11th Annual MCCC Showcase Concert Was a Huge Success!

In a Showcase Concert on Sunday February 16th, the talented Winners of our 11th Annual Midwest Conservatory Concerto Competition performed their solos accompanied by the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra. CONGRATULATIONS to MCM students Jack Ho (cello), Kaylee Bronk (violin), and Luo Yasuoka (violin), who each took top prizes in their divisions and inspired us all with their performances! This special program also featured MCM flute faculty and soloist, Jeanne Bae, performing an invigorating rendition of Stamitz's Concerto in G Major, accompanied by the Midwest String Orchestra! Congratulations, Ms. Bae! All of the students were able to closely experience how to accompany a soloist with both sensitivity and clarity, which is an essential skill for every musician. 

The Winners' Showcase Concert was also the culmination of the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra's annual overnight retreat weekend to Elmhurst and Chicago. The weekend began Saturday morning at Elmhurst University with ice breaker games led by MSO Strings Advisor Grace Valentine, followed by sectional rehearsals with MPO Director Taka Matsunaga, MSO Director and MCM Faculty Eun Kim, and MSO Winds Advisor and MCM Faculty Kumiko Nowlan. The morning also featured a fun masterclass with Elmhurst University Professor Amali Premawardhana. Next, our group rode the Metra to Chicago with a first stop at the thrilling Skydeck atop the Willis Tower, then on to dinner at the historic Italian Village restaurant, and a brilliant performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to close the evening. After an overnight hotel stay downtown, our group had breakfast and took Metra back to Elmhurst for rehearsals, putting the finishing touches on the evening's Showcase Concert program. It was a thrilling weekend of making great music, new friendships, and shared memories for all!