The Downers Grove Concert Association has announced programming for the 64th Artists Showcase West classical music series. Four concerts are planned, with three to take place in the Johnson Auditorium on the campus of Downers Grove North High School and one in Naperville's Wentz Concert Hall. True to the Showcase's tradition, the season will feature musicians of outstanding quality and international acclaim from the United States and abroad. Until June 28th subscriptions to all four concerts are available in
a special early bird package. If purchased by June 28, all four concerts will cost $80 for individuals, $40 for students and $170 for families. After the deadline, the same tickets increase to $100, $50 and $200 respectively. Individual tickets can be bought for $30 ($15 for students in grades 1-12.)
Artists Showcase West performances are held on Sunday afternoons at 3 pm with a pre-concert conversation moderated by music commentator Joshua Kind beginning at 2 pm. Ample free off street parking is available at both the Johnson Auditorium as well as Wentz Concert Hall. For more information please call 630-963-9093 or visit www.dgconcerts.org. The 2010-2011 Artists Showcase West season is supported by the Illinois Arts Council, and contributions to help fund Artists Showcase West are fully
tax-deductible.
Prazak String Quartet - the second concert of the season features the Prazak String Quartet, one of today's leading chamber music ensembles. Formed in 1972 while its founding members were students at the Prague Conservatory, the group has earned its place in the unique Czech quartet tradition. The group's international career was propelled by winning the 1978 Evian String Music Competition. Still retaining one of their original members, the group has been hailed for its warm and crystalline
tone and was called "definitive" by the Chicago Tribune within the Czech repertoire. The Prazak Quartet has made more than 20 award-winning recordings on the Praga/Harmonia Mundi label and is heard during a key scene in the recently released Martin Scorsese/Leonardo DiCaprio thriller Shutter Island.