Chicago Philharmonic Receives Grant For Its Excellence
By Marielle Shaw in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 26, 2014 7:00PM
Founded in 1988, with roots all the way back to 1979, the beginnings of the Chicago Philharmonic came from a desire to allow great musicians to “perform symphonic music at the highest level” as well as to provide a diverse group of Chicagoans with the chance to hear that music at affordable prices in diverse venues across the city. Principals from Chicago’s Lyric Opera were among the founding members, and developed the group as it progressed forward towards its first concert in 1991.
24 years later, that desire has produced an outstanding ensemble which has partnered with Ravinia; is the orchestra for the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet; and has also shared the stage with some wonderful musicians and artists, from Josh Groban to the Houston Ballet.
For their 25th anniversary season, the group is working on a series which highlights the way music moves us through all five senses. Their November 16th concert will explore the “Power of Touch,” with Joel Smirnoff conducting at Nichols Hall in Evanston at 3 p.m.
The most exciting news of late, though, has come from outside the group’s concert hall. Recently, the MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince awarded them $30,000. The grant is earmarked for general operating support and is aimed at providing that support to mid-size groups with proven records of musical excellence. In 2013 alone, the fund, administered by Prince Charitable Trust, awarded nearly $1.4 million.
It’s exciting news for the group’s 200 members, and for Chicago itself, as excellence in musicianship is recognized, developed and awarded, and should mean many more exciting concerts and collaborations in the Philharmonic’s future.
Check out their plans for the rest of the anniversary season here, and continue to support the arts for current and future generations of Chicago musicians.