Music Institute of Chicago 2022 Impact Report

Dear Friends,

Most of us have learned that there are seven notes on the musical staff, A-B-C-D-E-F and G. However, we believe the Music Institute of Chicago has discovered an additional note, an “H”. There is great power in the “H” note.

MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO HEAL. At the Music Institute, we believe that music strengthens bonds and nourishes the human spirit. In a world with so many challenges, music is a constant, bringing comfort, joy, and inspiration to all who experience it. MIC students perform for a wide range of people, from audiences at Nichols Concert Hall to individuals struggling with poor health or lack of a permanent home.

MUSIC CAN HELP. We believe that music and music education are essential aspects of a well-educated and compassionate community. Excellent music instruction yields excellent young musicians who are dedicated to their communities. MIC students and faculty regularly perform as a community service to senior residences and for grassroots community events.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, MUSIC BRINGS HOPE. We are laser-focused on bringing music and music education to communities that might not otherwise have access. That is why MIC allocates nearly $500,000 each year for financial aid, scholarships, and community programs, this year including financial aid for several refugee students from Ukraine.

We hope you will be as inspired as we are by the impact of our people and programs. You have our personal invitation to visit one of our campuses to learn about how we teach music or come to Nichols Concert Hall to take in an exciting performance. The Music Institute is proud to have served our community in 2021–22, and we look forward to another great year of musical note, including the distinctive “H” note!

Scott Verschoor Mark George Board Chair President and CEO

FAMILIES IN CONCERT

On March 20, 2022, Families in Concert (FIC) returned to Nichols Concert Hall to perform for in-person and livestream audiences. FIC showcased an eclectic sampling of the amazing students and families who are a part of MIC’s Community Music School while helping to raise funds for critical financial aid and need-based scholarships. Emceed by MIC Director of Arts Integration and Musical Theater Artistic Director Matt Boresi, the host committee included Yana Nedvetsky, Kathy Nordmeyer, Renée Parquette, and Zalman Usiskin. Matching gifts from Dan and Yoo Mi Hahn and 5 Purple Oranges were key to the fundraiser's sucess.

MIC is one of just a few community music schools in the nation offering organ lessons. Alumnus James Janossy returned to MIC as an adult student of Brian Schoettler to study on MIC's historic 1914 E.M. Skinner pipe organ.

Musikgarten® students of Noralyn Baroja

Aanya Santosh, student of Dorothy Jean Lloyd

Nishant Carr, student of Tanya Carey

Theo Chevalier, student of Jeremiah Frederick

Families in Concert photos © Mike Grittani

30 performers ages five to adult including siblings, parents, faculty, board members, and alumni performed music by 18 composers from 10 countries featuring 12 different instruments across 5 musical periods, from Baroque to Modern, to raise over $40,000 for need-based financial aid and scholarships.

"The MIC financial aid program enabled me to become the artist I am today. I couldn't be more grateful to all of those who continue to support the program for other students, both those who aspire to be professionals and those who are simply passionate about having music in their lives."

~ Rachel Barton Pine, alumna and life

trustee

Rachel Barton Pine and her award-winning daughter Sylvia (MIC student of Davis King) performed a classical work by French-Creole composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges and a commissioned Klezmer work entitled "Escape to the Light" by Joe Deninzon, a Russian-Jewish immigrant.

SUZUKI STRONG

The spring Families in Concert event helped spark key support for a new tuition-free

Suzuki string program in south Evanston. After exploring the needs and interests of the community, MIC launched a bilingual Third Coast Suzuki Strings program at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in May 2022. MIC Suzuki teachers Bianca d'Avila do Prado and Everardo Sanchez, professionally trained in Suzuki methodology, work with 15 students ages 4 to 10 on important music fundamentals like developing daily habits for practice and listening, honing focus and physical endurance, and establishing a supportive community of students and parents. William Harris Lee & Company generously provides free instrument rental to all students in the program.

Everardo Sanchez and Bianca d'Avila do Prado welcome a student to his first cello lesson.

Meet Bianca d'Avila do Prado

My main goal as a teacher is to help students

learn to love playing cello as much as I do. I love to see how music can connect people independent of their language, age, or ethnicity. Music is a powerful tool to bring people together, to create better citizens, and to bring peace, joy, and beauty to the world.

Recent Awards

My composition "Brazilian Habanera for Strings" was one of five pieces selected to be part of the Beginning Level Volumes of the Celebrating Diversity in String Music Anthology, promoted by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a prize awarded by the Sphinx Venture Fund in 2021. This collection of music will be published and distributed to schools in the United States.

Publications

•

•

"Setting Habits for Success: How Being a Suzuki Student Can Transform Your Child’s Brain," American Suzuki Journal, November 2021

"Teaching Diversity: Four Brazilian Pieces for String Orchestra," Scroll Magazine from the Illinois ASTA

• "Viajando Pelo Brasil I, Suite for Strings: A Fun Way to Explore the Richness of Brazilian Culture and Music," American String Teacher Magazine, May 2022

SUZUKI EDUCATION AT THE MUSIC INSTITUTE

Suzuki faculty 7

Suzuki Teacher Trainers 9 instruments are part of the program: piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, flute, harp, and recorder

VIRTUOSO STRINGS

The Music Institute of Chicago welcomed the Virtuoso Strings as its newest ensemble with the start of the new school year in September 2021. The performing and touring chamber ensemble, directed by Julie Bickel, consists of 20–30 young Suzuki performers mostly from the western suburbs. The group's concert repertoire includes classic works by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms alongside music from various ethnic, cultural, and religious traditions.

Virtuoso Strings makes a wonderful addition to MIC's already robust Suzuki program, one of the largest in the country. MIC Suzuki students benefit from a deep bench of well-trained faculty and ample enrichment opportunities, including winter workshops, the Summer Chicago Suzuki Institute, regular performance opportunities, and more.

Meet Julie Bickel

Virtuoso String students prepare to perform at the 2022 Gala clebration.

Julie Bickel joined MIC's faculty as violinist, violist, and director of the Virtuoso Strings in 2021. She previously taught violin with the Wheaton College Community School of the Arts and directetd the Vivaldi Strings chamber group. An MIC alumna, Bickel studied with Betty Monahan, Almita and Roland Vamos, Rachel Barton Pine, Simin Ganatra, Mathias Tacke, Vermeer Quartet, and Brian Lewis. She currently performs with the Butterfield String Quartet with colleagues Anita Arch, Emily Puntuzs, and Tanya Carey.

ALOHA POSTCARD - HAWAII TOUR 2022

• performances at pearl harbor , ala moana center , and punahou music school • a native hawaiian music masterclass with duane padilla • visits to the polynesian center and dole plantation , snorkeling , hiking , swimming , and a luau !

ARTSLINK

Arts education brings hope to students of all ages, allowing children to access their natural creativity and dream about a world of new possibilities. Unfortunately, students in historically marginalized and under-resourced communities do not often have the opportunities in the arts that they deserve. The ArtsLink program addresses these needs through multiple-week school residencies, where MIC teaching artists work with classroom teachers to integrate music with core academic subjects. The result is a measurable increase in student participation and excitement about school, and improvement in retained knowledge of both music and academic subjects. Professional development for classroom teachers expands ArtsLink's reach so arts integration activities can continue at participating schools long after the end of

a residency. For example, one classroom teacher received a semester of MIC percussion instruction so she could continue leading the drumline with skill and confidence, bringing renewed hope to countless children. To augment our residencies, ArtsLink provides educational materials for continued use by school partners alongside carts of classroom percussion instruments. At one school, an entire set of full-sized drums was purchased and left behind for the school’s popular student drumline.

Joseph

Students from LEARN Excel perform at the 2022 Gala.

ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNITY: A MULTI-TRACK APPROACH

This spring the Music Institute uniquely engaged with a broad community along multiple tracks, providing access to the warmth and beauty of Nichols Concert Hall, world-class performers, and excellent teaching all through one special project: A Tribute to Les Paul.

Les Paul, a seminal figure in popular music, excelled as a jazz guitarist, but made an even greater impact with his invention of the electric guitar and multitrack recording, which changed the face of modern music forever. The centerpiece of the tribute project was a spectacular performance at Nichols Concert Hall, featuring renowned guitarist Russell Malone and MIC Artist in Residence Tammy McCann. Sue Baker, program director of the Les Paul Foundation, gave an illuminating preconcert talk, and the Nichols Concert Hall lobby exhibited a collection of Les Paul artifacts, as well as a biographical film. Through free tickets provided to key community groups, MIC welcomed many first-time visitors to the hall.

Related Educational Events

• A presentation on multitrack recording to Washington Elementary School students in Evanston, where more that 50% of the student come from minority backgrounds

• A special Evanston musical petting zoo featuring the electric guitar as well as a variety of other instruments for dozens of Chicago-area families

• A "Music for Life" session on the life and legacy of Les Paul for older adults at The Mather, a retirement community in Evanston

Director of Arts Integration Matt Boresi presented a "Music for Life" Les Paul program to foster families at SOS Villages of Chicago in Pilsen.

MIC jazz trumpter Victor Garcia led a master class for New Trier High School students as part of the Les Paul project.

Special thanks to the Les Paul Foundation for making these opportunities possible.

ACADEMY THE BALM OF MUSIC DURING TUMULTUOUS TIMES

A New Home at Lake Forest College

After 12 years at the Ravinia Festival, the Academy moved to the pastoral setting of Lake Forest College for its 16th season. Each Saturday students gather for classes in Reid Hall and the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel enjoying the lovely grounds, excellent chapel acoustics, and other college campus perks like ample lunch options in the Mohr Student Commons and comfortable gathering places for parents and faculty. The collaboration has been a win-win for both schools. “We, at Lake Forest College, are thrilled to be the new home of the Music Institute of Chicago Academy,” said Dr. Scott Edgar, chair of Lake Forest's Department of Music. "We are excited to be able to offer the Academy students and families our campus to explore their musicianship in a collegiate environment while exposing our students to some of the best teachers and young musicians in the world.”

Despite navigating a full compliment of practice, competitions, and performances alongside regular schoolwork, Academy teens are engaged in the world outside of music. Acutely aware of the war in Ukraine, especially with Ukrainian pianist Myroslav Mykhailenko in their midst, Academy students decided to make a musical expression of support for the people of Ukraine by recording their national anthem at Nichols Concert Hall.

The orchestra’s performance and Myroslav’s story was so inspirational, WTTW decided to feature Myroslav on its program Chicago Tonight. Myroslav gave an eloquent interview and stirring performance. He shared a powerful and personal story of the war’s impact, and spoke about how the Academy’s musical community helped him carry his burden. Myroslav graduated from the Academy in May 2022 and continutes his piano studies at The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.

“Before the experience, I had never played the national anthem, especially with an orchestra. I know the feeling of singing it with my fellow Ukrainians. However, playing the anthem with my friends, in many ways, felt even more grandiose and heartfelt. My family moved to the U.S. just four years ago, and my grandparents moved even later. We feel very fortunate to have been able to allow them to live peacefully in this country and possibly even save their lives. At the same time, however, we all feel impacted by this tragedy, often watching the news with worry. We are very thankful for the tremendous support that the Music Institute of Chicago as well as many other organizations provide."

Academy Accolades

Fischoff 49th Annual Chamber Music Competition

~ Myroslav Mykhailenko

BRONZE: Peresson String Quartet 2022 Crain Maling-Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition

2022 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition

GOLD & Best Haydn Performance: Peresson String Quartet

SILVER: Omaggio String Quartet

(L to R) Kelly Kim, Katya Moeller, coach Sang Mee Lee, Serge Kalinovsky, and Sidney Lee

FIRST PLACE: Noah Kim, student of Marta Aznavoorian

10th Annual 2022 A.N. & Pearl G. Barnett Chamber Music Competition

GRAND AWARD WINNER: Dando Piano Trio

SECOND PLACE: Omaggio String Quartet

(L to R) Lily Sullivan, Myroslav Mykhailenko, and Mia Wimbiscus. Coached by Inah Chiu and Mathias Tacke.

(L to R) Jan Nedvetsky, Tara Hagle, Abigail Park, and Elinor Detmer. Coached by Mattias Tacke.

© Todd Rosenberg

NICHOLS CONCERT HALL

Beginning with the 2021–22 season, Nichols Concert Hall offered its first fully hybrid concert season featuring high-quality livestream technology using a NewTek TriCaster TC1 Live Production system with 3 Panasonic PTZ cameras and improved lighting by Grand Stage, which includes 16 new ETC ColorSouce Junior LED profile spotlights, each individually controlled with full color range.

The season opened with a 10th anniversary celebration of MIC's Jazz Studies program, (the celebration was extended due to COVID). The program featured a world-premiere commission by jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Victor Goines and showcased some of the acclaimed musicians who teach as part of the program. "We are honored to pass along the traditions of this art form to new generations," said President Mark George. "For the past decade, our faculty has done that very well, and that is something to celebrate."

Celebración de la Música Latinoamericana, a threeconcert series spotlighting the richness and diversity of classical repertoire written by Latin-American composers, was a spring highlight at the hall.

MIC was honored to collaborate with the Reverón Piano Trio and Strings of Latin America (SOLA), an official partner of The Sphinx Organization, to present the Reverón Piano Trio, KAIA String Quartet and trumpeter Pacho Flores with pianist Elena Abend.

Marta and Ani Aznavoorian provided a grand finale to the 2021–22 season. The acclaimed soloists, chamber musicians, and MIC alumnae offered a program that celebrated their April 2022 Cedille Record release, Gems from Armenia. The album spotlights music from the Chicago-raised sisters’ ancestral homeland and marks their recording debut as the Aznavoorian Duo.

New Artist in Residence Position

An MIC piano faculty member since 1999, Marta assumed new responsibilities as MIC's newest Artist in Residence. The Artist in Residence position encourages, promotes, and rewards excellence in musicianship and instruction. Marta is expanding her ambassadorial work for the Music Institute to support performances, master classes, community outreach, and fundraising activities. Her Artist in Residence position is made possible by Trustee Jim Stone.

Gala Benefit

June 2, 2022

HONORARY GALA CHAIRS

DUSHKIN AWARD Hilary Hahn

CULTURAL VISIONARY AWARD FOR CHICAGO

RICHARD D. COLBURN AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

“Tonight, we celebrate music, from discovery through mastery and to the many spaces in between. We celebrate the importance of music to provide healing to a country and world faced with pandemics, war, and civil unrest. Music will always be our constant. At the Music Institute we believe music is an essential element of a compassionate community; it strengthens bonds and nourishes the human spirit."

The Music Institute of Chicago welcomed 200 guests to the Four Season Hotel Chicago for the annual gala benefit, which raised more than $765,000 from a combination of ticket sales, contributions, and sponsorships.

Peter Dushkin Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Deborah Rutter CO-CHAIRS

Carlos R. Cárdenas Hans and Denitta Germann Catherine M. and Frederick H. Waddell

Nancy and Scott Santi

Dr. Tanya L. Carey

~ Scott Verschoor, MIC Board Chair

Dushkin Awardee Hilary Hahn performed with more than 50 Suzuki and Academy students in a grand finale conducted by Music Institute Conductor in Residence and Academy Director James Setapen.

© Ana Miyares

© Mike Grittani

Student Spotlight:

Zachary Allen

Oboist Zachary Allen was one of the Gala's featured student artists. He performed a work by contemporary Nigerian composer Althea TalbotHoward. A student of Erica Anderson, Allen is an MIC Merit Scholar, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative fellow, and co-principal oboist with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Allen was one of just 20 pre-collegiate musicians nationwide to receive a 2022 Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award and appeared on NPR's "From the Top" in June. He made his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall in spring 2022, following his first prize win in the 2020 American Fine Arts Festival, and during the summer he performed as a member of the National Youth Orchestra’s NYO2 ensemble.

@ Ana Miyares

© Mike Grittani

Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago recipients Scott and Nancy Santi (L & second from R) with MIC Board Chair Emerita and Honorary Gala Chair Alexandra Nichols and MIC President and CEO Mark George

Honorary Gala Chair Peter Dushkin and Dushkin Award recipient Hilary Hahn

Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence recipient Dr. Tanya L. Carey

THANK YOU!

The following list recognizes friends of the Music Institute of Chicago who contributed $100 or more cumulatively between September 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022. We are grateful to all the individuals, foundations, and companies that made gifts of all sizes to support our mission.

$100,000 and more

The Negaunee Foundation

Alexandra C.* and John D. Nichols

$50,000 to $99,999

John and Pauline Fife

ITW Barbara A. Speer

$25,000 to $49,999 Linda and Wilbur Gantz

The Grainger Foundation Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Scott and Nancy Santi Catherine M. and Frederick H. Waddell The Wallace Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999

Anonymous Abbott

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

BMO

Rita and John Canning, The Canning Foundation

The Crown Family Edwardson Family Foundation

GCM Grosvenor Hans* and Denitta Germann Mona Golub Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel Jr. Dan* and Yoo Mi Hahn Harris Family Foundation J. Thomas Hurvis and Ann Andersen

Illinois Arts Council Agency Irving Harris Foundation

Hans and Angela Jostlein Ethelle Katz

Susan Kiphart

Mrs. Paul Klimstra Tom* and Joyce Leddy

Jim and Kay* Mabie Family Robert R. McCormick Foundation

National Endowment for the Arts

Brenna and John D. Nichols

Northern Trust Corporation Cathy and Bill Osborn Renée Parquette*

Timothy Patenode* and Judy Royal Barbara* and Peter Sereda Sidley Austin LLP Liz Stiffel Lee Anne* and Rich Stoddart Jim Stone* Pam and Russ Strobel The JWT Family Foundation Underwriters Laboratories Zalman* and Karen Usiskin Scott* and Areta Verschoor

Lawrence Corry

Thomas L. and Patricia S. Gahlon Paul Galvin Memorial Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich M. Gross

John R. Halligan Charitable Fund

Harper Family Foundation

Courtney Holohan* and Wesley Mueller

Erin and Wellington Hsu Jane Irwin

Karen and Mark Koulogeorge KPMG

Sylvia M. Neil and Dan Fischel Nancy and Marc Poggioli

Sargent Family Foundation Dr. Scholl Foundation

$5,000 to $9,999

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bobins, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation Beth and Chuck Boehrer Michael and Laura Boutross Dr. Tanya L. Carey

The Smith-Davis-Morse Group of Merrill Private Wealth

Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz

Bob and Gael Strong Audrey Weaver

Wintrust Commercial Banking

David* and Eileen Zampa Helen Zell

$1,000 to $4,999

Anonymous (2)

5 Purple Oranges

Elizabeth Armstrong

Charles and Kate Arnold Venanzio Arquilla and Shannon Bartlett

Larry and Judy Berliant Terrence and Cindy Brady

Thomas Bridges

Anne R. and R. Harper Brown Foundation

Walt and Julie Busse Greg and Mamie Case

The Chicago Community Foundation

Chris Cramer and Laura Gagliardi

Robert and Isabel Curley

The Nick Curry and Cara Tasher Family Fund

James H. Davis

Michael and Barbara Davis Charlotte Farmer

Dr. Sanford and Ms. Fern Finkel

Mary and Paul Finnegan

Mr. and Mrs. John N. Fix

Sonia Florian

Matt Friedman and Melissa Novack

Mark George and Elizabeth Calihan

Louise and Jim Glasser

Roberta Goodall

Barbara Greis and Howard Gottlieb

David and Marion Hanold Highland Park Community Foundation

Margot Hodgson and Jack Bishop

Brian and Janet Hoffman

Mrs. Caroline T. and Mr. Charles K. Huebner

Irene Jakimcius JCCC Foundation

The Kalish Family

The Karahalios Family

Larry Katz

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Keiser Donor Advised Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation

Mindy and Walter Kelly Josef and Margot Lakonishok

Dr. Soo Young Lee

Mr. William H. Lee

Nancy Levi MacLean-Fogg Company

Susan and Stanley McCracken Swati and Bobby Mehta

Monica and Carlos Mena Diana and David Moore

Yana Nedvetsky* and Axel Vargas

Robert and Diane Moriarty

Jeff and Christine Morse

Katherine L. Olson

John and Kathy Piepgras

PJH & Associates, Inc. Tim and Mary Rivelli Marcia and Jeff Rubin Deborah Rutter* and Peter Ellefson

Robbie and Scott Schreiber Nancy Searle

Carole and Gordon Segal

Matthew and Beth Sennett Ron She and S. Sanna Chen

Suzanne T. Smart

John and Karen Smith

Sarah R. Smith

Jane Arries Solomon

Lavanya Srinivasan and Mohan Govind Mary Ann and Steve Stubitz

Melanie and Christopher Thomas Ross* and Emily Parker Updegraff Cathy Wloch

Florian Zettelmeyer* and Meghan Busse

The Zhang Family

Academy students snap a picture with celebrated violinist Midori (L) following a fall master class at Nichols Concert Hall. Master classes featuring some of the world's most renowned artists, are a key Academy curriculum component.

$500 to $999

Anonymous (2)

Suzanne and Tom Barton

Dr. Neema Bayran and Ms. Edith Diaz

Gail E. Belytschko

Julie and Edwin Bender

Gershon R. Berkson

Dean L. and Rosemarie Buntrock

Frank and Caroline Carlton

Kate Collins

Kim Collins

Jill and Scott Dillingham

Peter B. Dushkin

Laura Lechowicz Felicione

Mr. and Mrs.* Cyrus F. Freidheim, Jr.

Dennis Friedman and Gretchen Effler

George and Ellen Galland

Jim and Carol Janossy

Susan Julian

Jeff King

The Kleiman Family

Kohl Feinerman Family Charitable Trust

Theresa Kuritza

Robert and Laurie Levin

Judith Jackson Monroe

Christopher Noon Kathy Nordmeyer

Kenneth R. Norgan

Jason Rubinstein and Amy Francetic

Erin and Christopher Schmidt Yi Shen and Zhen Hua Song

Bill and Stephanie Sick Kartika Sujdak

Daniel and Amanda Sundt

Kelly Tanaka Kenneth and Joan Vatz

Audra Wilson*

Nina and Sun Yoo Xixue and Jian Zhou

$100 to $499

Anonymous (3)

Emily and Alejandro Abraham

Mira Ahn and Liuxue Sun

Kimberly and Oscar Alcantara

Jeff and Keiko Alexander

Mary and John Amato

AmazonSmile Foundation

Carlotta Ames

Sandra L. Arnold

Debra Aron and Larry Manheim

Cam Avery and Lynn Donaldson

Christine and Peter Aznavoorian

Karen and Dexter Bailey

James and Mary Baker

Carrie Baron

Elisa Kirk Bartels

Bari Baskin

Ralph Beck

John* and Patricia Berwanger

Christian F. Binnig

The Boncimino Family Maxine and Michael Bonn Kristen Bowie Melissa Bowie Sallie Bowie

Robert and Susan Bowker Eileen Brown

Lisa Brown and Jeremy Nearhoof Stephanie Brutocao Carolyn Bucksbaum

Suzanne and William Bunge Doro and Ed Bush Carlos Cárdenas* Mike Carew and Melissa Marinelli

Patrick Carey Michael Cassidy Wendy Chance Elisa and Stephen Chang Nisan and Sarah Chavkin John M. Christian

~ Bernadette Schwegel

Graduating senior, class of '22

Karen and Christopher Chroniak

Anthony and Nicolette Circolone

Letitia Close

Brad and Jakee Cohen

Dylan Commeret

John and Caroline Compall

Jerry and Josephine Conlon Mason Custard

John P. Daley

Bob† and Marletta Darnall

Laurie and Bruce Davidson

Julio de la Rosa Maren W. Deaver

Ruth Diaz

Bernard J. and Sally Dobroski

Catherine S. Downey

Dr. and Mrs. James Downey

Kendra Drozd

Anne W. Eagleton

Stephanie and Jeff Engstrom

Michael Fagen

Fran Faller

Tiffany Farriss and George DeMet

“Being able to share music with others and have others share music with me is something that I value and will take with me into the future.”

Elaine Felder

Bernadette Felicione

Daniel and Sharona Feller

Philip Fickling

Andrew T. Fischer

Cathie and Anthony Flanagan

Todd and Kemper Florin

Erica and John Fontana

Anissa and Kevin Forman

Diane Fraser and Jack Burnell

Jed and Deirdre Frees

David and Jamie Friedman

Rachel and Frank Friedman

Ellen and Louis Fusco

Erin N. Fusco

Amy and Robert Garber

Robyn Gilliom and Richard Friedman

Anne and George Gingold

James Ginsburg and Patrice Michaels

Godbolt Family

Vic Goldberg and Pat Waldeck Caralyn Graham

Barbara Martin Green and Jim Green

Kate Green

Alex and Caroline Greenwood

Whitney Grogan

Alexander Gross Kelly Gross

Renwei Guo and Weifang Wang

Kate Hall

William Hammett

Ayesha Harper

The Harris Family

David and Beth Hart Robin and Edrene Heiss

Jane Heron

Margaret and James Herrmann

Lisa Hoffman and Gerald MacKey

Robert Hohf

Jeffrey and Elizabeth Hubbard

Anja Hummel and Volker Schulmeyer

Dieter Hummel

Tamima Itani

Ross Jones and Rosann Park-Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Judy

Donna Kaitchuck

Heather and Stuart Katz

John and Judy Keller

Maria Kerr

William and Ausrine Kerr

William D. Kerr

Cheryl King

Amanda Knight Amy Kontrick and Mark Mycyk

James P. Kratz

Erika Kreisa

Nancy and Harold Krent Jeanette Krstolich

Roger Kushla

Suzanne Lechowicz

Hwei and Samuel Lee Katherine K. Lee Joan H. Lefkow

Allen Lieb

Carol and David Liner Kate Liu and Family

Margaret Macdonald

Mary and Steve Mahieu Caroline and Thomas Mansour Richard Marks and Barbara Koskinen Judy Marquardt Cathryn Marsico Beth McCormack Maureen McGrath and David Simmons Julia J. Miller Nancy M. Miller Susan Myrick Zahra Nateghpour

Susan Newman

Ksenia Nosikova and Thomas Moeller

Becky and Scott Novack Ilene and Stephen Novack

Julie and Doug Novack

Carol Olson

Chris Olson and Erin Arnold Keith Olson

David and Diane Onofrey

Opernfest Prague

Jonah Orlofsky and Joan Polachek

Bridget Orsic

Kelli Patterson

Virginia Payne Judy Perlman

Nancy and John Phair Charlie and Jackie Pick Clare Pierce

Joseph B. Plauche and Mary M. Plauche

Sue and Tim Polutnik Kathryn Popoff

Kristin Pugliese

Caryn & Mark Putterman Philanthropic Fund

Elena Rechtin

Andrew and Tehemina Richardson

Tom and Cecilia Ricketts

Annelise Riles and Hirokazu Miyazaki

Caitlin and Jerry Rinard

Christopher Rintz

Dayna Robbins

Liza Roberts

Richard Rodman

Patty and Greg Rohrbach

Michelle Roloff

Kim and Patrick Ronan

James Rosenberg

Yumi and Douglas Ross

Mary Rothschild

Kathleen Rundell

Harper Ruttencutter

Debbie and Paul Sandock

Howard F. Sandroff and Mary Ann LaJoie-Sandroff

D.J. Saper

Pam Sawey

Susan Schaffrath

Amy Schiffman and Joel Grossman

Susan Schmitt

Jennifer Schott

Gerhard Schulmeyer

Peter and Dagmar Schulmeyer

The Schultz Family

Christine and Herb Schulz

Nan Scott Caryl F. Seidenberg

Dr. Farid and Dr. Houri Shafaie

Mido Shammaa and Nina Tatarowicz

Tom and Pam Sheffield Ngan Shulman

Abigail B. Sivan and Milton Harris

David and Susan Snyder

Mary Ellen Snyder

Arvey Stone and Leslie Brookfield

Colleen and Frank Suljic Mark and Terri Sullivan

Nora S. Takagi

A. Robert Taylor

Anita and Bruce Taylor

Jocelyn and Steve Trokenheim

David and Bonita Turner

Phyllis and Robert Updegraff

Howard Voeks

Sasha von Varga

Daniel and Nina Wallenberg

Michael and Jennifer Weinstein

Rochelle Weiss

Dennis and Ailee Wen and Family

Renee and Kurt Westerberg

Zhiyong Xia

Nurca Yener-Bozkurt and Erkan Bozkurt

Larisa Zhizhin

John and Laura Zielinski

Alan Zunamon

Liz Stiffel

Lee Anne Stoddart

Abe Stokman

The Up-Z-Daisies

Daniel Wallenberg

In Memory Of Emilio del Rosario

David and Dorothy Dushkin

Thelma Fuller

Suzanne Spencer Garvin

John C. Goodall, Jr.

Paul Grigonis

Ilan Hurtado

Moo Ja Rhew

Ted Kaitchuck

Mary Monteith Mildred Robbins

Barbara Schmitt

Edward F. Scott

In Honor Of Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem

Marie Alatalo

Dr. Tanya L. Carey

Stanley Davis

John and Lena Esterl

Elaine Felder Ethelle Katz

The MIC Faculty Members

Alexandra Nichols

Fiona Queen Nancy and Scott Santi

Barbara Sereda

MIC Alumnae Score big at 2022 Grammys

MIC alumna violinist Jennifer Koh won the Grammy for "Best Classical Instrumental Solo" for her album Alone Together. Touted by the New York Times as “a marvel for a time of crisis” with a lineup of composers “more inclusive than anything in mainstream classical music,” the project was created in response to the financial hardship for artists and musicians caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, MIC alumna pianist Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow won for "Best Musical Theater Album." The duo's The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical became the first Grammy-winning album to originate on TikTok.

© Matt Winkelmeyer Getty Images

© Courtesy Google Images

IN REMEMBRANCE

Bartlett Richards III

Irene Faliks

Bartlett “Bart” Richards III, a Music Institute board member from 2001 to 2008, was fondly known for his wit.

A graduate of Bucknell’s College of Engineering, Bart started his career at Arens Controls, Inc. in the mid-1960s as vice president of sales, and ultimately served as board chairman until 1995. He was a founder of First Bank and Trust of Evanston (now part of Byline Bank).

An avid sportsman and hunter, Bart was a regular on the tennis courts at Sunset Ridge Country Club and Boca Bay Pass Club. He championed initiatives at organizations such as the Chautauqua Institution in New York as well as the Music Institute. Bart’s guidance was instrumental during MIC's acquisition of Nichols Concert Hall and he played a key role providing stability through administrative transitions at that time. His support and friendship with the Music Institute will be cherished.

Beloved by her students and colleagues, Irene Faliks taught piano at the Music Institute of Chicago for more than 30 years. Irene and her family immigrated from the Soviet Union, now Ukraine, in search of personal freedom and professional opportunity. She received a master‘s degree and advanced diploma from the Odessa State Conservatory of Music. Irene was an esteemed solo and collaborative pianist and teacher at the Odessa Special Experimental Music School. She was a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, the Music Teachers National Association, and several other professional organizations.

Irene loved her students and enjoyed collaborating with her colleagues at the Chicago Duo Piano Festival and Adult Piano Camp. Her dedication to teaching epitomized MIC’s mission, and her friendship and joy in music making will be greatly missed.

TRUSTEES

Scott Verschoor, Chair

Alexandra C. Nichols, Chair Emerita

Lee Anne Stoddart, Vice Chair

Barbara Sereda, Secretary

Tom Leddy, Treasurer

Carlos R. Cárdenas

Hans Germann

Daniel Hahn

Courtney Holohan

Kay Mabie

Yana Nedvetsky

Timothy Patenode

Renée Parquette

James H. Stone

Ross Updegraff

Zalman Usiskin

Audra Wilson

David Zampa

Florian Zettelmeyer

LIFE TRUSTEES

John J. Berwanger

Gilbert W. Bowen

Mitzi Freidheim

Brooks Morgan

Rachel Barton Pine

Betsey L. Puth

Priscilla F. Richman

William N. Topaz

EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES

Jennifer Koh

Nina Kraus

Christopher Rintz

Deborah F. Rutter

CHICAGO • DOWNERS GROVE • EVANSTON • LAKE FOREST • LINCOLNSHIRE • WINNETKA

1702 SHERMAN AVENUE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60201 • 847.905.1500 • MUSICINST.ORG

The Music Institute of Chicago was proud to be featured on the well-known Wintrust Mural Building along Chicago's Kennedy Expressway headed into the city. The three-panel commissioned work by mural artist Sick Fisher celebrated MIC's vibrant community and depicted teachers and students of every age and ability connecting with one another through music. The mural was on display in March and April 2022 and coincided with national "Music in Our Schools Month."

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.