Upcoming Concerts

Classical Concert
4:00pm Sunday March 22th 2026

“PROGRAM NOTES FOR THE MICHIANA CMAMBER ORCHESTRA’S MARCH 22th CLASSICAL CONCERT

The “Reformation” Symphony blends youthful energy with historical homage. It reflects Mendelssohn’s deep engagement with the music of Bach and the Lutheran tradition while demonstrating his gift for orchestral color and structural clarity.It remains one of his most spiritually resonant orchestral works—a bridge between past faith and Romantic expression.

The overture to Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II is a sparkling curtain-raiser that captures the wit, elegance, and high-spirited mischief of the operetta itself. Premiered in 1874 in Vienna, Die Fledermaus (“The Bat”) remains one of the most beloved works of the Viennese operetta tradition, and its overture has become a concert favorite in its own right. rue to Strauss’s theatrical instincts, the overture builds momentum toward a brilliant and exuberant conclusion.

Composed in the summer of 1880, the Tragic Overture stands as one of Brahms’s most powerful orchestral statements in a single movement. The Tragic Overture opens with dark, forceful chords that immediately establish a mood of tension and gravity. Despite its dramatic weight, the piece avoids overt melodrama. Brahms’s tragedy feels noble and restrained—an exploration of human struggle rather than theatrical spectacle. The closing measures bring the music to a powerful and resolute conclusion, reaffirming the stern dignity that permeates the work.

Composed in 1876, Dance of the Hours is the most famous excerpt from Ponchielli’s grand opera La Gioconda. Though the opera itself is not often performed today, this lively ballet has taken on a life of its own in concert halls, cartoons, films, and popular culture. It represents the progression of the hours of the day through dance, divided into four contrasting sections – dawn, day, evening and night.

The Entrance March by Johann Strauss II reflects the grandeur and elegance of imperial Vienna. In this march, Strauss demonstrates his mastery of crafting music that is both dignified and joyful.

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens as part of his opera Samson et Dalila, the Bacchanale serves as the electrifying orchestral introduction to Act III. The scene is set in the temple of the Philistine god Dagon, where a wild celebration unfolds as the Philistines revel in their triumph over Samson. As the dance grows increasingly frenzied, driving percussion and swirling strings create a sense of abandon and mounting tension.

PLACE: Niles District Library
620 E Main St, Niles MI

Bring a non-perishable food item to support our local Spero House Food Pantry.

This event is sponsored by the Niles District Library and the Music Academies of Downtown Niles.