions and discussions for each segment and for the cocktails, as well as the first-time airing of the musical performance by Symphony847. The performance was taped at North Shore Distillery specifically for this event, to ensure great sound and minimize issues with streaming, etc.

CONCERT PROGRAM:

Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 5

Wagner - Siegfried Idyll

Martinu - Nonet

Mozart - Divertimento, K. 251

-Concert Cocktail Kit – we’ve designed three cocktail mixes to go along with the music selected, and we’ll be highlighting how to make them, and what’s great about them, during the intermissions. Must be picked up at the distillery, or delivery might be possible.

-Paired Dinner – we’re working with the folks at Inovasi in Lake Bluff to design a meal to go along with the concert as well – more information coming soon.

You can choose how you want to participate, once you have purchased a ticket for the concert.