AMONG DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS . . . . .
Contributions and achievements of the Chicago Chamber Orchestra
have been consistently recognized, praised and supported by
audiences, critical reviews and personalities of international
renown. Visitors to Chicago frequently refer with appreciative
communications to the quality of performances that we present
free to the public.
Composer
Leo Sowerby recommended Dieter Kober and the Chicago Chamber
Orchestra as an ideal vehicle for performances of new music.
Alexander Tcherepnin’s admiration for the Chicago Chamber
Orchestra led to revision of some his compositions, especially
to accommodate the smaller size of this ensemble. Rudolph Ganz,
mentor of conductor and orchestra, who actively participated
in its administration, expressed his solidarity and admiration.
When approaching the age of ninety, he insisted on performing
his farewell concert as piano soloist at a concert with the
Chicago Chamber Orchestra. Chicago Tribune music critic John
von Rhein noted the orchestra’s impact on the Chicago
scene expressing hope and wishes that it may flourish for ever:
“One of the most notable success stories, one in which
we can all take pride.” Sun–Times music critic Robert
C. Marsh wrote: “Kober lets a concert blossom musically
... winning prestige for Chicago abroad. Chicago’s renowned
author Studs Terkel praised the orchestra as “a jewel
in Chicago’s crown”. The list of distinguished supporters
includes Sir George Solti (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)., Kurt
Masur (New York Philharmonic), motion picture autority and critic
Roger Ebert, Renowned sculptor Richard Hunt, Illinois Governor
and active board member William Stratton, and the late Senator
Paul Simon, who joined the Chicago Chamber Orchestra as narrator
in Copland´s “Lincoln Portrait”.
