Poised against a simple magenta-colored backdrop, musicians dressed in black began the first notes of the “Russian Sailor’s Dance.”

The simplicity of the stage contrasted with the elaborate decoration of the theater interior, which contained murals and gilded reliefs. The light glistening off the instruments held by the musicians was the only decoration the stage needed.

The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed its “A Russian Spectacular” fall concert Sunday afternoon at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

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Directed by Linc Smelser, a cellist and NIU faculty member, the members of the KSO played “Russian Sailor’s Dance” from Gliere’s “The Red Poppy,” Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17,” which is also known as “The Little Russian.”

Sunday was the first time the orchestra performed a piece by Peter Tchaikovsky.

After intermission, Smelser remarked that classical music was wonderful for both the mind and spirit.

“We hope to reach the goal of filling this hall,” he said. “It’s a big hall, and DeKalb’s not a large town.”

In order to reach the goal, Victor Barresi, KSO board president, encouraged audience members to bring a friend.

The audience, several hundred strong, seemed pleased with the performance and gave the orchestra a standing ovation.

A non-profit community orchestra for DeKalb County, the KSO is now in its 26th season. It is sponsored by various grants, corporate sponsorships and private donations.

The KSO is comprised of over 60 musicians, performers range from teens to musicians well into the 80s.

Upcoming performances include a holiday pops concert on Dec. 13 and a winter concert on Feb. 22.