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Last evening, the Rosemont Theatre was nearly full to capacity with fans of Linda Eder and the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. People of all ages have been touched by this beautiful songbird-as was apparent by the cross section of people who were there to hear her perform with the magnificent Pops Orchestra.
The first act of the evening was all about the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. Arnie Roth, Musical Director and Principal Conductor, presented a magnificent program starting with the "Broadway Fantasy" Overture which was simply outstanding. (I ask, where can you go when you start at outstanding?) I believe the answer to that question is Magic! Following the overture, we were treated to two of John William's compositions from Harry Potter: "Harry's Wondrous World" and "Hedwig's Theme." The lushness of these William's compositions are just astonishing to feel when an orchestra is presenting them in front of you. I wasn't the only one to be impressed as was demonstrated by the gracious bow waving of appreciation that young Guillaume Combet, First Violin/ Concertmaster gave his fellow musicians with that knowing smile of recognition that comes with living in the moment of musical magic.
Switching back to Broadway, the first act was completed to perfection with the Funny Girl Overture and Chicago Suite. More bow waving and a gracious audience was more than primed for the appearance of Miss Linda Eder.I think my first recollection of hearing about Linda Eder was in one of those comparative statements that seems to be attached to her. Now, don't get me wrong, those comparisons can be quite flattering as they are usually to people of incredible renown and talent. But there is a different way that I have always tried to express the magic that is gifted to a singer like Linda Eder. It is simply this. There are singers who sing songs, and then there are singers who are the song. Miss Eder is without a doubt a member of the latter. Her performance thrilled the crowd. Choosing material to pay homage to singers that had always been inspirational to her and treating us to some Broadway favorites that only few should ever attempt to sing, Miss Eder commanded the evening in a most humble and gracious way. Accompanying the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra were Miss Eder's Music Director and pianist extraordinaire John Oddo, David Finck on bass, who playfully bent his pitch to tickle Miss Eder into a smile during her vocal performance, and Warren Odze on drums.
In a night of intangible magic, the now famous songs of Garland and Streisand were revealed and performed as only Linda Eder can do. Her sensitivity to the lyric and arrangement became crystal clear as she received three standing ovations from an appreciative crowd that was treated to live symphonic renditions of "Vienna" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" performed with a pure simplicity and to stunning vocal perfection.The Rosemont Theatre is to be thanked for bringing performances such as these to the Chicago area. One night of magic with Linda Eder is a wonderful way to start what looks to be a phenomenal season of music that is in store for us all.
