SSO to open season with guest conductor

The Southwest Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will present its first concert this season 'Inspiration' on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m., at Mother McAuley High School, 3737 W. 99th St. This concert will spotlight Benjamin Firer as guest conductor. He has programmed three pieces 'Inspiration!' by Mason, 'La jeunesse d'Hercule, Op. 50,' by Saint-Saens, and Tchaikovsky's 'Symphony No. 2.' Firer serves as the assistant professor of conducting at Roosevelt University, principal conductor at Harmonie North, music director of the Harper Symphony Orchestra and assistant conductor of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Firer has made appearances with numerous ensembles nationally and internationally. Firer has held conducting positions with the nation's leading youth orchestras including the Chicago Youth Symphony. Firer received his doctorate in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University, and he has a master's degree from Yale University. Tickets are $25 to $30 for seniors, adults $30 to $35; full-time students and children are free. For more information or tickets, call (708) 802-0686, or visit southwestsymphony.com.