Cellists of the Western Suburbs embark for concert tour in Canada

Cellissimo, the touring cello performance ensemble of the Western Springs School of Talent Education and Naperville Suzuki Shcool, will be traveling to Ottawa, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec from March 25th to April 2nd. The group will be performing their 80 minute program in a formal concert in Ottawa as well as portions of the program in three different schools. This international cultural exchange in the schools will be be exciting for all the students involved. The group will perform in French schools in Montreal and our students will have to truly use music as a common language

In between performances, Cellissimo will be visiting a working sugar bush to watch maple syrup production - late March is prime time for this age old tradition. The group will also tour the Center Block, which houses the federal parliament branch of government and will check out the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables and the home of the Governor-General (the head of state). In Montreal, there will be a walking tour of Old Montreal, amongst other activities.

Cellissimo is the senior performing cello ensemble of the joint programs of the Western Springs School of Talent Education and the Naperville Suzuki School both of which are located in the western suburbs of Chicago. All members of the group are students of Sally Gross and Alex Revoal. Currently, the youngest member is 10 and the oldest is 17. The cello students and their parents are committed to the philosophy of Shin'ichi Suzuki, which combines the love of music with the dedication and commitment to high standards.

The 2016 Cellissimo ensemble members include Jeremy Ahn (Naperville), Nicholas Boettcher (Naperville), Jack Boettcher (Naperville), Caitlin Forbes (Elmhurst), Aaron Kim (Naperville), Maeve Masterson (Chicago), Scott Morgan (Naperville), Charlie Mueller (Clarendon Hills), Isabella Pece (Naperville), Hayley Roesler (Western Springs), Amelia Smerz (Downers Grove), William Tan (Hinsdale), Lincoln Virant (Hinsdale), Jeremy Wong (Willowbrook), Isabella Xu (Hinsdale), and Daniel Zhao (Naperville).

You will have the treat to hear Cellissimo's program in the First Congregational Church of Western Springs sanctuary on May 21 at 7:00 pm. Mark it in your calendar!