In Thursday’s (2/14) Chicago Tribune, Barbara Dargis writes, “Even though the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is well into its 35th season, many associated with the regional orchestra believe the best is yet to come. And that’s a tall order for an orchestra with a rich and varied past, according to a musician who has been playing bass with the IPO since it took on professional status in 1978. … That versatility and skill will be on display during performances of Tchaikovsky’s Epic Violin Concerto on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a smaller segment of the IPO, with 31 stringed instruments and 15 wind instruments. The venue for the upcoming Valentine concert is Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center in Frankfort, which IPO executive director Andrew Bradford calls the orchestra’s ‘artistic residence.’ In return for use of Lincoln-Way facilities, the IPO several times a year offers students classroom instruction and free tickets to any IPO concert. But the real bonus to students is instruction from David Danzmayr, the world-class conductor whose home is in Austria and who took over as music director last June. ‘This was a big score for us,’ Bradford said. ‘Mr. Danzmayr has extensive experience conducting.’ …The Illinois Philharmonic has come through the economic climate virtually unscathed, [Board Vice President Bill] Donne said, thanks to the support of public and private contributions. Ticket sales have remained stable throughout the years.”
Posted February 14, 2013
