The Southern Illinois Music Festival
Classical Music, Art and Jazz in the Hills Of Southern Illinois
June 6 - June 27, 2010

The 6th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features dozens of performances in venues from Mt. Vernon to Cairo and Murphysboro to Marion, as well as performances at McKendree University in Lebanon, Southeastern Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and of course Southern Illinois University in CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS, the heart of the Festival. Musicians from throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia perform orchestral and chamber music, opera, ballet, jazz, and new music, in an informal and inviting atmosphere. Casual dress is welcome!

The Festival coincides with a two-week summer music camp for high school students, a 40-year tradition at SIUC. Members of the Chicago Chamber Orchestra will be in residence.

This summer's festival will feature a unifying theme - William Shakespeare's classic play Romeo & Juliet, and other stories of tragic love.  These performances include Sergei Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet ballet, the Charles Gounod opera by the same name, and a rousing symphonic program (including music from West Side Story and John Adams' Short Ride in a Fast Machine).  We also look forward to bringing you favorite staples of the Festival, such as the Melangé Chamber Concerts and the sounds of the New Arts Jazztet.  Past patrons will also be delighted to know that Pops at the Park is back!

The majority of the Festival performances are free. Admission for other performances are noted on the schedule and ticket order form. Tickets for the festival are always available at the event, or by calling the Shryock box office at 618-453-6000.  Please join us for another exciting summer of great music!!

Edward Benyas, Artistic Director and Conductor