Chicago Classical Review

*Elliott Golub, founding concertmaster of Music of the Baroque, passed away last week, age 85.

Hired by MOB founder and conductor Thomas Wikman, Golub was first violinist of MOB for more than three decades, from the premiere concert in 1972 until his retirement in 2006. As leader and frequent soloist, Golub’s elegant tone and polished, graceful musicianship set a standard of high ensemble quality that endures today.

“Elliott Golub was Music of the Baroque’s founding concertmaster from its inception in 1972,” said executive director Declan McGovern, in a statement released by MOB.  “He was an outstanding musician, leader, and orchestral contractor who was largely responsible for building the orchestra as we know it today. Although he retired in 2006, he remained very close to MOB. He loved our organization and attended rehearsals and concerts right up to the end of last season. He was kind, talented and generous. We will miss him greatly.” 

*The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has named Ken-David Masur as principal conductor of the Civic Orchestra, effective this fall.

“It is a great joy and privilege for me to begin serving as Principal Conductor of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, an orchestra that is nurtured by a collaboration among the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, its Negaunee Music Institute and the many guest conductors and artists who care for the program each year,” said Masur in a statement released by CSO.  “I look forward to working with the talented, young musicians who make up this storied ensemble as the program enters its second century of great music making in service to its community.”

Masur, incoming music director of the Milwaukee Symphony, has led the Civic in each of the last three seasons. He will lead three weeks of concerts with the Civic, the CSO’s training orchestra, in the 2019-20 season.

*The American Music Project has announced a second commission from Chicago composer-pianist Amy Wurtz. The organization, which launched with the world premiere of her Piano Quintet in 2014, will debut Wurtz’s String Quartet No. 3 in the 2019-20 season. Artists and dates are TBA

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