Blankets spread out across the grass, the setting sun over Lake Michigan, music wafting through the pines — these were the sights and sounds of Wednesday’s Evanston Symphony Pops Concert at Gillson Park.
The free hourlong concert format returned for a second year in a row, this time as part of a special Sesquicentennial anniversary celebration for the Village of Wilmette.
“Our experience last year playing at the Wallace Bowl was so glorious, we were delighted to have an opportunity to do it again,” said Evanston Symphony Orchestra board member and orchestra member, Penelope Sachs.
According to Sachs, last year’s concert on Aug. 21, 2021, was the first outdoor concert, and the first time coming together to perform for Evanston Symphony Orchestra members since the pandemic began in March 2020.
Lawrence Eckerling, conductor and music director says the selection of music this year was fitting for an outdoor pops concert on a summer evening.
Wednesday’s program featured light classics, show tunes and movie music, like the overture from “My Fair Lady,” and included two selections each from John Williams and Leroy Anderson, and three dances from Copland’s “Rodeo” with a finale of John Philip Sousa’s “Washington Post March.”
Wednesday’s concert also included a special performance of “The Syncopated Clock” by Leroy Anderson, a nod to Wilmette history.
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The Syncopated Clock — which appeared on Wilmette hometown, composer and arranger of “Percy Faith’s Greatest Hits Album” — was released in 1960.
Elicia Resnick of Winnetka said she and her friends have been attending concerts and performances at the Wallace Bowl for 50 years.
“This is such a magical venue, and although we love being part of the audience, I even had the chance to perform here once in a production of the ‘Sound of Music’ in the 1980’s when I played a nun,” Resnick said.
the Evanston Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Concert at Gillson Park on August 24, 2022, a celebration of the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Village of Wilmette.
Chris Simms of Wilmette attended Wednesday’s concert with family.
This year’s event included educational and fun activities for children, highlighted by an instrument petting zoo which was conceived by and provided by instructors from Baker Demonstration School.
all from Wilmette – experience the instrument petting zoo, an educational and fun activity provided by instructors from Baker Demonstration School, making musical instruments accessible for children – one of the highlights of the Evanston Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Concert at Gillson Park on August 24, 2022, a celebration of the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Village of Wilmette.
“We came so the kids could experience the instrument petting zoo and hear the live music, it’s a beautiful night and this is just a great way for us to celebrate the last days of summer,” Simms said.
The concert was presented by the Wilmette Sesquicentennial committee and was co-sponsored by Byline Bank and The Mabadi Group. The orchestra is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, a city agency supported by the City of Evanston, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
“We wanted this concert to have family accessibility, we wanted it to be fun for all ages, a program that invited the audience to just sit back hum and relax and enjoy the music,” Eckerling said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.