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It Does, Indeed, Take a Village

It Does, Indeed, Take a Village

Putting together our Lakefront Pops Concert requires the efforts, expertise, and consideration of many individuals and entities. It all begins with our artistic director, Maestro Lawrence Eckerling, and his care-filled selection of the program. Audience favorites, coupled with pieces to challenge and inspire the orchestra, create a successful balance to please all those involved. From Rossini to Rogers and Hammerstein to John Williams to the 1812 Overture to Sousa, there is something for everyone!

Then there are the orchestra members who responded to the Board’s decision that all who wished to participate in rehearsals and the concert must be fully vaccinated. The number of musicians submitting documentation exceeded expectations – an amazing 88+ orchestra members! And the willingness of all to adhere to CDC guidelines, even as those guidelines changed throughout the rehearsal schedule, was inspiring. Kudos to our incredible musicians!

Of special note is our concertmaster, Julie Fischer. Her beautiful playing will be on display during the Schindler's List Theme. You won't want to miss it.

Speaking of rehearsals, we must thank Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston for providing a great rehearsal space with wonderful acoustics and comfortable accommodations. 

Of course, many thanks must be extended to our primary sponsor, Byline Bank, for underwriting many of the concert expenses – rehearsal, venue and equipment rental, sound system, etc. Byline and its predecessor, First Bank and Trust, have been long-time supporters of the Evanston Symphony, and we are grateful for their continued and sustaining sponsorship.

Baker Demonstration School stepped up to answer the question, “How do you entertain younger audience members who need something to do?” An opportunity for paper crafts and an instrument petting zoo are the perfect answer! A great way to engage all ages in the evening’s event. 

There are also countless volunteers – ETHS students, Board members, and many others – who have signed on to donate time and effort in facilitating this concert. They will be setting up the stage on the performance date, hosting concert patrons, providing information to audience members, coordinating post-performance clean-up, and taking care of post-concert equipment and instrument storage.

It does, indeed, take many hands to make the performance happen. We are grateful to all for their efforts in making our Summer Pops Concert a great success! What a wonderful village we have!!