The Eastern Symphony Orchestra performed “Stagestruck” Sunday in the Dvorak Concert Hall along with eight soloists, some of which were members of conductor Richard Rossi’s family.

Rossi, an assistant music professor, described the concert as “extremely exciting with a very receptive audience.”

“The show contained lots of variety for different people, young and old,” he said.

The orchestra began the program with pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz von Suppe, some of which have been popularized in numerous cartoons.

Middle school and high school students, who were members of the String Honors Initiative Program, also participated in the concert. The program is designed to provide orchestral experience for exceptional middle and high school string players in Coles County and surrounding counties.

“This is the first performance we’ve incorporated this program,” Rossi said. “It’s a great recruiting tool.”

Regina Rossi, soprano, and Anthony Rossi, tenor, entertained the audience with “Stranger In Paradise.” The strong voice of Anthony Rossi has been featured with artists such as Carol Burnett and Sammy Davis Jr., and he has even performed for President Dwight Eisenhower.

In addition, Eastern graduate Charlotte Martin performed some original selections from her latest recordings with the words “I’m normal, please date me.”

Martin, a Charleston native, currently lives in California and recently signed a multi-album record contract with RCA Records to record her original music.