The Sinfonietta Bel Canto (SBC), is based in Downers Grove, IL. Founded as an Illinois
not-for-profit corporation in 2010, the SBC provides Downers Grove and the Western Suburbs with an outlet to enjoy premier classical symphonic and chamber opera works. The western suburbs are rich in musical talent, and the SBC allows audiences to enjoy performers from their community. Its members are well-seasoned musicians, sharing their musical talents with audiences throughout the Chicagoland area. Additionally, the SBC often collaborates with other groups outside of its regular subscription season.
Board of Directors
Kathy Horton – secretary
Angela Presutti Korbitz
Hubert Ley – treasurer
Oksana Akulow Lundeen
Mark Running – vice-president
Lynne Shigley – president
Stephen Thurlow
Dan Pasquale D’Andrea
Music & Artistic Director/Conductor
Praised by the Illinois Council of Orchestra for outstanding programming — Community Relations of the Year (2006), Chamber Orchestra of the Year (2003-4), and Outstanding Programming (2001-02) — Conductor Dan Pasquale D’Andrea is music director of several ensembles, including the Senior Suburban Orchestra, Sinfonietta Bel Canto, Sinfonietta DuPage, and the Combined Church Choir of Itasca. He served as music director/conductor of the College of DuPage Chamber Orchestra for 11 years and the Salt Creek Sinfonietta for 14 years, and has guest conducted several area ensembles, including most recently the Wheaton Symphony Orchestra.
An in demand adjudicator, Mr. D’Andrea has judged area solo competitions, and for 3 consecutive years served on the peer review board of the Hinsdale Center for the Arts. Also a harpsichordist and an award-winning bassoonist, he has appeared as soloist with several orchestras including the New England Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, and his solo honors include co-winner of the 1990 National Association for Composers/USA Young Performers’ Competition, semi-finalist in the 1987 Fernand Gillet Young Artist Competition, and winner of the Double-Reed award at the 1989 Kingsville International Young Performers’ Competition. A Chicago area native, he has music degrees from DePaul University (Bachelor’s in Music Education, High Honors), New England Conservatory (Master’s in Bassoon Performance), and Northern Illinois University (Master’s with Conducting Emphasis). He is currently Principal Bassoon with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. Demonstrations of his solo bassoon playing (3 videos, including “Flight of the Bumble bee”) are available on Youtube (click here ); multiple videos of his conducting and artistic direction of opera are also on YouTube (click here ).