Chicago Philharmonic 2021-2022

THE CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY | 2021-2022 SEASON 7 2021-2022 SEASON Chicago Philharmonic Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director Terell Johnson! A er a nationwide search, Terell was chosen by a Chicago Philharmonic Board-appointed search committee and o cially joined the administrative team on July 1, 2021. Terell steps into the role of Executive Director on the heels of Donna Milanovich, who was Executive Director from 2010-2021. Terell joins the organization a er six years at the New World Symphony, and a recent SphinxOrganizationLEADFellowship. Terell, how did you come to love classical music? I started playing music at about age seven; I began with piano and absolutely loved it. In middle school, I decided to pick up the clarinet. I think from that point, I was on the path. I went to a performing arts high school; it was a great community of artists. A er high school, I attended the University of Central Florida where I earned my Bachelor of Music. From there, I went to Florida State University for graduate school and earned a Master of Music in clarinet performance. A er nishing my degree at Florida State, I moved to Chicago. I had such an amazing experience in this city, connecting with artists, enjoying performance opportunities, and teaching. While here, I juggled several positions. I had a studio of about 45 clarinet and piano students at BucktownMusic. I alsoworked for the Northshore Concert Band, and I was a recruiter for the Chicago High School for the Arts. In building my skillset, the Northshore Concert Band really showed me how to work well with a board, and ChiArts was my introduction to all of Chicago. I traveled up and down, le and right, all over our city and outside of the city recruiting for that program, and I got to meet so many talented potential students. What do you see for the future of Chicago Philharmonic? What I see is a profoundly collaborative relationship with the community that we reside in as well as continued opportunities to expand the rich o erings of the Philharmonic nationally and internationally. I think we’re on a great path. I spent the last six years at the New World Symphony, most recently as the director of business development and director of community engagement. NewWorld is an orchestral laboratory founded by Michael Tilson omas and is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders and performers. I’ve seen incredible innovation in terms of incorporating technology into performance and a wealth of curiosity, creativity, and wonder fromthemusicians. In this new role I will strive to create innovative, vibrant and immersive performance opportunities for our musicians and patrons. What do you think the rst live symphonic concert will feel like this season? I think there’s going to be goosebumps. I recently sat in a 50-person audience for an exclusive Chicago Philharmonic and Adrian Dunn recording of Redemption [in June 2021]. is was a collaboration with Harris eater for their HT Virtual Stage. Even in that intimate setting the live experience was electric. As we welcome audiences back I think our performances this season will be an indescribable experience for everyone. I am thrilled to return to Chicago and excited to serve our great community of musicians in this new role. I want to thank our donors, patrons, and musicians for their inspiring support as I navigate the philharmonic through our bright future ahead. Photo by Elliot Mandel An Interview with Executive Director Terell Johnson