Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Lake Forest Symphony is a classical music ensemble based in Lake Forest, Illinois. The orchestra was founded in 1957 by a group of local musicians who wanted to bring classical music to the community. Since then, the orchestra has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the premier orchestras in the Chicago area. The Lake Forest Symphony is led by Music Director Vladimir Kulenovic, who was appointed in 2016. Kulenovic is an internationally renowned conductor who has worked with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also won numerous awards for his work, including the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview. The orchestra's main members include over 70 professional musicians, many of whom are members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other major orchestras in the area. The orchestra also features a number of talented soloists, including pianist Inon Barnatan, violinist Vadim Gluzman, and cellist Alisa Weilerstein. Over the years, the Lake Forest Symphony has performed a wide range of classical music, from the works of Bach and Beethoven to contemporary composers like John Adams and Jennifer Higdon. The orchestra has also collaborated with a number of other organizations, including the Joffrey Ballet, the Chicago Children's Choir, and the Lake Forest College Choir. One of the highlights of the Lake Forest Symphony's history was its performance at the Ravinia Festival in 2018. The orchestra performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, one of the most iconic works in the classical music canon, to a sold-out crowd. The performance was widely praised by critics and audience members alike, with many calling it one of the best performances of the work they had ever heard. The Lake Forest Symphony has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2019, the orchestra was awarded the Illinois Council of Orchestras' Orchestra of the Year award, recognizing its outstanding contributions to the state's classical music scene. The orchestra has also been praised for its commitment to education and outreach, with programs like its Young Artists Competition and its Music in the Schools program bringing classical music to a new generation of listeners. In addition to its regular concert series, the Lake Forest Symphony also hosts a number of special events throughout the year. These include its annual gala, which features performances by some of the world's leading classical musicians, as well as its popular holiday concerts, which feature festive music and sing-alongs. Overall, the Lake Forest Symphony is a vital part of the Chicago area's classical music scene, bringing world-class performances to audiences in Lake Forest and beyond. With its talented musicians, innovative programming, and commitment to education and outreach, the orchestra is sure to continue to thrive for many years to come.

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