I finally got around to looking through the CSO’s 2007/2008 subscriber guide, which came in the mail a few days ago. I was of course ecstatic to see Taras Bulba and the Symphony of Psalms on the calendar. In any case, what was very interesting was a two-page spread devoted to the history of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, which celebrates it’s 50th anniversary this year.

Well of course I mention this, because there is an Elgin connection, as those of you who are ESO fans must know. The Chicago Symphony Chorus was founded in 1957 by Margaret Hillis at the behest of Fritz Reiner, legendary music director of the CSO. Hillis, who would win nine grammy awards for her work, continued to lead the chorus until 1994, but she concurrently held the post of music director of the ESO from 1971 to 1985.

She was the one who started the transformation that made the orchestra what it is today. She can also be credited with establishing the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is of course Illinois’s premier youth orchestra and the only youth orchestra to be invited to perform at Ravinia, the CSO’s summer home.

Some highlights from the CSO calendar:

• Janacek - Taras Bulba
• Stravinsky - Symphony of Psalms
• Wagner - Tristan und Isolde (Prelude & Liebestod)
• Bartok - Piano Concerto no.3
• Holst - The Planets

Filed under: arts, music.
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