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Heartland Festival Orchestra: Behind the Music - Music, Medicine, and the Mind
Thursday, February 05, 2026, 5:30 PM CST
Category: Central Illinois Member Events

A unique opportunity to experience Joshua Roman’s story, music, and voice in the intimate setting of the Betty Jayne Brimmer Performing Arts Center at Café Santa Rosa in Peoria Heights.
The core of the evening will be Joshua’s Immunity - an exploration of the renowned cellist’s life-altering, inspiring experience of ongoing long COVID, with music ranging from J.S. Bach to Roman’s own compositions. Joshua combines performance with storytelling in a moving account of his continuing journey into health. The cellist shares the impact of the illness and the limitations that nearly ended his career, before progressing through a period of doubt, struggle, refocus, and renewal, culminating in a profound acceptance of self and a deeper connection to what's most important in life.

Dr. Douglas Kasper, Peoria’s noted infectious disease specialist, will participate in the evening, bringing his expertise, insights and experience in treating COVID as part of the conversation.

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