Third Coast Symphony to Present Free Concert in Chicago With Copland and Saint-Saëns

On June 14, 2026, the Third Coast Symphony will present a free orchestral concert at Chicago's historic First Congregational Baptist Church. The new organization is the result of a merger between two former Chicago area orchestras: the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra and Park Ridge Civic Orchestra.

"We're thrilled to kick-off this new entity with a free concert of orchestral favorites that are fun for the whole family," said Music Director Victor Muenzer. "We also look forward to continued programming this fall with two concerts at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie and a holiday performance of Handel's Messiah at the Studebaker Theater, part of their Second Fridays open studios event."

For the June 14 concert, Muenzer will conduct, along with Third Coast Symphony's associate conductor, Charles Taylor, also coordinator of vocal ensembles at Roosevelt University. Local Chicago actor, Penelope Walker, will narrate The Carnival of the Animals.

Third Coast Symphony Chamber Orchestra

Victor Muenzer, conductor
Charles Taylor, associate conductor
Penelope Walker, narrator

COPLAND Appalachian Spring (complete ballet suite for 13 instruments)
George Walker Lyric for Strings
MILHAUD The Creation of the World (La Création du Monde)
SAINT-SAËNS The Carnival of the Animals

More on First Congregational Baptist Church

Upcoming Shows

Third Coast Symphony: Appalachian Spring & Carnival of the Animals

6/14 - 6/14/2026

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