The Southern Illinois Music Festival
Classical Music, Art and Jazz in the Hills Of Southern Illinois
June 12-July 2, 2008

The 4th annual Southern Illinois Music Festival features more than 50 performances in venues from Mt. Vernon to Cairo and Murphysboro to Marion, including a seven-concert series at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Shryock Auditorium. Musicians from throughout the United States, Europe and Asia perform orchestral and chamber music, opera, ballet, musical theater, jazz, patriotic and new music, in an informal atmosphere. Casual dress is welcome!

Most concerts are indoors, but there are also several outdoor events, including a performance followed by fireworks at Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners. Other Festival highlights include a fully staged opera, in Sesser and Carbondale, and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet . A large number of events are free and tailored just for children, including Klassics for Kids and Jive with Jazz. New this summer is a regional Art Fair featuring award winning artists and artisans from throughout the region.

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.

The majority of the Festival performances are free. Admission for other performances are noted on the schedule and ticket order form. Tickets for the Shryock Auditorium events are available through Ticketmaster (866-646-8849; www.ticketmaster.com). Tickets for other performances are available directly from the Southern Illinois Music Festival office or at each individual venue on the day of the event. Please join us for another exciting summer of great music!

Edward Benyas, Artistic Director and Conductor