Chit-Chat: Salt Creek Sinfonietta to sweeten season

Dan Pasquale D’Andrea, who recently launched the new season of the Salt Creek Sinfonietta in Hinsdale, takes the chamber orchestra on the road for a holiday benefit concert by the Combined Church Choir of Itasca. A busy music director, the Downers Grove resident also conducts the Senior Suburban Orchestra and College of DuPage Chamber Orchestra.

Salt Creek Sinfonietta is one of the musical ensembles conducted by Dan Pasquale D’Andrea, who grew up in Itasca and now lives in Downers Grove. SUBMITTED PHOTO

How did the benefit concert start for your choir?
It’s our 18th concert. It’s always been a charity fundraising concert. When I was getting it going, the whole idea had a three-fold purpose: One was a charity fundraiser, second was to present a concert in Itasca of high entertainment value, and third, of equal importance, it’s an ecumenical event for the various Christian denominations during that special holiday time. The Itasca council of churches was willing to go in on it with me. (Charity recipients include) DuPage PADS, an Itasca area food pantry and a walk-in ministry.

Describe what’s in store.
It’s always a great way to kick off the holiday season. You’re helping others. We have a sing-along planned and the handbell choir will be there — a combined church effort. It’s really a very unique event. People come from ... outside areas, from Chicago. And a reception afterward (serves) not just punch and cookies, (but) culinary treats.

Who are your Salt Creek Sinfonietta musicians?
We have some really accomplished players. Most have music degrees. The whole purpose of the Sinfonietta was to give semi-professionals an outlet. (They) often are front seats in other groups they play in. It’s an all-star group, so to speak.

Talk about your orchestra’s home venue in Hinsdale.
Redeemer Lutheran Church is an intimate environment. It only seats 200. There are fine acoustics in that church, sitting close to a 30- to 35-piece orchestra. It what’s (audiences) would have heard back when Beethoven or Mozart were playing in smaller music rooms.

What does your Sunday afternoon performance season hold?
Mendelssohn and Schumann were born one year apart: 1809 and 1810. We’re doing a bicentennial. It’s sort of our overarching theme of the season. We have some fine guest soloists. I’m glad to have the Hinsdale South High School Choir with us (Nov. 15). January (offers) a little bit of a Mozart repast; we have a vocalist and French hornist, (followed in March with a festival celebrating) female composers, and (in May) with the Schumann Piano Concerto.

HEAR THEM PLAY

WHAT Salt Creek Sinfonietta joins a Christmas concert benefit by the Combined Church Choir of Itasca
WHERE Hanmee Presbyterian Church, 1149 W. Bloomingdale Road, Itasca
WHEN 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
HOW MUCH $9, $5 for children ages 3 to 12, with tickets at Itasca Library or at the door; call (630) 773-8518 for details
SEASON For the Hinsdale season schedule, visit www.saltcreeksinfonietta.com or call (630) 415-2899