Lake Forest Symphony
Sunday
January 27, 2013
3:00 p.m.
Fifty strings in a gala perfomance!
Robert Kalter and William English founded the Lake Forest Symphony in 1957 as a chamber orchestra of volunteer musicians. By 1965 the group had over 60 players, and in 1988 became fully professional. Under the visionary leadership of conductors Victor Aitay, Paul Anthony McRae, and David Itkin, the Symphony firmly established a distinguished reputation.
Under the visionary leadership of conductors Victor Aitay, Paul Anthony McRae, and David Itkin, the Symphony firmly established a distinguished reputation. In 1991 the Symphony was chosen from twelve orchestras in the Midwest to be a featured guest orchestra at the American Symphony Orchestra League’s National Conference in Chicago. In October of the same year pianist Andre Watts performed two benefit concerts with the Symphony to celebrate its 35th anniversary. In 1995 and again in 2006, the Illinois Council of Orchestras named the Lake Forest Symphony the Illinois Orchestra of the Year.
Today, Music Director Alan Heatherington continues to build and solidify the orchestra. His thoughtful and innovative programming and conducting is combined with a knack for spotting emerging talent. Because he often features new pieces by living composers, Maestro Heatherington is known as a champion of new works. His high visibility in the musical world and warm rapport with audiences have been major contributors to a significant increase in year-round audiences.
