Chicago Philharmonic 2021-2022

4 2021-2022 SEASON | THE CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY 2021-2022 SEASON Chicago Philharmonic S L S S , S -J, C , IL | . . | . . T C P S Welcome to Chicago Philharmonic’s 32 nd Season! Our mission: rough an inclusive community of musicians and community members, the Society wishes to excite, engage, and transform diverse audiences through the beauty and power of great music. A new orchestra for Chicago Chicago Philharmonic’s beginnings go back to 1979 when principal musicians from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra formed the “Orchestra of Illinois” to present symphonic performances outside the opera hall. Although this organization was disbanded in 1988, that same year the orchestra members rallied once again to create the “Orchestral Society of Illinois”. In March of 1991, a er years of planning and fundraising, the new Society held its rst concert as “Symphony II” under the leadership of Maestro Larry Rachle , who would go on to serve as Music Director for the next 23 years. In late 2004, the orchestra changed its name to “Chicago Philharmonic”. A community of musicians In 2012, the organization began a transition to its formal structure as a musician-governed society supported by an active membership of musicians and non-musicians. Led by the new Board Chairman Paul R. Judy, the Society described itself as a “community of musicians,” formalizing a long-time culture of musician leadership and participation. e phrase was coined by Pierre Boulez as the ideal form for a major arts organization, and has been endorsed by prominent thinkers including Robert Shaw, Gunter Schuller, Ernest Fleishmann, and Bruce Coppock. In 2012, the Society adopted the formal name “ e Chicago Philharmonic Society” to re ect the organization’s structure, increasingly diverse music o erings, and varying ensemble sizes from symphonic to chamber. Chicago Philharmonic today In the years since, Chicago Philharmonic has consistently won praise frommusic critics and audiences alike. e Illinois Council of Orchestras has recently awarded the Chicago Philharmonic “Orchestra of the Year”; (2018), “Programming of the Year” (2019), “Community Relations of the Year” (2019), “Executive Director of the Year” (2020), and “Conductor of the Year” (2021). Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Scott Speck, the orchestra’s symphonic concerts cover the full spectrum of music, encompassing all classical music from Baroque to living composers, as well as pops, jazz, gospel, and music from around the world. Chicago Philharmonic has performed in spectacular venues including North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Harris eater for Music and Dance, Auditorium eatre, Symphony Center, Copernicus Center, New York’s Lincoln Center, and many more. Since 2010, the Chicago Phil Chamber series has provided audiences with intimate performances in popular venues throughout Illinois and Wisconsin at City Winery Chicago and Jazz Showcase. Chicago Philharmonic is known for providing exceptional symphonicsupporttolocalandinternationalartsorganizations in all music genres. Chicago Philharmonic also continues its nearly 30-year association with Ravinia Festival, performing under the moniker “Ravinia Festival Orchestra”, and served as the o cial orchestra of the Jo rey Ballet for eight years. At Ravinia alone, the orchestra has performed with Joshua Bell, Lady Gaga, Johnny Mathis, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and many more. e orchestra has provided contractual support for esteemed institutions including the English National Ballet, American Ballet eatre, Miami City Ballet, Pitchfork Music’s Midwinter Festival, and more. e Society has gradually nurtured a growing community engagement initiative, with seven interrelated programs that support young musicians and music lovers.