Volunteer music group brings classical music to the western suburbs

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE NAPRSTEK

Over 15 years ago, a passionate group of local musicians, vocalists, and volunteers came together with a shared vision: to bring an elite musical experience to the western suburbs. In July 2010, Sinfonietta Bel Canto (SBC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the performance of chamber opera and chamber orchestra works, was born. Since then, SBC has welcomed both amateur and professional musicians to share their talents with area residents through a variety of advanced classical works.

“We all love making music together.”

– LYNNE MODRUSON, SBC BOARD PRESIDENT

SBC’s mission is to make chamber opera and chamber orchestra music more accessible to the local community while also fostering the development of young musicians. Through regular concerts, outreach, and educational programs, they hope to nurture the understanding and appreciation of music by people of all ages and backgrounds.

SBC’s mission is to make chamber opera and
chamber orchestra music more accessible to the
local community.

The Downers Grove-based group performs repertoire that challenges and inspires its musicians and the community, often opting for unfamiliar composers and infrequently performed works.

“As a high school student, I rarely get the opportunity to perform in operas, let alone works in other languages that test my musicianship and skills,” SBC performer Alicia Mathew said. “The belief that the director, Dan D’Andrea, had in me despite my young age has allowed me to change and grow so much since I started rehearsals with this amazing group of people.”

D’Andrea, a harpsichordist and an award-winning bassoonist, has been praised by the Illinois Council of Orchestra for outstanding programming throughout his impressive career as a music and artistic director. In addition to conducting SBC, he also works to recruit vocalists for the group with the help of professional connections and local music studios. SBC’s leadership also includes a seven-member Board of Directors, made up of volunteers who also perform in the group.

Sinfonietta Bel Canto is a Downers Grove-based music group made up of both amateur and professional musicians.

“SBC is a volunteer/community group open to everyone… but it does perform advanced classical music repertoire at a high level,” Lynne Modruson, SBC Board President, said.

Although there is no formal audition process, performers are evaluated based on their musical background, level of performance, and previous experience.

Members range from students to seasoned adults, and the rehearsal and performance environments are always a friendly and collaborative experience filled with rich educational and mentorship opportunities.

“We are diverse in age, musical background, professional work outside of music, but we all love making music together,” Modruson said.

SBC’s concert season runs from September through May, and they also host annual competitions for local artists to showcase their skills. The vocal competition, which started in 2014, has finalists in four categories: Little Stars (13 and under), Teen Stars (14-18), Collegiate Artists (18-24), and Emerging Artists (25 and above). In 2023-24, SBC launched a similar annual competition for wind, string, and piano performers from middle school through high school. Both competitions are unique because they provide finalists an opportunity to perform their solos with the orchestra in front of a live audience, which is a key benefit to musicians participating in any SBC programs.

“As a young professional with a particular interest in opera, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to play fantastic repertoire out in the world,” tuba player Cameron Randall said. “I do plenty of orchestral playing (and otherwise), but opportunities to gain experience in this specific area can be difficult to come by.”

SBC performs repertoire that challenges and inspires both musicians and listeners.

SBC sustains its work through ticket sales to its performances, donations from patrons, and by applying for grants, such as from the Illinois Arts Council, Arts DuPage (a DuPage Foundation initiative) and the JCS Fund at the DuPage Foundation. This funding helps keep SBC accessible to the community, so they can continue their mission of sharing beautiful music with a wide audience.

SBC’s concert season runs from September through May, and they also host annual competitions for local artists to showcase their skills. The vocal competition, which started in 2014, has finalists in four categories: Little Stars (13 and under), Teen Stars (14-18), Collegiate Artists (18-24), and Emerging Artists (25 and above). In 2023-24, SBC launched a similar annual competition for wind, string, and piano performers from middle school through high school. Both competitions are unique because they provide finalists an opportunity to perform their solos with the orchestra in front of a live audience, which is a key benefit to musicians participating in any SBC programs.

“As a young professional with a particular interest in opera, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to play fantastic repertoire out in the world,” tuba player Cameron Randall said. “I do plenty of orchestral playing (and otherwise), but opportunities to gain experience in this specific area can be difficult to come by.”

SBC sustains its work through ticket sales to its performances, donations from patrons, and by applying for grants, such as from the Illinois Arts Council, Arts DuPage (a DuPage Foundation initiative) and the JCS Fund at the DuPage Foundation. This funding helps keep SBC accessible to the community, so they can continue their mission of sharing beautiful music with a wide audience.

For more information about Sinfonietta Bel Canto and their training orchestra, Sinfonietta DuPage, visit their website sinfoniettabelcanto.org.