Music

Swan Song, American Style

Lunde to conduct final concert with chamber orchestra

Barbara Arnold |

The maestro himself.
The maestro himself.

Ivar Lunde Jr.’s  finale concert with the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra, which he has led for more than a decade, will focus on music evoking the native Norwegian’s adopted homeland. Join our community on April 16 for heartfelt applause and a standing ovation for the final bow of this local and dedicated maestro. The last concert of the 2015-16 season is titled American Dreams, and it will feature works by contemporary American composers: Lunde’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 126, featuring a piano solo by ECCO general manager Elizabeth Hart; Jerry Owen’s Suite from Grant Wood Country, a relatively short, three-movement work for strings and optional harp inspired by Wood’s paintings of the rural American Midwest; and Big Top Chautauqua artists Ed Willett and Cheryl Leah combine their compositions with the writings of Scottish-born naturalist John Muir in John Muir – University of the Wilderness. This piece contains contemporary, classical, and Celtic influences, and includes cellist Willett, vocalist Leah, violinist/vocalist Liesel Wilson, and musician/actor Thomas Clyde Mitchell, who will narrate Muir’s life. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Stephanie Elkins will serve as emcee and present a pre-concert panel at 6:45 pm with Lunde, Owen, Leah, and Willett. Durand artist Jean Accola’s wildflower water colors also will be on display. Tickets are available at Neff’s Pianos, Festival Foods, or through Paypal purchase ateauclariechamberorchestra.org

Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra presents American Dreams • Saturday, April 16, 7:30pm • Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • $23 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $8 for students • eauclariechamberorchestra.org