The Rockford Symphony Orchestra announces the second session of Sound Bites - the popular lunchtime discussion event introduced last season. The next Sound Bites of the 2007-08 season will be from noon until 1 p.m. Friday, November 16, at Brio located at 515 E. State St.  Sound Bites is a fresh and relaxing way to prepare for the RSO concert experience.

Presented over the lunch hour, Sound Bites is a series of informal discussions featuring M.C. and RSO Music Director Steven Larsen and a variety of exciting solo guest musicians performing with the RSO on most concerts throughout the season. The Sound Bites on November 16 features Martha Bein, conductor for the Mendelssohn Chorale. Ms. Bein will lead the Chorale in a performance including the Te Deum by Anton Bruckner, as well as the Te Deum by Antonin DvoYák.

“We have been very pleased with the response to this series,” says RSO Education Director Lorie Langan, “Our guest artists have been so entertaining and informative. Steve Larsen has a gift for asking intriguing questions and bringing out great conversation with each musician we’ve featured.”

Sound Bites is free; however space is limited and reservations are recommended. Call Lorie Langan at (815) 972-2939 for reservations. Lunch is offered by Paul Sletten of Brio for a set price.

The topics for each Sound Bites will vary, offering a personal perspective by the particular guest musician featured at the discussion. Insights into the performers’ background, personal challenges, and their reflections on the music that they will perform with the RSO are a major feature of the series. There is also ample opportunity for those attending the discussions to join in with questions or comments.

Future dates for Sound Bites:
      
January 11 Megumi Kanda 
February 8 Olga Kern  
March 7      Zachary DePue, Nicholas Kendall, Ranaan Myer
March 28   Ronald Carter
April 25  Jeffrey Biegel
May 9   members of the cast from Tosca

For further information about other events and concerts call (815) 965-0049, or visit www.rockfordsymphony.com.

Under the artistic leadership of Music Director Steven Larsen, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra is a leading arts organization in the Rockford Region and the third largest symphony orchestra in the state of Illinois.  The RSO is made up of 85 professional musicians who perform 17 concerts per year—including classics, pops, ballet, and opera—for an estimated annual audience of 30,000.  The RSO was named the 2007 Orchestra of the Year for Illinois.