LANSING, Ill. (July 28, 2021) – By the time the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra was ready to perform on Wednesday, July 28, evening temperatures had finally dropped into the low 80s, taking the edge off the humidity that has hung over Lansing for much of the summer. The crowd at Fox Pointe set up lawn chairs and blankets on the cool grass to enjoy an outdoor performance as part of the free Wednesday concert series at Fox Pointe.
The orchestra plays at several other outdoor venues in the area, but according to one of the stage managers, Fox Pointe is the best. “This is awesome,” he said. “It really is.” Not only are the aesthetics elegant, he explained, but the acoustics are perfect, with a stage designed to project sound out to the audience.
The symphony began at 7:30pm, included an intermission, and ended before 10:00pm.
Friends set up on the Fox Pointe lawn Ravinia-style in anticipation of the Northwest Indiana Symphony concert. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
“I’ve been looking forward to this for almost four years,” said Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam, “since Fox Pointe was under construction. It was one of my goals to get the Northwest Indiana Symphony right over here to our Lansing.” (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The setting of a hazy sun marked the end of a humid day and the beginning of the NWI Symphony’s performance. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
“We’re so pleased to be here in Lansing with you fine folks,” said Conductor Kirk Muspratt. “It’s just great to have the orchestra back playing together.” (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The program included a variety of classical music, including a piece by Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Audience members enjoyed a relaxing evening. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The crowd under the pavilion enjoyed socializing as much as symphonizing. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Family and friends. And food. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
As darkness fell, the lights on the stage came up. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The performance included an intermission followed by more music under the stars. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Maestro Muspratt believes “Symphonic music is for everyone.” (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The Fox Pointe venue allows audience members close proximity to the stage. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Near the end of the evening, the orchestra received a standing ovation from a grateful audience. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
“I really love instruments,” said Andy Barron after the performance, giving the NWI Symphony Orchestra an enthusiastic thumbs-up. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
A symphony sampling
Fox Pointe is located at 18138 Henry Street in Lansing, Illinois. The schedule of upcoming events and concerts is available at the Fox Pointe website, foxpoint.org.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
Great to hear this style of music in town!
Nice job to all involved…cities should do this kind of thing for its citizens and neighbors (like from Cal City)