2021
4th QUARTER NEWSLETTER
CELEBRATING A RETURN TO LIVE PERFORMANCE!
Michèle Lekas, violin; Eric Pidluski, violin; Karl Rzaza, bassoon; Karena Moeller, cello | Photo credit: Ethan Zentz
On September 22, RSO hosted it’s first in-person concert of the Fall at Rockford Art Museum for a beautiful evening of music and art. Concertmaster Michèle Lekas was invited to share her voice as artistic coordinator on this first of a two-part series of concerts. In partnership with the curatorial staff of RAM, the concert was a unique event featuring musical selections inspired by art from the RAM permanent collection. A silver lining of our time away from the concert hall has been the incorporation of more intimate musical experiences into our concert offerings. We tested a chamber concert with audience last fall and presented numerous chamber performances on the ComEd Digital Stage this past spring. Feedback from our patrons has been tremendous. Chamber music opens a whole new world of repertoire and allows us to showcase our musicians in a new way. Chamber music concerts can complement the full RSO experience by giving patrons an opportunity to see RSO musicians in an intimate setting—close enough to see the music on their stands and observe non-verbal communication among the players.
Michèle Lekas, RSO Concertmaster
Michèle Lekas has been the concertmaster of the RSO since 1994. When living and traveling through Europe as a performer, Ms. Lekas spent time in many of the world’s greatest art museums, fostering a lifelong connection of music and art. Inspiration for this project stemmed from Ms. Lekas’s frequent practice of using a specific piece of art to help influence how she musically interprets chamber music.
Thank you to the Smith Charitable Foundation for their generous support of this program.
Thank you Steve Nailor for your Board service!
Please join us in giving a special thank you to retired RSO Board Member Steve Nailor. Steve served on the board for nearly 20 years and was Board President from 2013 to 2016. Steve’s commitment to RSO stems from his firm belief that the orchestra adds significantly to the quality of life in our community. He was a driving force in leading the RSO board to acquire and maintain corporate sponsorships and was an avid advocate for donor stewardship. Steve was supportive of the RSO staff, encouraging our efforts and creating a healthy work environment. In additional to being a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser, Steve and his wife Donnette are longtime RSO subscribers and leadership donors.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR RSO CONCERTS The RSO is taking a three-layered approach to health and safety as we return to live performances.
MASKS
VACCINATION OR NEGATIVE TEST
DISTANCING
Regardless of vaccination status, everyone is required to wear a CDCapproved face mask properly over the mouth and nose.
All patrons must show proof of being fully vaccinated OR a negative COVID Test within 48 hours of attending an RSO concert. Unvaccinated children under 12 do not have to show proof of a negative COVID Test but must wear a mask and be accompanied by a Vaccinated Adult.
The RSO has reserved sections of the Coronado Theatre exclusively for socially distanced seating. Please contact the RSO Box Office if you would prefer to be seated in one of these sections. (Limited availability.)
In an effort to make these new protocols efficient, the RSO will be offering Express Passes for patrons who are fully vaccinated. The Express Passes will be available in the RSO offices beginning October 6 and can also be obtained at the October 23 concert. In order to receive an RSO Express Pass, patrons must show a valid photo ID along with their vaccination card. All staff and musicians are fully vaccinated, and the RSO is partnering with the University of Illinois School of Medicine to provide testing for our musicians and staff as an added layer of precaution. For more information about this free testing program, visit the RSO website: rockfordsymphony.com/health-safety.
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LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS ON OCTOBER 23
From 2019 Last Night of the Proms | Photo credit: Ethan Zentz
The musicians of the RSO are thrilled to return to the stage of the Coronado Performing Arts Center on October 23 and create music with Music Director Steven Larsen before he officially retires in December. While we were not able to have a full season of Maestro Larsen’s finale programs, he has created a jampacked celebratory concert experience in a reprise of the 2019 Last Night of the Proms. The concert will feature famous finales of classical music on the first half and a second half of pops fun and Proms frivolity, with plenty of opportunities to join in! Starlight Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Brady will return as host of the evening, and the Nielsen Chorale will be on stage with the RSO. The Nielsen Chorale is very special to Maestro Larsen, and it was important to him that they be part of the program for his last two concerts. With more than 130 musicians on stage, this concert will be a spectacular come back! The RSO will partner with the three major health systems in the area to offer tickets free of charge to medical first responders to thank them for their sacrifices and service to our community during the past two years. For those who are unable to join us in person at the Coronado Theatre, the RSO is creating a broadcast-quality recording of the performance to watch at home. The video will be available to stream about two weeks following the performance. The RSO is grateful for the support of the 815CRT-Art COVID-Response Fund for their support of our return to the Coronado Performing Arts Center. In addition to The Last Night of the Proms, the RSO is once again partnering with Rockford Dance Company to present The Nutcracker, with live orchestra. As you look forward to gathering with your family and friends this holiday, we hope you will include The Nutcracker and Holiday Pops in your plans. The purpose of the 815CRT-ART COVID-Response Fund is to provide immediate operational relief to arts and culture organizations to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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SUBSCRIBE NOW AND EXPERIENCE IT LIVE Selecting the next Music Director to lead the RSO is an exciting task! Much work has already been done by the search committee, but the final public portion is perhaps the most important part. Subscribers will be part of this process! In the past, RSO Concerts have been labeled "Classics" or "Pops." For the Music Director Finalist season, all concerts will be "cross-genre," incorporating pieces from both the traditional Classical repertoire, and lighter Pops selections. This type of programming will showcase the finalists’ ability to program and conduct diverse repertoire. Subscriptions offer the best value to attend RSO concerts. Plus, subscribers receive priority seating, a parking pass, easy exchanges, and access to the Subscriber Lounge. We encourage all patrons to consider subscribing to the Full Finalist Experience. By attending all nine Music Director Finalist concerts, you will have the opportunity to evaluate each candidate and be a part of the process of selecting the RSO’s next Music Director. This package is the best value and also includes a FREE ticket to the 2022 Holiday Pops on December 17, 2022. We’re introducing new Flex Pass options in groups of three or five. With the unpredictability of the past 18 months, the RSO wants to provide package options with maximum flexibility. These packages offer the value and benefits of a subscription, but with the Flex Pass you can wait until up to the week before a concert to redeem a pass for priority seating. For pricing, benefits, and additional details, visit the website at rockfordsymphony.com/subscribe.
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2022 MUSIC DIRECTOR FINALISTS SEASON Rhythm and Beauty January 15, 2022
The Great Gatsby February 12, 2022
Rachmaninoff and the Hollywood Sound March 19, 2022
Yaniv Attar, conductor
Scott Terrell, conductor
Andrew Crust, conductor
Daniel Bolshoy, guitar
Tengku Irfan, piano
Wei Luo, piano
Spring Love and Butterflies
Shakespeare and the Silk Road
Brahms's Fourth
April 30, 2022
May 14, 2022
August 27, 2022
Tania Miller, conductor
Alastair Willis, conductor
Eric Garcia, conductor
Michèle Lekas, violin
Sandeep Das, tabla
Blake Pouliot, violin
New Horizons September 24, 2022
Deconstructing Beethoven October 22, 2022
From the Mothership to the Underworld November 12, 2022
Radu Paponiu, conductor
Yaniv Segal, conductor
Vlad Vizireanu, conductor
Charles Yang, violin
Gabriel Prokofiev, electronics
Danielle Gonzalez, percussion
See the full programs for each concert on the RSO's website at rockfordsymphony.com. rockfordsymphony.com | 815.965.0049
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Julie Thomas
As I have been out and about in the community the last few months I am often greeted with a concerned smile and question, “How are things at the symphony?” There’s a slight cringe as they await my reply. I share that it’s been difficult for our musicians who have had so few employment opportunities and we all desperately miss the performances. But this pause has been a critical--and positive--reset for our organization. We used this past year and a half to strengthen ourselves organizationally, taking the time to reflect, analyze, and think strategically – a luxury we rarely have during a busy performing season. We ventured into video recording and explored chamber music, both of which will continue to have a place with RSO. Lack of access to the Coronado Theatre resulted in forming partnerships with alternative venues, including Rockford Art Museum. Plus, we created a robust new Strategic Plan that will take us through the transition to our next Music Director and post-Covid. (Visit our website to read the full Strategic Plan.) We also saw tremendous growth in donations. Last fiscal year we had 152 new donors, nearly 3 times each of the past four seasons. And the Larsen Legacy Campaign has brought in nearly $300,000 from individual donors and local companies. We also relentlessly applied for every grant, tax credit, and forgivable loan available, bringing in more than $700,000 to ensure the RSO is financially viable to return to performing. You, our patrons, kept this organization going so we could accomplish the necessary tasks to emerge administratively and financially strong. We will be able to sustain the next few seasons, especially when we anticipate ticket sales may be unreliable, and present concerts of the caliber you expect from the RSO. Thank you!
Julie Thomas Executive Director
Margo Stedman Education and Community Engagement Director
The RSO Offices are located on the second floor of the Riverfront Museum Park at 711 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103.
Ethan Zentz, RSO Board Member
Matt Guschl Patron Services Coordinator
Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Angie Theisen Development and Special Events Coordinator
Premium Box Office Hours* Monday - Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm
Ethan Zentz is a lifelong resident of the Rockford area. He has a deep love for classical music and has been a subscribing member of the RSO for many years. Ethan joined the RSO board in 2019 and quickly established himself as a leader. In his free time Ethan enjoys spending time with his siblings and nephews. He is an avid photographer and appreciates experiencing new cultures around the world. In addition to acting as the Board Treasurer, Ethan uses his photography and video skills to document RSO concerts and events. View a gallery of his most recent photos from the RAM Chamber Concert on the RSO's Facebook page. We are grateful for his service to RSO!
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Heather Savage Administrative Coordinator
*These are the hours during which we are best equipped to process ticket orders and other patron requests.
Happy Retirement to Marketing Director Michele McAffee! Help us congratulate Michele McAffee on her recent retirement! We know Michele will do retirement like she does everything else-with lots of class!
THE CHALLENGES FACING MUSIC EDUCATION By Margo Stedman, Education and Community Engagement Director
Because of the interruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, music education programs in our region are facing several challenges. Many music students have not had in-person instruction since March of 2020, and as schools resume this fall, instruction may still be limited with the pervasiveness of the Delta variant. This will impact students, music educators, and music education as a whole. Students have missed out on a significant amount of in-person music instruction, which builds social and emotional skills, and enhances their academics. Music is one of the only classes where what a student does impacts others – it is not merely about their own personal achievement, but about the growth of the group as a whole. This builds awareness and empathy in students at a critical time in their development. The impact on educators is complex. Shrinking programs pose a threat to music education and educators. It will take years for these programs to rebuild in numbers and skills. If a school does not have the program enrollment to justify paying a music teacher, the position may be cut. In addition to lost employment, this takes away the opportunity for music education both for current students and future students.
RSO Musician Patrick Rehker at an RSO Instrument Petting Zoo.
Members of the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra's Sterling String Quartet engage in elementary school outreach.
While this is a far bigger problem than the RSO can solve on its own, we feel it is important to acknowledge it, advocate for music education, and be part of the solution where possible. The RSO typically brings elementary students to the Coronado Performing Arts Center to experience a live performance as a field trip opportunity. For the 2021/22 season the RSO will not host field trips, but will instead focus on going directly into the schools to connect students with musicians. The intended outcomes of this approach are to (1) expose students to classical music; (2) encourage music teachers with supplemental experiences for their students; and (3) help teachers excite students about music with the intent to join a school music program. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is proud to be the only non-educational organization in the region with a staff member dedicated to music education. It is thanks to the generosity of our donors that we are able to continue to keep this staff role and assist our local music education programs. Thank you for your support!
Studies reported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Education Association, and the Music Education National Conference indicate that students participating in the arts in middle or high school show significant academic gains over students who are not enrolled in these classes or extracurricular arts activities. These students also trend higher in terms of remaining engaged in school with lower truancy rates through graduation.
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RSO ANNUAL FUND DONORS The Rockford Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the hundreds of music lovers who contribute to our Annual Fund campaign. Every gift plays an important part in the success of the RSO’s many performances, programs, and education activities. The RSO is proud to count the following individuals among its most valued supporters with gifts received from the last 12 months.
Larsen Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)
Founders Club Member ($1,750 - $2,499)
Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin* Dr. & Mrs. Paul Christensen Robin Gausebeck* Bill & Sally Hoff^ Michael Kikta & Karen Stephenson Betty Klingensmith Mr. Steven Larsen & Ms. Marti Bein Ms. LoRayne Logan*^ Drs. Arnold Rosen & Kathleen Kelly^ Mr. & Mrs. Russ Stoneback
Anonymous Ronald Armagost Lyn Becknell* Judy Bridgeman Ellwyn & Gayle Englof*^ Thomas & Tami Gaudreau Jim & Mary Lou Gault Dr. & Mrs. Norm Hagman Mr. & Mrs. John R. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kovarik Mrs. Judith Larson Mrs. Carol Malmgren Marcia L. Mueller*^ Tom & Linda Sandquist Jack & Barbara Simon Brian & Julie Thomas Stephen & Rita Weber Fred & Wendy Young^ Drs. Mark & Jo Ann Zarnke
Founders Club Fellow ($2,500 - $4,999) Don Banks Dr. & Mrs. Ron Burmeister Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain Jack & Colleen Holmbeck*^ Dick Leighton* Mrs. Barbara McDonough Steve & Donnette Nailor Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Pittman Ellen Poppen Mr. & Mrs. William H. Shippee Keith C. Syfert & Linda K. Miller*^
Symphony ($1,000 - $1,749) Dr. & Mrs. James Barrett Peter & Ann Boline Mrs. Jean Cassens Mrs. Marilyn Dougherty Dan & Kirby Doyle Tom & JoAnne Kress Paul & Judy Letourneau Mr. & Mrs. Ron Lundstrom John & Karen Messley Grant & Erin Moore Glenn & Gail Palmer Dr. Arthur Rettig & Hon. Kathryn Zenoff Dick & Trudy Reynolds Gene & Donna Seefeldt Mr. & Mrs. Mark Taylor Richard & Lan Vaughan Mrs. Carol Waxler Raphael E. Yalden II
Concerto ($500 - $999) Mr. & Mrs. Larry Andersen Gene & Maggie Anderson Paul & Teri Baits Patricia Bartels Fr. David Beauvais Dennis & Joanne Blunt Anna & John Borchers Dr. & Mrs. Neil Brogren Alan & Susan Bryant Sandra Campbell
Music Director Steven Larsen with Dr. and Mrs. William Baskin
The Larsen Circle and Founders Club leadership giving groups offer significant support for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. These committed RSO donors collectively provide 20% of the RSO’s contributed revenue – funds without which we could not support the orchestra. The donors receive significant benefits allowing them to have extra engagement opportunities with the RSO including receptions with RSO Guest Artists and musicians, early access to programming, as well as priority ticketing and VIP parking on concert nights. Please visit the RSO website for a full listing of donor benefits.
Andy Conway Mr. & Mrs. James Dehler Dick & Emily Diller Dr. & Mrs. Donald Feeney Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Geller Matt & Heather Giebel Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hager Mrs. Janis Hedrick Warren & Mariel Heinke Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Herdeman Dr. & Mrs. Roger Hilbert Caroline Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Keating Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Krueger Mr. & Mrs. Doug Kruger Mr. & Mrs. J. Laird Lambert Mr. Dave Lantz Mr. & Mrs. Donald Long Vickie Lund Mr. & Mrs. Donald Martin Nancy Matthews Joe & Meg McCoy Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Newcomer Richard & Sandra Niggemann Marianna & Herb Page Mrs. Cheryl Parrett Colin & Hana Peterson Jay & Cathy Pick Lois Cannell Ramon Ken & Martha Reinert Trish Rooney & Stanton McGroarty Charles & Stella Schroeder Rick & Julie Seybold Harley Shepherd Dr. & Mrs. Dean E. Thomas Mike & Judy Thompson
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Brad & Meredith Townsend Jim & Jean Twyning Karen Van Howe Dubravka Vedo Dr. Ruth Ann Wasson Christopher & Sandra Wrate Ethan Zentz
Overture ($200 - $499) Mrs. Alice Alfredson Mr. Jim Anders Tom & Becky Asher Bob & Lois Bertolasi Kyle & Marge Bevers Mr. & Mrs. David Bloomstrand David & Anne Boccignone Major General (ret) John & Myrna Borling Susan Bowler Mary Caskey Mr. & Mrs. Steven Chapman Mr. & Mrs. David L. Clendening James & Connie Coffey Ms. Mary S. Cook Alan Cooper Ron & Patricia Cox James & Vicki Crone Sue Custer Phil & Shirley Davidson Janet de Guehery John DeWaters & Lenore Lund Philip & Kathy Dierstein Jeff & Maria Diestelmeier Mr. & Mrs. William Dilts
Ms. Lynne Emling Dr. & Mrs. Laurence Fitzpatrick Paula A. Fitzpatrick John & Mary Ann Foster Mr. & Mrs. De Lon Fox John Fox Laura Frankiewicz & Lucio Bortolin Jon & Nancy Gramzow Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Gray Minoo Hagshenas Mr. & Mrs. Bob Hallstrom Mr. & Mrs. James Hansberry Ms. Susan Hansen Margret & Brett Hanson Kent & Jean Heise Mr. & Mrs. John Heisel Jr. Cynthia Hill Robert Hohf Robert & Erika Holdmann Larry & Julie Holen Don Holt Dr. & Mrs. William Hutt Mrs. Christel Ilg Mike & Lynne Istad Dave & Ruth Johnson Mr. George E. Kujawa Ms. Lorre LaPasso Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Lash Mr. Geoffrey Lauprete Brian LeClercq Ms. Betty J. Leeson Mr. & Mrs. Ken Lemmel Susan Lindsay-Jones Mr. & Mrs. Brian Livingston Kathlynn & James Lockard Mr. & Mrs. Paul Logli
RSO ANNUAL FUND DONORS Pam Lonsway Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mahler Mrs. Marty Mangas Drs. Michael & Karol Manley Faye Marcus Tom & Sandra Mathews E. Joanne Muck Northern Illinois Trauma Orthopaedics Mrs. Annetta Parker Raymond & JoMarie Paul Walter & Cheryl Peters Sue Polivka Terry Raiford Robert & Lanna Raley Mr. Daniel Peter & Ms. Ellen Roseberg Jeffrey & Dorice Royce Bill & Kathy Scarpaci José & Lois Seijo Tom & Karen Shifo William & Karen Sikorski Lora E. McClelland & Michael O. Simmons Tyler Smith Steven & Julie Spencer Cheryl Ann Stockwell George Strombeck Chuck & Jan Thomas James & Stephanie Waddell John & Marianne Wahlquist Richard & Donna Warden Sandra Welte Brian Willemot David & Fleur Wright* William & Joyce Zartman Dr. & Mrs. Phil Zimmerman
Prelude ($75 - $199) Anonymous (2) Lyn Allison Robin Ashley Mrs. Linda Ballou Don & Cheryl Balsam Freya Barger Janice & Ed Bartik Mr. Don Bein Gregory & Kathryn Biegel Mr. & Mrs. Rod Bjerke Mrs. Karen Brown Mr. & Mrs. George Bull Dr. & Mrs. Paul Burkholder Lori Bush Paul & Cheryl Callighan Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Carlson Mary Carpenter Roland & Marjorie Christen David & Hope Collins Ms. Susan Conant Greg & Lorna Cote David & Sara Deutsch Mrs. Elizabeth Dickinson Barbara Drapcho Loren & Patricia Due Martha Dunegan Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Eaton Mr. & Mrs. Charles Elliot Lana Engen Dr. & Mrs. George English Mrs. Barbara Erickson Cathy Ferguson Mr. & Mrs. Frank Flores Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fredericksen
Michael & Audra Freeze Mr. Lloyd Fulcer Alan & Marlene Garrett Tom & Gail Giglio Ms. Suzanne Gill Mark & Merry Beth Gliebe Ms. Susan Goldberg Peter & Jane Gottlick Dr. & Mrs. Roger Greenlaw Lori Gummow Ken & Barbara Hall Rev. & Mrs. Gordon Hanstad Leonora Hantke Ms. Jane Hawkins-Hoff Sherri Hayes Tom & Sue Hayes Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Healy Mr. & Mrs. Charles Helsten David & Paula Hougan Mrs. Janette Howard* William & Christine Howard Mrs. Margret Hynes Margaret Jindra Audrey Johnson Janice Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Johnson Marth Kaiser Mary Kaull Nancy Joan Kauzlarich John & Margaret Kleber Jane Klep Hugh & Sarah Knapp Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler^ Jerry Kortman & Doc Slafkosky Ms. Constance Kramer Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Lara Roger & Kay Larrick Krista Larsen Mr. Timothy Leake Ray & Debbie Lecuyer Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Leslie George & Beverley Letcher Erik & Susan Lewinski Mr. Richard Luthin Mark & Mary Madaus Betsy Makris Sandra Martell Frank & Sue McCabe Mr. Thomas McCullough Cathy McIntire Tom & Sarah McNamara Mary McNamara Bernsten Dora May Meredith Thomas & Enid Michalowski James & Helen Millikin Susan Moller Brian Molloy John & Anita Mueller Virginia Mullin Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nelson K. Sue & Bill Null Ms. Karen Olscamp Carol Ann Ostrom Dean & Bonnie Parker Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pellicore Curtis & Selma Peterson James Petrie Robert & Amy Phelps Ms. Marjorie Phillips James Pirages Carolyn & Anthony Pobjecky Ms. Dorothy Powell Ed & Lora Prochaska
Mr. James & Dr. Margaret Provenza Edward J. Richard John & Anita Richards Ms. Darlene Riddle Dr. & Mrs. Gary Rifkin Elizabeth C. Rogers Bob Shaper Nick & Gayle Scheuer Schirger Family Sarah Schlegel Mrs. Dolores Schnoes Joe Herreweys & Twila Schock Andrew Schultheis Brent & Lizabeth Schultz John & Carol Schuster Tom & Jennie Seeling* Paul & Amy Seiler Employees of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Mary Elisabeth Skerkoske Michael J. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Martin Sobczak Molly Soper Fred Speer & Chris Mullins Mr. & Mrs. Michael Spoden Karen Starr Kyle & Margo Stedman James & Margaret Stuntz Ms. Patti Thayer John & Pat Timmerwilke Matthew & Karen Toohey John & Kathy Torrence Dale & Lynne Townsend Joseph Valaitis Rudy Valdez Mr. Jimmy Vandiver Ms. Lynne Vass Waterside Financial Advisors Lenae Weichel Paul & Sharon Werther Fred & Mary Ann Wham Deanna Wilcox-Sandberg Doug & Diane Wilson Dr. Loyd J. Wollstadt Judith Wyatt Chuck & Louisa Yarris Ms. Mary S. Young Michael & Teresa Youngblood Mr. & Mrs. David Zumdahl
CORPORATE/FOUNDATION GIFTS ($50,000+)
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation Small Business Administration
($10,000 - $49,999) Arts for Illinois Relief Fund a partnership of Arts Alliance Illinois, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, and Kjellstrom Family Foundation Bergstrom, Inc. ComEd, An Exelon Company Illinois Arts Council Agency Illinois Bank & Trust Midland Wealth Management Smith Charitable Foundation
($5,000 - $9,999) Farny R Wurlitzer Foundation Hunt Charitable Trust Estate Kjellstrom Family Foundation of Northern Illinois Savant Wealth Management
($2,500 - $4,999) Alfred & Ella Peterson Anderson Family Foundation
($1,000 - $2,499) Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Estwing Manufacturing Co. Flute Club of Rockford Gloyd Family Foundation Greenlee HMC Products, Inc. Jean VanLandingham Fund Rockford Area Arts Council Sjostrom & Sons Foundation, Inc. WilliamsMcCarthy LLP
($100 - $999) *Encore Society Member ^RSO Foundation Donor Gifts as of September 30, 2021. We apologize for any omissions or errors.
Collins Aerospace Paul & Dorothy Salerno Endowment Fund Raytheon Technologies Corporation
Premier In-Kind Sponsors Holiday Inn John Morrissey Accounts/ Morrissey Family Businesses Rockford Park District
Media Partners El Sol de Rockford WNIU/WNIU 13 WREX
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TRIBUTE GIFTS In celebration of Alice Alfredson Harley Shepherd In memory of Arthur Alfredson Mrs. Alice Alfredson In memory of Brian Anderson Gene & Maggie Anderson In celebration of Tony Artale Northern Illinois Trauma Orthopaedics In memory of Roger Becknell Lyn Becknell In honor of Michael Beert & Rachel Handlin Sandra Welte In memory of Alice Bein Mr. Don Bein In memory of Mrs. Barb Campbell Susan Bowler In honor of Ella Caswell Daniel & Beth Caswell In memory of Gretchen Ericson Cathy McIntire In memory of Mary Elizabeth Fox Mrs. Margret Hynes Mr. & Mrs. Karl Moehling Leota Romig Judith Wyatt In celebration of Bradley Gabbert’s Birthday Gail Gabbert Janis Gabbert Ernie Redfern In honor of Elena Giglio Tom & Gail Giglio In memory of Troy Hedrick Mrs. Janis Hedrick In memory of Dick Hynes Anonymous Richard Eckburg Marcia L. Mueller Jody Perrecone Joseph Valaitis Waterside Financial Advisors Judith Wyatt In memory of Keith Hyzer Don & Cheryl Balsam In memory of Mary Stuart Johnson Mr. Don Bein In celebration of Nicole Scorgie Johnson’s Birthday Heather Scorgie Datisman Kathleen Haas Mary Cross Packer Barb Schmidt
In memory of James E. Johnson & James L. Johnson Audrey Johnson In memory of Holly Beth Kaske Anonymous In celebration of Phil Klintworth José & Lois Seijo In celebration of Brian Kobischka & Bev Joyce William & Christine Howard In memory of Bill Langs Mrs. Merle Langs In memory of Jeanne Lindquist Harley Shepherd In memory of Mary J. Lucas Dr. Ruth Ann Wasson In memory of Sandy McCullough Mr. Thomas McCullough In memory of Dennis McDonough Mrs. Barbara McDonough In memory of Tom McIntire Anonymous Paul & Cheryl Callighan Mary Carpenter Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fredericksen Mr. William Grady Ms. Jane Hawkins-Hoff Dr. & Mrs. William Hutt Roger & Kay Larrick Mr. James Rice Mark Rizzutti Helen Sweeney In memory of A. Nekunam Minoo Hagshenas
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Helsten Bill & Sally Hoff Jack & Colleen Holmbeck Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler Mr. & Mrs. J. Laird Lambert Mrs. Judith Larson Mr. Geoffrey Lauprete Mr. Timothy Leake Ms. Diane Lester Betsy Makris Mr. & Mrs. Kent A. Mallquist Thomas & Enid Michalowski Ms. Lisa Novak Ms. Karen Olscamp Dean & Bonnie Parker Mr. Jim Pirages Prairie Street Legal Services Ed & Lora Prochaska Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rundquist Ms. Jill Rylander Mrs. Dolores Schnoes John & Carol Schuster Tom & Jennie Seeling Mary Ann Smith Michael J. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Michael Spoden Ms. Patti Thayer Mike & Judy Thompson Matthew & Karen Toohey Mr. Jimmy Vandiver Ms. Lynne Vass Fred & Mary Ann Wham Patrick & Mary Jane Winn David & Fleur Wright Judith Wyatt Fred & Wendy Young
In memory of Carmen & Wilbur Pursley Ms. Betty J. Leeson In memory of Tom Rogiewicz John Gradick In memory of Donald Ross, Robert & Betty Ross Ms. Lynne Emling In celebration of SOS America (Service Over Self) Major General (ret) John & Myrna Borling In memory of William Starr Karen Starr In memory of Diane R. Steva Patrick & Anita Steva In honor of Rebecca Swan Elizabeth C. Rogers In celebration of Julie Thomas Ms. Suzanne Gill In memory of Rudolf Vedo Dubravka Vedo In memory of Helggee & June Wahlquist John & Marianne Wahlquist In memory of Don Zimmerman Dennis & Joanne Blunt
The RSO went to Italy!
In memory of Ron Parrett Mrs. Cheryl Parrett
In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok Lyn Allison Fritz & Kelly Anderson Dick & Sally Baker Richard & Carol Bennett Gregory & Kathyrn Biegel Burl & Anne Brown Glenn & Caroleigh Casebolt Jamie Cassel James & Connie Coffey Mrs. Elizabeth Dickinson Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Eaton Employees of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Lana Engen Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. Ferry Robin Gausebeck Mark & Merry Beth Gliebe Ms. Susan Goldberg Mr. & Mrs. James Hansberry Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Healy
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L to R: Sue & Paul Christensen, Larry Ritsert, Performing Musician, Laird Lambert, Steven Larsen, Susie Lambert, Karen Stephenson, and Mike Kikta in Italy.
Maestro Larsen led a group of RSO patrons on A Musical Journey in Italy in June. Originally planned for 2020, this small group of travelers made the journey a year later. The trip was beautifully crafted by Rockford native Laura Johnson as an exploration of history, art, and the food and wine for which Italy is known. Throughout the trip, the travelers experienced musical delights, from private performances in salons to Riccardo Muti conducting Aida at an ancient Roman amphitheater in Verona. Watch the newsletter for our next travel opportunity!
THANK YOU TO OUR LARSEN LEGACY DONORS The Larsen Legacy Campaign honors Steven Larsen and his final season with the RSO. Please join the patrons listed below in supporting the Larsen Legacy Campaign! Gift of $100,000 Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation
Gifts of $10,000 Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin Dr. & Mrs. Paul Christensen Jack & Colleen Holmbeck Fred & Wendy Young
Gifts and Pledges of $5,000 to $9,999 Don Banks Robin Gausebeck Michael Kikta & Karen Stephenson in memory of John & Lois Kikta Ralph Kreissler in memory of Dorothy E. Kreissler Dick Leighton Ms. LoRayne Logan Mrs. Carol Malmgren Dr. Richard & Karen Olson Drs. Arnold Rosen & Kathleen Kelly Brian Willemot
Gifts and Pledges of $1,000 to $4,999 Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Ron Burmeister Mr. & Mrs. James Dehler Mrs. Elizabeth Dickinson Ellwyn & Gayle Englof Mr. & Mrs. Frank Flores Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Herdeman Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler Mrs. Judith Larson Craig & Lin Milius Marcia L. Mueller in memory of Charles J. Prorok Ronald F. Peterson Jay & Cathy Pick RSM Dr. & Mrs. James Sadlon Savant Wealth Management Charles & Stella Schroeder Lora E. McClelland & Michael O. Simmons in honor of Amanda Eden and Nicolai Janitzky Jack & Barbara Simon The Stim Family Mr. & Mrs. Russ Stoneback Keith C. Syfert & Linda K. Miller in memory of Charles J. Prorok Dr. & Mrs. Dean E. Thomas Mike & Judy Thompson Title Underwriters Agency Mr. & Mrs. Doral Watts David & Rosalie Whitehouse in memory of Charles J. Prorok
Gifts and Pledges of $500 to $999 Gene & Maggie Anderson in memory of Brian Anderson Paul & Teri Baits The Estate of Jean-Marc Bartsch in memory of Jean-Marc Bartsch Kyle & Marge Bevers Capri Restaurant Dr. Ronald Foran & Ms. Martha Dahlberg Joseph & Susan Drennan Mr. & Mrs. De Lon Fox Jason & Louise Gesmer Shirley Holzwarth Mr. & Mrs. J. Laird Lambert Mr. & Mrs. Donald Martin Nancy Matthews Marcia L. Mueller In celebration of Fred & Wendy Young’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Northwest Bank of Rockford Chris & Megan Perry Sarah & Melanie Pfluger Virginia Poust Wirsing Tom & Vira Rudnicki Schirger Family Julie & Brian Thomas Doug & Diane Wilson Christopher & Sandra Wrate Drs. Mark & Jo Ann Zarnke
Gifts and Pledges of $100 to $499 Anonymous (2) Mrs. Barbara Adam AFHL Law Anna & John Borchers Taylor & Susan Carlin in memory of Charles J. Prorok Mary Caskey Ms. Susan Conant Mr. & Mrs. John Cook John & Geri Cygnor Dan & Kirby Doyle Dr. & Mrs. George English Paula A. Fitzpatrick Michael & Audra Freeze Alan & Marlene Garrett The Piano Doctor Bonnie & Bob Gosdick Ms. Brina Grigg in memory of Charles J. Prorok Gerrie Gustafson Erich & Jan Hagenlocher Ms. Susan Hansen Margret & Brett Hanson Mrs. Janis Hedrick
Madeline Herdeman Mrs. Nancy Hyzer in memory of Keith Hyzer Beverly Joyce in honor of William & Christine Howard Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Keating Jerry Kortman & Doc Slafkosky Ms. Constance Kramer Dr. & Mrs. Fredric Kullberg Brian LeClercq Mr. & Mrs. Brian Livingston Mr. Richard Luthin Mark & Mary Madaus Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mahler Katie Mahor & John Sabaka Mrs. Marty Mangas Drs. Michael & Karol Manley Faye Marcus Joseph & Mary Rita McCarthy Daniel McCullough in celebration of Steven Larsen's tenure John & Barbara McNamara Susan Moller Lowell & Carol Nafziger OliverClose, LLC Carole M. Restuccia in memory of Dr. Robert D. Restuccia Sharon Robertson Martha Rolf Bill & Kathy Scarpaci Mr. & Mrs. Frank Schepley Sigma Alpha Iota William & Karen Sikorski Mr. & Mrs. Richard Silvestrini Steven & Julie Spencer Kyle & Margo Stedman Reid & Anthea Tanouye Duane & Melissa Teske Ms. Patricia Timm & Mr. Roger Kaage John & Kathy Torrence Jim & Jean Twyning Dubravka Vedo Tom & Linda Vojtech James & Stephanie Waddell Stephen & Rita Weber Dr. Loyd J. Wollstadt William & Joyce Zartman Ethan Zentz Mr. & Mrs. David Zumdahl
Gifts up to $99 Anonymous Dick & Sally Baker Patricia Bartels Kevin & Monna Bergdall Mr. & Mrs. John Buzzard Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Carlson Lori Chappell
Ron & Patricia Cox Phil & Shirley Davidson Michael & Nancy Driscoll Rev. Jane Eesley In honor of Rev. Jay and Kris Quinn Ellwyn & Gayle Englof in memory of Charles J. Prorok LaVona Farney Cindy Fischer Minoo Hagshenas Rev. & Mrs. Gordon Hanstad Leonora Hantke Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harms Cynthia Hill Jeannine Kleczewski Richard & Nancy Kunnert Ms. Luba Levin in memory of Lyudmila Levina Mr. & Mrs. Brian Livingston Colleen McDonald William Midgett Lynda Moser Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pauwels Curtis & Selma Peterson Ms. Dorothy Powell Ms. Stephanie Quinn in honor of Steven Larsen Nick & Gayle Scheuer Ms. Sancee Siebold Jim & Sharon Smith Jim & Patti Tefft Joan Tilson Jack & Dora Tippens Brad & Meredith Townsend Shirely Wooden
RSO Musicians Tom & Becky Asher James Brechlin Ruth Aurand Casserly Lisa Chodorowski Barbara Drapcho Jackie Fisher Alison Gaines Jayne Latva Scott Metlicka Saphra Mikal Brent & Ingrid Mullane Joel Ross Karl Rzasa Rick & Julie Seybold Teresa Wilmot
Gifts and pledges as of September 30, 2021. We apologize for any omissions or errors.
rockfordsymphony.com | 815.965.0049
Riverfront Museum Park | 711 N. Main, Rockford, IL 61103 rockfordsymphony.com | 815.965.0049
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
FALL PERFORMANCES The Last Night of the Proms October 23, 2021 • 7:30 PM Coronado Performing Arts Center RAM Chamber Concert November 17, 2021 • 7:00 PM Rockford Art Museum The Nutcracker December 4, 2021 • 3:00 PM Coronado Performing Arts Center Holiday Pops December 18, 2021 • 7:30 PM Coronado Performing Arts Center