The 2018-19 season theme is “The Journey Continues.” While this references the fact that Orion celebrated its 25th anniversary last season, what else does this theme
tell us?
In this season, as has been the case with others, we explore music from all over the world and from many genres. So not only does our Ensemble’s journey continue with our patrons, but we also experience together a wealth of wide-ranging styles of music from many interesting places and composers.

When you were involved in founding Orion, did you think you’d still be performing all these years later?
It was my dream to have an ensemble that loved playing and growing musically together for the entirety of our careers.

What are some particular highlights from the upcoming season?
I am looking forward to each and every concert without question! I’m happy that we are opening the season with one of my favorite works, the Mozart Clarinet Quartet , which is a fabulous arrangement of his violin sonata. I think Mozart would have loved to hear this version. I’m very excited about playing with Ian Maksin for our second concert program because I enjoy crossing over into other styles of music. We have not played Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes for many years, so I am glad that we have programmed that for our final concert.

Additionally, Orion is partnering with two new schools through our Janet’s Stage program this year! From the recommendations of educators Julie Lawrence and Tim Fawkes, whom we have collaborated with the last several years, we will now work with students at Palatine and Wheaton Warrenville South high schools.

How did you select the repertoire for the first concert program, “Vienna, City of
My Dreams”?
We felt these pieces would go together very well, and the theme emerged after we assembled the program. 

What else is coming up for you in the next few months in addition to your concerts with Orion?
This will be my 31st year playing principal clarinet with the Lake Forest Symphony. We start concerts in early September. I also play with a woodwind quintet from that orchestra, and we have several performances throughout the year. I am the head coach of the top woodwind quintet of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is a wonderful group! I am also playing an all-Gershwin program with my daughter, Morgan, who is a fantastic vocal jazz artist, and jazz pianist Miguel de la Cerna. 

Anything else you’d like to share?
I am grateful for all the incredible musicians of Orion; for our board, staff and volunteers; and for our dedicated patrons, donors and funders who love and support our music every year.

Photo by Jonathan's Portraits