09/08/2018
Media Contact: Megan Cherry
megan.cherry@lakevieworchestra.org
(312) 380-9049
The Lakeview Orchestra Opens its 2018/2019 Season with Pines of Rome at the Athenaeum Theatre
Chicago, September 11, 2018 – The Lakeview Orchestra, Chicago’s premiere community orchestra, opens its 2018/2019 season with Pines of Rome at the Athenaeum Theatre on Tuesday, October 2 at 7:30PM
The Pines of Rome program includes Jean Sibelius’ Karelia Suite, Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Lyric Opera violinist Heather Wittels as the soloist, and Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome. Heather Wittels previously made her Lakeview Orchestra debut in 2016, performing Ludwig van Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.
The 2018/2019 marks the first season at Lakeview Orchestra’s new home, the Athenaeum Theatre. The move to the Athenaeum Theatre is funded by the successful Advancing Excellence: Making Moves campaign. Launched in August of 2017, the Advancing Excellence: Making Moves campaign was designed to expand the artistic and financial capacity of the Lakeview Orchestra. Since the campaign’s launch, Lakeview Orchestra has secured over $100,000 in pledge commitments, exceeding the campaign’s goal by more than 25%.
The Lakeview Orchestra, founded in 2013, aims to engage, entertain, and educate audiences through symphonic music, as well as strengthening appreciation for and understanding of classical music throughout the Lakeview community and beyond. The orchestra provides an opportunity for well-trained, non-professional musicians to develop and perform diverse music.
Tickets for the Pines of Rome concert are general admission, and can be purchased online, or at the door. The concert starts at 7:30PM on October 2, at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N Southport Ave). For more info about the Pines of Rome concert and the Lakeview Orchestra, please visit https://www.lakevieworchestra.org.
About the Lakeview Orchestra
Founded in 2013, the Lakeview Orchestra is now recognized as the leading volunteer orchestra in Chicago. The orchestra presents performances that engage, entertain, and educate. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gregory Hughes, the ensemble performs a variety of music – from established masterworks to pieces written expressly for the ensemble.
The orchestra’s dedication to artistic excellence has been noted by audiences, critics, and artists alike. Lakeview Orchestra won three awards from the Illinois Council of Orchestras in 2016, including the prestigious Community Orchestra of the Year award.
After the success of the Advancing Excellence: Making Moves campaign, Lakeview Orchestra relocated to the Athenaeum Theatre in 2018, and is the only regularly performing symphony orchestra at the Theatre.
About the Athenaeum Theatre
Founded in 1911, the Athenaeum Theatre is Chicago’s oldest continuously operating off-Loop theatre. It was originally founded for parishioners of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, who were German and German-American. They wanted a space to perform their operas, and dance, orchestral, and dramatic works.
The Athenaeum Theatre’s Main Stage seats 985 among the main floor and lower and upper balconies. The unique design of the Main Stage allows patrons an unobstructed view of the stage. In addition to its Main Stage, the Athenaeum Theatre has three studio theatres, and is also home to the Curtain Call Club, the Theatre’s cabaret and bar space.