Celebrating Our Sixth Year!

Hoosier STAR 2011 Winners!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

YOUTH DIVISION

1st -  Jenny Madrigal

2nd -   Selah Plotner

ADULT DIVISION

1st - Betsy Archer

2nd - Suzi Carpenter

Rising Star Award

Lena Tirotta

The evening was incredible for this fundraising event benefiting the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra.   Congratulations to all the contestents on a thrilling evening of vocal talent.

There are two age divisions:

• Youth- 17 and under
• Adult - 18 and older
  (Contestant's age at the time of auditions)

6 finalists from each division have been selected for 12 contestants to compete on September 17, 2011!

CASH prizes and the opportunity to perform to live music from the HoosierSTAR orchestra lead by Phil Bauman.

Hoosier STAR 2011 FINALISTS

YOUTH DIVISION

Sponsored by: Liz Bianco's Fans Swanson Insurance Amhurst Asylum	Sponsored by: V. Michael Drayton Sallwasser & McCain Attorneys at Law
Sponsored by: Hester J. W. Muller MD, La Porte Radiology Inc The Image House	Sponsored by: Kingsbury Elevator Fryar Orthodontics India's Our Star Fan Club Daniel Luck Family
Sponsored by: CVS Pharmacy Tirotta Family	Sponsored by: Leonard Frank Anglis, DDS  - Implant & Restorative Dentistry Z Alloy Inc Borner - Zdanowicz Family

ADULT DIVISION

Sponsored by: Leigh & Marcia Morris	Sponsored by: Hooligan's Ashley's Friends & Family Indiana Beer
Sponsored by: Antler Bay Whitetail Ranch RE/MAX Affiliates Shoreline Auction Company	Sponsored by: Mazur -  Alban Family Ball State University Singers Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Max Elements, Custom Design Performancewear
Sponsored by: General Insurance Services-GIS	Sponsored by: Friedman & Associates P.C. First United Methodist Church Edward D. Jones

Music styles as diverse as opera, modern country and jazz were performed at the Civic Auditorium on Saturday, June 19 by those hoping to be the 2010 Hoosier STAR.

Mitchel Pynakker, 16, won the youth division and $500 with his performance of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” sung a la Michael Buble.  Mitchel is a junior at Valparaiso High School.

Michael Ohm’s performance of “Save the Last Dance For Me” charmed the audience enough to win him the first runner-up spot and $400.  Michael, 16, is from Valparaiso and has performed in the lead role in “Footloose” as Willard at the Portage Community Theatre.

Read more: 2010 Hoosier Star Winners

Indiana University Health, La Porte Hospital

Classic Concert - Celestial Splendor

• Andrius Zlabys, Pianist
• Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 3:00 pm
• Elston Performing Arts Center, Michigan City

• Purchase Tickets here or phone 219 362-9020
• Angelo Bernacchi Greenhouses, 1010 Fox Street, La Porte
• La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Marquette Mall, 4073 S Franklin St, Michigan City
• Arturo’s Baked Goods and More, 624 Wabash Street, Michigan City
• Tickets: $18 Adult, $15 Senior (65+), Students FREE
• Sponsored by: IU Health La Porte Hospital

An afternoon of classical music begins with a world-renowned pianist performing Beethoven’s serene, Concerto No. 4 and ends with the bold and heroic Symphony No. 2 by Jean Sibelius. The concert will begin with a dialogue between piano and orchestra as guest artist Andrius Zlabys brings eloquence and masterful strength to his interpretation of Beethoven’s most intimate concerto. “The work has been described as achieving a sense of spiritual peace. It’s a poetic and rather introspective work exploring many nuances of thought and expression,” notes maestro Bauman. “Hailed by the La Times as ‘Contemplative and mesmerizing,’ Andrius will masterfully bring out the tenderness and serenity Beethoven achieves in no other his concertos,” says Bauman. “This is a perfect pairing of artist and composition.”

Grammy nominated Zlabys began piano studies at the age of six in his native Lithuania. Eleven years later, he began his US education. Learning from masters at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Yale Institute of Music, Curtis Institute of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy he went on to perform with orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra.

Heroic on many different levels, this PINK concert is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. The orchestra is delighted to announce that those attending the concert and wearing something pink will receive a special gift. Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital will distribute a coupon for a FREE routine mammogram to any women and a Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening to any men who are wearing some form of the color pink to the concert (certain restrictions apply). When asked about the coupon gift to concertgoers, Mr. Thordarson explained, “IU Health La Porte Hospital’s mission is to improve the health of our patients and communities.  290,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S.  The earlier we can detect it, the better the chance of survival.  If even one life is saved as a result of the free screenings, it will be worth it.”

Susan G. Komen spokesperson Nikia Hammonds-Blakely will return to the orchestra stage after intermission to honor four musicians who are breast cancer survivors. Nikia will share her talents at the concert and more importantly sing and speak during the week preceding the event through collaborations with area schools and IU Health La Porte Hospital.

To complete the Sunday afternoon concert, La Porte’s orchestra will execute a bold and unconventional work, Symphony No. 2 by Sibelius. This highly dramatic symphony exudes many raw emotions through a fierce display of musical energy and determination before achieving a resounding victory. Sibelius paints a musical picture of triumph befitting the sentiment of our PINK concert. The uplifting spirit of the afternoon’s music will rejuvenate patrons and send them off with a renewed sense of optimism. One the many gifts offered to the community by the LCSO. 

An additional event in collaboration with Purdue University North Central

It is quite remarkable to have Mr. Zlabys in Michigan City and it is only possible from a relationship formed in Europe with a professor of English at Purdue University North Central who is also a violinist in the LCSO, Paul Hecht. In collaborative efforts, as a preview to Sunday’s concert, PNC will hold a free recital on Thursday March 1, Zlabys will perform a solo piano recital at noon in the PNC Library-Student-Faculty Building Room 144. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. A limited number of reserved parking spaces will be available in PNC parking lot 1. Admission to this recital is free, but seating very limited. To make a reservation, email recital@pnc.edu or call Liz Bernel, PNC coordinator of Special Events and Marketing at 219-785-5719. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Bernel. Additional information is available at www.pnc.edu/odyssey/zlabys.html

Mr. Zlabys will present a Master Class for pianists on March 1st at PNC. Those who would like to attend may contact Bernel for details. Recital event sponsors include the PNC College of Liberal Arts, the PNC Chancellor's Diversity Fund; the PNC Odyssey 2011 - 2012 Arts and Cultural Events Series; Michigan City Paper Box and Blue Chip Casino.

Robert J. Hiler Family Foundation

April Pops Concert  - Pop Stars

Featuring the Hoosier Star Adult Winners

Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 7:30 pm
La Porte Civic Auditorium

You’re invited to a Hoosier Star family reunion. Join past adult winners Anthony Brewer, Brandon Williams, Brian Phillips, Kyrie Anderson, Nanda Danitschek and Besty Archer with Illumination, a chorus directed by Becky Osborn singing the night away in a variety of pop tunes, dramatic showstoppers and musical whimsy.

a romantic night at the symphony 

an intimate evening of star-themed tunes

An extraordinary voice - Jackie Allen / A masterful performer - Hans Sturm

Online Ticket sales are closed
Tickets will be available at the door.  
Box office opens at 5:30 pm

Dinner & Concert - Starry Night

• Jackie Allen, Jazz Singer
• Saturday, November 19, 2011
• Dinner — 6:00 pm, Concert — 7:30 pm
• La Porte Civic Auditorium

Blue Note recording artist Jackie Allen is a singer whose versatility, range and infectious enthusiasm make her an accomplished jazz vocalist. Starry Night features passionate and elegant arrangements of Star Dust, Vincent – Starry, Starry Night, Come Fly With Me, Lost in the Stars and more. Jackie brings her own jazz combo to perform with the symphony for a romantic program that Billboard magazine called “a pop masterpiece.” Legendary double bassist Hans Sturm performs Frank Proto’s Carmen Fantasy.

November Dinner Package

Already have a season subscription or at table seat and forgot to add the dinner portion?
Add the dinner to your season subscription or pre-purchased table seat.

Opening Night Invitation

Look for your invitation in the mail to join us for a pre-concert dinner.  Or contact us to make sure you receive your personal invitation to an evening of great dinning and superb music.

Download the poster here.

Festivities Include:

• Guest Artists' Preview
• Artwork & artists from the Thaddeus C. Gallery
• Opportunity to sponsor musicians or win holiday themed items by silent auction

The Shirley Lubeznik Family Children’s Concert

Musical Time Machine — Warp Speed

Thanks to musicians, staff and audience for a spectacular event.  Thousands of school children followed a musical time adventure with Matt Nelson leading the way.

Educational Teacher's Guide

Download the Teacher's Guide below.

Musical Time Machine Education Guide 2011 (1.14 MB)

Concert Selections

Download the Cd Tracks here (PDF with audio links) or click the links below.

Clickable Concert Selections

• Dies Irae Anonymous
• Suite No. 3 in A: IV. Allemande – Tripla J. H. Schein
• Toccata and Fugue in D Minor J.S. Bach
• Canon in D Johann Pachelbel
• Concerto No. 13 for Piano and Orchestra Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Symphony No. 94, 2^nd Movement Franz Joseph Haydn
• Symphony No. 5, 1^st Movement Ludwig Van Beethoven
• Symphonie Fantastique, 5^th Movement Hector Berlioz
• Star Wars: Main Title John Williams
• Augie's Municipal Band John Williams
• Duel of Fates John Williams

Bonus Material

• Credo Byzantium Chant - Glory of Byzance
• Toccata and Fugue in D Minor Bach/Stokowski
• Symphony No. 5, 1^st Mvt. Beethoven
• Symphony No. 4, 3^rd Mvt. Johannes Brahms
• Tribute to John Williams John Williams - Medley Containing: Star Wars (Main Title), Jaws, Superman March, Harry Potter, Raiders March, and Theme from E.T

Press Release

This classic adventure will take elementary students on a trip through time.  With the help of a time machine and an outstanding symphony orchestra, Matt Nelson will lead the audience from through a variety of musical periods such as the Baroque, Renaissance, Romantic and Contemporary eras.   

Various musicians will demonstrate how orchestras began and grew from individual performers to small group ensembles to the full
symphonic ensemble that is used today. The show begins with percussionist Brad Staats portraying a cave man that interacts with the audience. Students will meet great composers such as Dan Lewis as Bach, Leigh Morris as Beethoven and Zack Galloway as French composer Berlioz.   

Musicians and actors will perform vignettes teaching the audience about the personalities of the composers as well as historical instrumentation. There will be a special performance by 11-year-old pianist Peter Rutkowski from Granger Indiana, to portray the child prodigy, young Mozart.

Live video projections of the orchestra members performing will enable students in the balcony to get a good view of the musicians'  performance.  Working with their music teachers, students are prepared to sing along in the final piece as the orchestra showcases  a musical adventure with light saber action from composer John Williams with Star Wars:  The Phantom Menace.    

This event was created and directed by music director - Philip Bauman, event coordinator - V. Michael Drayton, reservation coordinator - Pam Bush, education director - Diana Ford, La Porte Service League and Kesling Middle School Student Council.  Funding for this program is from:  The Shirley Lubeznik Family, V. Michael Drayton, La Porte Savings Bank, General Insurance Services, Hester J. W. Muller, M.D., David & Dr. Linda Sirugo Family, and Rackham Service Corporation and also provided with support from South Shore Regional Arts, The Indiana Art Commission, a state agency, and The National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Technical support given by IVY Tech Community College, Michigan City.    

ABOUT GUEST PIANIST - Peter Rutkowski

There will be a special young talent pianist that will be portraying Mozart as a child prodigy. Peter Rutkowski, pianist, is an 11-year-old 7th grader at Discovery Middle School in Granger, Indiana. Peter was a winner of the Hartman Stickley Memorial Piano Competition in 2008, 2009, and 2010 and winner of the IMTA Hoosier State Piano Competition in 2009. Peter competed as the 2011 Regional Elementary 1st place winner for MTNA piano performance competition and placed first in the Junior Division Chopin and Schumann categories in the 2010 Indiana State Fair Young Hoosier State Piano Competition and Elementary 1st in the 2011 Chopin Youth Competition. Peter has also attended various master classes; played in numerous recitals, and accompanied the South Bend Chamber Singers in three concerts this past year. He plays at church and volunteers to perform recitals for different organizations. Peter is currently a student of Dr. Matthew Hill of Goshen College.

Peter receives high honors in school. While at school, he is a member of the cross country team and he runs in local 5 or 10k races as well. Peter enjoys all school subjects including a class he takes in broadcasting. Although Peter plans on continuing piano, his future plans are to become either an orthodontist or an oncologist.

Throughout the summer, the symphony schedules FREE public family concerts events in outdoor theaters. The orchestra selections are a sampling of pop favorites with guest soloists in a beautiful outdoor evening setting. Featuring a variety of classical and pop music at city park amphitheaters, country clubs and school locations throughout Northwest Indiana.  Hoosier Star soloists are often featured performers at these events.  Community groups, businesses and individuals may contact our office to book an event for a business function, private party or perhaps sponsor a concert for a city near you.

LCSO has performed to thousands of people under the starry skies.  For music to accompany fireworks the Maestro is happy to be able to create a musical program that can be coordinated with the professional fireworks experts.

2011 Schedule

Michigan City Summer Festival
Sunday, July 17 at 7:00 pm
Guy F. Foreman Bicentennial Amphitheater, Washington Park
Sponsored by the City of Michigan City & Mayor Chuck Oberlie

Valparaiso Summer Concert
Saturday, August 13 at 7:00 pm
Central Park at downtown Valparaiso
Sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College and the City of Valparaiso & Mayor John Costas