Single tickets now on sale for Music by the Lake

Williams Bay, Wis., May 5, 2006 — Single tickets are now on sale for the 2006 Music by the Lake summer music series at George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wis.

This year’s series features:

• Peter Nero and Members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 1. Two-time Grammy Award winning pianist and conductor Peter Nero leads members of the incomparable MSO in a program blending classical, swing, Broadway, blues and jazz. Nero, called “the epitome of the Pops conductor/performer” by “The Washington Post,” infuses his performance with creativity, excellence and an inviting sense of humor. With 10 additional Grammy nominations and 67 albums to his credit, Peter Nero owns the stage.
• The Ramsey Lewis Trio presents jazz on Saturday, July 8, at 7:30 p.m. After first captivating fans with his debut album, “Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing,” the gifted composer and pianist Ramsey Lewis has become the quintessential Chicago jazz artist representing the great diversity of music for which the Windy City is noted. His accomplishments include three Grammy Awards, seven gold records and countless additional honors. He currently hosts “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis,” a radio program which airs in more than 65 cities throughout the country. Come hear why Chicago’s own classically trained, legendary jazz artist is referred to as “the great performer.” The artist underwriter for this performance is The J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation.
• “The Student Prince,” an operetta featuring the Music by the Lake Orchestra, Chorus and Soloists is at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. Containing some of the most beautiful, yet demanding tenor arias in the operetta repertoire, “The Student Prince” was Sigmund Romberg’s most successful work. Running for 608 performances on Broadway, with revivals in the 1930s and 1940s, the operetta is an enduring favorite. Now considered a classic, this endearing story of the Prince who enjoyed a taste of college life before becoming king of mythical Karlsburg will win audience members’ hearts. Glorious melodies and superb male choral singing combine to make this operetta one of the finest and most enjoyable works of its kind. Under the direction of Music by the Lake Executive Director Christine Flasch, “The Student Prince” features talented young soloists as well as a spirited chorus and a full orchestra.
• The Irish Tenors with Arnie Roth and Members of the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 5. Since first joining voices in 1998, The Irish Tenors have breathed new life into a wide range of traditional vocal favorites from the Emerald Isle, proving themselves gifted interpreters of Ireland’s musical heritage. Anthony Kearns, John McDermott and Finbar Wright will join with the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra and dynamic conductor Arnie Roth in a stunning evening of Irish treasures. This remarkable performance closes the 2006 Music by the Lake season. The artist underwriter for this performance is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation.

Performances are held in the Allyn Pavilion for the Performing Arts at George Williams College of Aurora University, located on the shores of Geneva Lake.

Single tickets are available for all performances in the pavilion seating area for $40, the terrace seating area for $25 and the lawn area for $10. Tickets for the special afternoon performance of “The Student Prince” on Sunday, July 23, are available for the following: dress circle seating, $25; pavilion and terrace seating, $15; and lawn seating, $5. Season subscriptions are still available with terrace seating at $100. Lawn seating packages (four tickets redeemable at any event) are available for $35.

For tickets, visit the Web site at www.aurora.edu/mbtl or call 866-843-5200, toll free.

The 2006 Music by the Lake concert series is generously supported by presenting sponsor Keefe Real Estate; platinum sponsors AT&T and Gage Marine and Lake Geneva Cruise Line; gold sponsors The Abbey Resort, Aurora Health Care, Fairwyn Development & Investment, Gilbert’s Fine Dining, Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Interlaken Resort & Country Spa and Scherrer Construction, Inc.; and silver sponsors Balestrieri Environmental and Development, Inc., Community Shoppers, Inc., LaSalle Bank Wealth Management, M&I Wealth Management, locally-owned Mid-America Bank, Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects, Sodexho Campus Services and WLKG 96.1 The Lake.

Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. The university is comprised of two campuses: a 27-acre campus in Aurora, Ill., with 10 academic, administrative and residential buildings; and the 241-acre George Williams College on Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wis. Approximately 4,000 degree-seeking students are enrolled each year on the university’s Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels.

George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wis., offers 11 academic programs, unique conference facilities for business meetings, an 18-hole golf course, recreation activities, and the annual Music by the Lake series.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media may download high resolution photos by going to the Music by the Lake press room at www.aurora.edu/mbtl/press.