A full evening of symphony music with a jazz twist is how the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra will kick off their "Look to the Stars!" season.  To begin the evening, there is an option of dinner served at the La Porte Civic Auditorium by Portofino's with desserts by Arturo's Baked Goods.  This special dinner includes pre-concert entertainment from the guest artists of the evening, Jackie Allen and Hans Sturm.  A cash bar will be open through the evening's events with snacks to purchase for balcony or table seats.  

At the 7:30 pm concert, you will find the symphony below the stage of the auditorium at the same level of as the table seating.  When the orchestra is arranged this way, there is very little use of sound reinforcement, leaving a fresh acoustic sound to accentuate the soloists.  Jackie Allen, a world class jazz singer will bring an intimate experience with a cabaret feel.  Expect to hear a sampling of her newest CD, Starry Night, first performed with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.  It has an array of star themed songs such as:  Stardust, Vincent, So Many Stars, Moon of Deception, Lost in the Stars, and a medley with Star Wish, Hushabye Mountain and the Starlighter.  Jackie gave La Porte a preview of her talent at the Hoosier STAR competition in September when she appeared as a judge.  The audience was mesmerized by her charming, sophisticated and dreamy expression of each phrase.   

Hans Sturm, Double Bassist will also perform.  More than Jackie's husband, Hans is a world class musician, professor at Nebraska University and a leading force in the world of string bass performers.  His piece in the second half of the show is Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass by Frank Proto will demonstrate his remarkable gift for music.

The performances by Jackie Allen and Hans Sturm are just part of the reason they were invited to perform in La Porte.  The week preceding the concert event will be filled with a variety of educational experiences for area students.  Both of these guest artists enjoy teaching almost as much as performing.  Their student programs bring jazz and live performance alive inspiring children and students of all ages.  In fact a clinic that Hans  once held at La Porte High School inspired one student, Chris Bendix, to the point of pursuing his university experience at Ball State where he studied with Professor Sturm.  Mr. Bendix is now a valued member of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra.  To support the educational aspect, guest artist's sponsors for this event are Memorial Health Systems and the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.   

Complete bios available at www.LCSO.net

More photos are available upon request - contact information above.  

Starry night dinner & concert option