Concertmaster Chen bows out of CSO solo appearance
Chicago Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Robert Chen has bowed out of his solo appearances this month with the CSO due to continuing rotator cuff tendinitis, which sidelined him earlier this season. Chen will continue his regular concertmaster duties as he recovers.
Violinist Stella Chen (no relation) will replace him in the two scheduled concertante works, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Ravel’s Tzigane. The rest of the February 20-22 program, to be conducted by Jane Glover, contains Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Britten’s Suite on English Folk Tunes and Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 (“London”). cso.org
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The Ravinia Festival announced this week that they have embarked upon an extensive $75 million renovation. The “Setting the Stages” campaign is in two phases, the first of which is already in progress and will be completed before the 2025 summer season opens.
The renovations to the pavilion includes a new and deeper stage, a new acoustic shell for orchestral performances, a state-of-the-art audio system, a “robust show lighting system,” and new audience seating throughout the structure.
“For more than a century, Ravinia has been a cherished destination for generations of artists and audiences from our region and around the world,” said Jeffrey P. Haydon, president and CEO of Ravinia, in a released statement. “For many, the Pavilion is their first introduction to Ravinia, and it hosts a wide range of events, from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s annual residency and shows by legendary pop and jazz artists…”
“Renovation of the Pavilion is essential to securing Ravinia’s future and is the first of many exciting changes to come in the park. Our goal is to make every part of Ravinia more welcoming, comfortable, and exciting, while keeping us at the forefront of artistic presentation and programming for generations to come.”
Ravinia’s 2025 season opens June 6. ravinia.org
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After a 15-year tenure, Mark George has stepped down as president of the Music Institute of Chicago effective immediately, the school announced late Thursday.
“MIC extends its appreciation and gratitude to Dr. George for his passion and commitment in fulfilling MIC’s mission of leading people toward a lifelong engagement with music,” said board chair Scott Verschoor. “His many contributions will leave a positive imprint on MIC for years to come. We wish him success as he pursues other endeavors.”
Vice president and chief operating officer Sue Polutnik will assume interim leadership for the operations and internal affairs as MIC conducts a national search for a successor.
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