Pre-Concert Talk: Kelsee Vandervall

Join us for a free 30-minute lecture before each Classics Series concert. These engaging lectures cover the repertoire, composer insights, and secrets from soloists. Please join us for this FREE learning opportunity!

Dvorak & Price
Thursday, March 5

Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have a symphonic work performed by a major national orchestra, is often compared musically to Dvořák, who also employed sweeping melodies and sampled from African American and Native American music traditions. Along with Rossini’s William Tell Overture, this aesthetically beautiful concert experience will be underscored by a reexamining of our classical music roots.

Program:
DVORAK Cello Concerto
PRICE Symphony No. 1
ROSSINI William Tell Overture

Featuring:
Alasdair Neale music director
Oliver Herbert cello

Guest Speaker: Kelsee Vandervall, NHSO Harmony Fellow and Cellist/Arranger

Kelsee Vandervall is a Chicago based cellist, teacher and arranger. A versatile musician, she can be seen doing everything from recording sessions to orchestral performances.

Kelsee received a dual Master’s of Music Degree in Cello Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan in 2018, studying with Anthony Elliott. She was a awarded a fellowship for her 2 years, having the opportunity to train with world-renown faculty and artists such as the Calidore and Takács string quartet.

Most recently, Kelsee was awarded the Harmony Fellowship with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra starting in their 125th season (2018). She can also be seen performing with groups such as the River Raisin Ragtime Revue, ecletic band Glad Rags, and on episodes of the FOX show Empire. Kelsee spent part of 2018 performing with J. Cole on his KOD tour.

An alum of Columbia College Chicago, Kelsee spent 4 years under the instruction of Jill Kaeding and had the opportunity to perform with many artists including; Grammy award winning artist Paula Cole, Todd Rundgren, smooth jazz artist Brian Culbertson, gypsy jazz guitarist Samuel Strouk, Charlie Sexton, record with singer/ songwriter Yoshi Breen, guitarist Kevin Eubanks and Darmon Meader. Previous teachers include Jocelyn Butler of the New Music School and Lincoln Smelser, faculty of Northern Illinois University.