Arts & Entertainment

Allegro Violinists Merge Bows with Beats in Remarkable Concert (VIDEO)

The Western Springs-based ensemble is performing a show Saturday to help fund an upcoming two-week tour in some of China's most auspicious concert halls.

Violinists’ feet don’t usually move during a performance nearly as much as their bows.

But the young musicians of the Allegro!!! String Performance Ensemble possess an uncommon talent—playing the violin while dancing—that they’ll soon be taking all the way to China.

The community has the chance to see their remarkable skills during a benefit performance Saturday at Park Junior High that will help fund their journey abroad.

Find out what's happening in Western Springswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“This is a very extraordinary group of young performers and their show is totally unique,” said Edward Kreitman, director of the Western Springs School of Talent Education, which serves as the ensemble’s home base. “It is very difficult to describe, but think show choir with violins.”

Allegro will spend two weeks in China during June, traveling to destinations including Beijing, Shanghai and Hangchou to perform in concert halls that seat as many as 2,000 people. Dean Marshall, of the professional group Barrage, invited them on the tour.

Find out what's happening in Western Springswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The 21 violinists range from age 11 to 18 and study at either the School of Talent Education or Naperville Suzuki School. Their repertoire ranges from the big band classic “Sing, Sing, Sing” to contemporary songs from the musical Wicked.

Few of the kids had a dance background before joining Allegro, said choreographer Jennifer Mather, who designs the steps that make the ensemble so astonishing.

“We need to make sure the movement enhances the music and doesn’t distract the kids from playing,” she said.

The ensemble rehearses for five hours each Sunday, with extra three-hour rehearsals sprinkled through the weeks prior to performances such as Saturday’s showcase. That intensity has forged a solid bond among the group

“We’re a community,” Lyons Township student Rebecca O’Brien said. “We kind of challenge each other to be better.”

Added Renee Reyes, who attends St. Ignatius in Chicago, “I know I can count on these guys for anything.”

Allegro!!! String Performance Ensemble’s China Tour Benefit Concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Park Junior High, 333 N. Park Rd. in La Grange Park. Tickets are $20. Call 708-246-9309 for more information.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Western Springs